Franciscan School of Theology

05/30/2026

Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact
with Keith Douglass Warner OFM

The Franciscan tradition is alive – and growing.

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and his message of peace, fraternity, and hope, the Franciscan School of Theology continues to expand its reach while deepening its impact.

Through parish outreach, meaningful partnerships, online programs, and a growing digital presence, FST is forming students for ministry and service - both locally and globally. From San Diego to communities around the world, we are strengthening our connections with the global Franciscan family.

We invite you to watch the next chapter in our Build. Grow. Renew. series.

The Franciscan tradition is alive – we can tell because it is growing!Inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi, whose small community quickly spread ...

05/23/2026

Baccalaureate Mass Friday, May 22, 2026
🎓❤️

05/22/2026

Threshold Dinner
A beautiful evening honoring our graduates as they step into a new chapter. 🎓

05/22/2026

Transforming heart and mind. Changing the world.
Congratulations, Julia!

FST and the Franciscan tradition have enriched my life, writing, and faith in ways I could never have imagined. I’ve come to see a world not divided by the “sacred” and the “profane,” but instead imbued with divine order, meaning, and relationship, if only we pay attention and have eyes to see. This spiritual vision is something I believe is urgently needed in our contemporary world. I plan to use my MTS, alongside my master’s in library science, to teach high school students about theology and art. In the coming years, I hope to pursue a PhD, developing my thesis on a distinctly Franciscan model of “imaginative apologetics.”

Julia Morrow
Master of Theological Studies
Class of 2026

05/21/2026

Blessed are the Graduates, for the future of theology and ministry is theirs! Congratulations, Grant!

During my time at FST, I have found a passion for interfaith dialogue. I hope to use my degree in pursuit of that passion, building bridges between groups that would otherwise remain divided.

Grant Rutherford
Master of Theological Studies
Class of 2026

05/21/2026

Are you considering a graduate degree in theology or religious studies? Both disciplines explore faith and religion, but their approaches, methodologies, and potential career paths differ.

🔹 Theology engages with religious beliefs from within a tradition and often prepares students for ministry, chaplaincy, or education professions.

🔹 Religious studies takes an academic and analytical approach to examining world religions, culture, and history to prepare for careers in education, policy, or journalism.

Which path aligns with your goals? Explore our latest blog post to help you decide!

A guide to understanding the difference between theology and religious studies and finding the right academic path for you.

05/21/2026

A new chapter of ministry begins
Congratulations, Fiona!

I am most grateful for the whole experience of being at the Franciscan School of Theology; it has been a joy and privilege, absorbed in an incredible, vital subject, in the midst of such colleagues and professors. I take with me into continued ministry the voice of Francis, and many others who have walked in Christ's loving footsteps; they have deeply enriched my path as I continue to learn, serve, and grow in faith, and love in Christ.

Fiona O’Duffy
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Class of 2026

05/20/2026

With gratitude and joy, we celebrate Kriselle and this remarkable accomplishment
May your path ahead be filled with peace and hope.

The Franciscan School of Theology has provided me with the opportunity to not only deepen my Catholic faith, but also grow in my ability to serve others with humility, wisdom, and mutual understanding. I hope to integrate my theological formation with real-life experience, enabling me to embody the Franciscan charism wherever I am called to serve.

Kriselle Marie V. Llamas
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Class of 2026

05/20/2026

Blessed are the Graduates, for the future of theology and ministry is theirs!

I have the privilege of being a hospital chaplain and a lifelong learner shaped by my studies at FST, where I deepened my understanding of Franciscan theology and my own vocation. I plan to apply this formation by accompanying my patients with greater compassion, fostering belonging, and integrating the wisdom of this program into my ongoing pastoral and educational work.

Nicolas Javier Maldonado
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Class of 2026

05/19/2026

"Go forward swiftly, prudently... stirring up no dust." Peace be your journey! Congratulations, Nancy

My time at FST has reshaped my vision, teaching me to see as St. Francis did by recognizing Christ in myself, in others, and in all of creation. This time of study has transformed me at the depths of my soul, and I am eager to invite others into an encounter with Christ’s love through my work at the Holy Cross Retreat House.

Nancy Smith
Master of Theological Studies - Franciscan Theology
Class of 2026