This October, St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights celebrates "Franciscan Month," a series of events centered on the values of St. Francis of Assisi. Led by Brother Gregory Cellini, O.S.F., the Director of the Office of Mission, Ministry, and Interfaith Dialogue, this month-long program combines education and hands-on experiences to foster an environment of peace, reflection, and relationship-building among students.

“We want to celebrate St. Francis and the great Franciscan movement,” says Brother Greg. “But we also want to educate about Francis and the movement and, most importantly, help form our students, faculty, and staff in the Franciscan way.”

The 2024 theme, "Peace", resonates through every event, beginning with a symbolic Peace Run on September 30, where international students, each sharing the word "peace" in their language, participated in a torch-lit relay around the college. The initiative highlighted the global relevance of St. Francis' teachings. Reflecting on the world’s current turmoil, Brother Greg remarked, “Given the conditions of the world, it makes sense.”

Among the events, a “cellphone freedom hour” encouraged students to step away from technology, replacing screen time with interactive board games or quiet reflection in the college’s chapel. “This is about freeing ourselves from disordered attachments,” says Brother Greg, who aimed to help students reconnect with their surroundings and each other. The impact was immediate: “One student shared that he hadn’t prayed in months, but participating in the rosary procession gave him a sense of peace,” Brother Greg recounts.

In addition, students joined a Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan, proudly carrying a banner spreading awareness about the Franciscan legacy. “Francis of Assisi believed that relationships—with God, others, oneself, and creation—are what life is about,” Brother Greg explains. “St. Francis called everyone his brother or sister, from Brother Sun to Sister Moon. That’s what the Franciscan way encourages.”

Franciscan Month is also gaining traction beyond Brooklyn. Brother Greg’s radio show, "Thank God for Monday", has expanded the conversation nationally, with episodes tailored to various cultural months throughout the year. Looking forward, Brother Greg envisions “Franciscan Month” going national in 2025 and international by 2026, marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’ death.

Reflecting on his own journey, Brother Greg recalls how he once saw St. Francis as merely the “saint of the birds” in his childhood backyard. Now, he sees him as a symbol for all humanity. “Whether Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, or even without religious affiliation, St. Francis’ message is universal,” he says. “Today’s world needs repair, and St. Francis' call to rebuild resonates now more than ever.”