To mark the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Year, commemorating the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death, Family Solidarity hosted an online lecture by Dr Ben Hazard on 4 October 2026.
Dr Hazard, historian, author of a recent book on the Irish Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding (1588–1657), and member of the Executive Board of Family Solidarity, explores the life and legacy of Saint Francis, with particular attention to Wadding’s contribution to preserving and interpreting his writings.
In 1623, Luke Wadding published the first collected edition of the writings of Saint Francis. The lecture examines how this remarkable Irish scholar understood and defended the Franciscan tradition, offering insights into the spirituality of Saint Francis, his relationship with Saint Clare, and his enduring influence.
The lecture is followed by a question-and-answer session.