Franny Fest at its Finest
Did you know Viterbo, Italy, is only about an hour and a half away from where St. Francis resided in Assisi?
Viterbo held its annual Franny Festival Oct. 4, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi’s worldwide feast day.
After mass, an Italian feast was served in Assisi Courtyard under a tent. Around the perimeter were tables representing some major clubs and organizations at Viterbo. Most of the groups offered games and activities related to Saint Francis’ time period, such as a wooden pillory that locked both the head and hands of its victim.
Richard Trietley, Vice President for Student Affairs, had a good laugh in the pillory as students attempted to throw tomatoes at him.
Jacob Hart, Assistant Director of Student Life, also took part in this event, teasing some of his students in his Student Activities Board that they would not be able to hit him with a tomato.
“He paid for my tomato and told me I wouldn’t make it, but I threw it and it hit him square in the head,” Valerie, sophomore nursing major, laughs recalling the memory.
All of the other organizations in the courtyard offered their own character such as Career Services, who had a wheel that students could spin to find what their Franciscan figure was. Health Services even gave out flu bags with all the essentials when getting sick, including a throw away thermometer, a mask, honey for a sore throat, sanitary wipes, a little bag of Kleenex and pain-reliever.
There was a Franciscan/medieval music playing in the background of the courtyard as well, adding a little spunk to the event.
“The music added an interesting culture to the event,” says Aaron, sophomore double major in criminal justice and psychology.
The mass prior to the festivities was held at San Damiano Chapel. It was packed full of students and community members who enjoyed Father Conrad’s humorous demeanor.
“The mass was beautiful and it was very welcoming to all faith backgrounds,” explains Madison Zloto, biochemistry major.
There were also staff members roaming about the courtyard during lunch and throughout the afternoon whom students were able to mingle with and question about their pilgrimages to Assisi.
Many staff members explained the multiple pictures scattered about the tables, taken of major landmarks and places of prayer in Assisi. They even got a shot of the gardens behind a convent there.
Overall, the event was a success, as it put Franciscan values into practice and shared many of St. Francis’ stories and memories of Assisi.
“It was a nice way to get reintroduced to the clubs on campus,” explains Madison, “As well as a way to remember the history of St. Francis and our Franciscan Values.”
What a great way to kick off fall and October. Happy Fest Season!