Welcome Back Reflection - Announcement from Pope Leo
January 16, 2026
By Michael Horka
Director of Campus Ministry
Good afternoon everyone,
As we end this first week back on campus, let us take time to thank God for the opportunity to return to this community of ours. All are invited to join us for the liturgy this Sunday at 7:00 pm in the Chapel.
Something special occurred while we were gone, which is that Pope Leo has declared this a special year, as we acknowledge the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Briar Cliff University is part of rich history and tradition of St. Francis and the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque. As this Jubilee Year begins, let us focus anew on our Franciscan values of building a caring community, peacemaking, joyful service to others, and reverencing the whole of God's creation. Let us pray for each other, that God provide us the grace to love one another as Jesus taught us, and as Francis and Clare tried to inspire in those who followed them.
Finally, these are some words from Pope Leo's announcement about this Jubilee Year, which we can all reflect on this semester:
"In this age, marked by so many seemingly interminable wars, by internal and social divisions that create mistrust and fear, [the Lord] continues to speak. Not because he offers technical solutions, but because his life points to the authentic source of peace.
The Franciscan vision of peace is not limited to the relations between human beings, but also embraces the whole of creation. Francis, who calls the sun 'brother' and the moon 'sister', who recognizes in every creature a reflection of divine beauty, reminds us that peace must be extended to the entire family of Creation. This insight resonates with particular urgency in our time, when our common home is threatened and cries out under exploitation. Peace with God, peace among human beings and with creation are inseparable dimensions of a single call to universal reconciliation.
Dear brothers and sisters, may the example and spiritual legacy of this Saint, strong in faith, steadfast in hope and ardent in active charity towards his neighbour, inspire in everyone the importance of trusting in the Lord, of living a life faithful to the Gospel, and of accepting and illuminating every circumstance and action of life with faith and prayer."
God's Peace,
Michael