Hilbert student Cassandra Hadaway lead the charge for this year’s Agape Latte speaker series, a popular event at the school.

Agape; Greek word meaning, “kind of love that seeks nothing in return,” Hadaway explained.

“Agape Latte is when professors, faculty and staff come in and talk about how faith impacted their journey and how they made it to where they are now,” Hadaway said “If they had any struggles in life, they can talk about it with students. It’s a coffee house kind of feel for students to feel comfortable to come and listen.”

Agape Latte ran throughout the semester, and has one speaker per semester. This year’s speaker was Randy Zimpfer; an adjunct instructor in criminal justice and forensic science.

The Agape series is about understanding the Franciscan heritage and how it fits into campus life at Hilbert, Hadaway said.

“Agape Latte fits into the Franciscan heritage because it’s about service and joy, our Franciscan values,” Hadaway said “The professors bring it into their speech and talk about how joy, service, and all those values that we talk about that we really emphasize. This allows us to understand how Franciscan, St. Francis helped them through what they believe in.”

The Hilbert College Community celebrates Fraciscan tradition through Agape Latte, Hadaway said.

“Students come and have door prizes available,” She said “When it first started, we didn’t think we would have a big turnout but we had about 50 people come to our first Agape Latte which is big for a Hilbert event. People come and drink coffee, eat food, we have them listen to their professors and then after, we have games for them play and music if they want to hang out.”

Starting Thursday, Oct 3^rd, the Hilbert College Community will celebrate St. Francis Week. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi, the school’s patron saint. I spoke with Margaret “Mamie” Smith, Vice President for Mission Integration and Campus Ministry here at Hilbert College about her new role at the college and what it means to be part of a Franciscan institution.

Mamie Smith: St. Francis week is a celebration of our Franciscan spirituality and heritage. Saints are given a particular “feast day” which commemorates them (usually on the day of their death), and this is a day when we remember and celebrate their lives and their example to us. The Feast of St Francis is on October 4.

The Scribe: When does St. Francis Week begin and end?

MS: We will celebrate from Oct 3-10, leading up to the installation of Dr. Brophy on Oct 11^th.

TS: How does St. Francis Week fit into the Franciscan heritage?

MS: We have several events which commemorate events from the life of St Francis. On Oct. 3, we walk along with Francis on the Peace Walk at 11:00am. On Monday, Oct 7, we can stuff a wolf to remember the Wolf of Gubbio.

Then we have events that highlight our heritage from the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. This includes Mass on Tuesday, Oct 8 with fellowship and doughnuts afterwards, and tours of the sculptures, art, and heritage of our campus at 11:00am and at 4:00pm on Thursday, October 10.

Finally, we have events which highlight our Franciscan values and community. To celebrate Francis’s care for creation and love of animals we have a pet blessing and mini farmer’s market on October 4 at noon. On Wednesday, October 9 at 11:30am we have a flyover with real hawks.

TS: How does the Hilbert College Community celebrate St. Francis Week?

MS: It’s a great time to learn more about St. Francis and to participate in these celebrations.

The following events will take place during St. Francis Week.

Thursday, October 3:

11:00 a.m. Annual Peace Walk on campus, beginning in Swan Auditorium: Picnic to follow.

3:30 p.m. Employee Service Recognition Awards, Franciscan Hall.

6:30 p.m. Transitus commemoration (prayer and commemoration of the death of St. Francis), St. Francis Park.

Friday, October 4:

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mini Farmer’s Market on the quad.

12:00 p.m.  Blessing of the Animals (quad).

Saturday, October 5:

10:00 a.m. Meghan Memorial Race (first race begins).

Sign up fee $20: sign up on the athletics website.

Monday, October 7:

Blanketing Buffalo: blanket drive for the homeless – collection bins on campus, and table to receive donations in Fran Hall in the morning.

11:30 a.m. start: St. Francis and the Wolf. Stuff your own mini wolf of Gubbio, Fran Hall.

Tuesday, October 8:

11:00 a.m. Mass, followed by fellowship, coffee, and doughnuts in the Chapel of St. Clare.

 Wednesday, October 9:

11:30 a.m. Hawk Creek raptor flight demo and photo op, in front of the dining hall.

Time & Place TBA: Agape Latte.

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dramatic Readings in the Swan, celebrating Hilbert Horizons anniversary.

Thursday, October 10:

11:00 a.m. Heritage Tour with Sr. Sharon: begin at Fran Hall atrium.

12:30 p.m. Scriptural Soundings BYO lunch and bible, Fran Hall Atrium with David Reis.

4:00 p.m. Heritage Tour with Sr. Sharon, begin at Fran Hall Atrium.

5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Escape Rooms in Fran Hall – bring donation for our food pantry.

Friday, October 11:

2:00 p.m. Installation of Dr. Michael Brophy as 4th President of Hilbert College.