Welcome

The Franciscan Studies Summer School is an initiative of Durham University’s Centre for Catholic Studies. Founded in 2007, the Centre for Catholic Studies (CCS) represents a creative partnership between academy and church: a centre within the pluralist, public academy for critically constructive Catholic studies of the highest academic standing.

A welcome from the Dean-Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies, Professor Karen Kilby:

“The CCS, supported by the vision and generosity of a range of Franciscan congregations, has been working since 2019 to build up Franciscan studies at Durham University. We are immensely pleased to have Dr William Crozier, the first occupant of the Duns Scotus Chair in Franciscan studies, in post this January. This enables us to build up teaching and research on Franciscan theology within the University, but also to plan a range of conferences and other events, including the online international Summer School. The 2021 Summer School was so widely appreciated that it is a joy to be able to host a second one. We look forward to welcoming old students back and meeting new participants for the first time, from many walks of life and from countries around the globe.”

A welcome from the Duns Scotus Chair in Franciscan Studies, Dr William Crozier:

“It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to help organize and to teach part of the 2025 Franciscan Summer School. I look forward to meeting those attending the Summer School and to working closely with those taking the advanced theology course on St. Bonaventure. The Franciscan theologians of the Middle Ages teach us that theology is, at its core, a thoroughly practical discipline, one which is designed to promote not only our learning, but also our love for God and our neighbour. Theology, as such, is a discipline which ought not to be confined to the walls of the academy but should instead be a discipline which is shared with all peoples. It is the hope of the CCS that the 2025 Franciscan Summer School fulfils something of this vision. I look forward to meeting you all and it is my sincere hope that you come away from the Summer School feeling enriched, both intellectually and spiritually.”