Br. William Short, O.F.M, S.T.L., S.T.D., is Professor of Christian Spirituality at the Franciscan School of Theology in Oceanside, California, where he has also served as President and Academic Dean. He was previously Professor of Christian Spirituality at the Graduate Theological Union and Director of the St. Francis Retreat Center in California. A Franciscan friar, he received a B.A. from the University of San Francisco, an M.A. in Philosophical and Systematic Theology, and the S.T.L. and S.T.D. degrees from the Gregorian University in Rome. In July of 2014, Br. Short received the 25th Franciscan Institute Medal.
Br. Short has dedicated his scholarly work to a retrieval of the Franciscan tradition of spirituality and theology. He is co-editor of the three-volume series of English translations of all the documents written by St. Francis of Assisi and his earliest biographers, Francis of Assisi: Early Documents. He has published works on the history of the Franciscan movement and its spirituality.
*Speaker Photo by Scott Anger
Praise for Bill Short
“Bill Short brings a lifetime of scholarly work combined with a lifetime of applying the principles of the Franciscan Rule of Life to his daily existence. Thus, [his presentations are] shot through with the wit and wisdom.”
– Margaret Carney, OSF, President Emerita, St. Bonaventure University
“Bill Short is one of the most prolific and knowledgeable scholars of the entire Franciscan tradition as evidenced by his previous lecture series, articles, and books on the Franciscan movement. As those living in the Middle Ages would say, to listen to Bill is to sit at the feet of a Master.”
– Fr. Steven J. McMichael, OFM Conv., University of Saint Thomas
“Brother Bill Short has dedicated his Franciscan life to make accessible the rich spiritual resources of the early Franciscan tradition. Through his sharp translation skills, insight, and heartfelt humor, Francis of Assisi speaks to us again today.”
– J. A. Wayne Hellmann OFM Conv.
John Newsham –
Illuminating
Having only heard of the basketball team at St. Bonaventure, I purchased this program because it was presented by Brother William Short. In short, this program is excellent in bringing one closer to the Lord.
Ruth –
One of my Favorites!
Brother Bill is one of my favorite teachers on Franciscans.
Msgr. William E. Biebel, Erie, Pa. USA –
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Although a Benedictine at heart, I studied at St. Bonaventure Univ. and have a great affection for him and his writings. It is an emphasis that is timely and truly rewarding. I enjoyed the video CD’s and hope they reach others as well.
Anonymous –
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Bonaventure is one the greatest spiritual writers of all times.
Mary P., CA –
2015 Spring Survey
I am a 64 year old housewife with a Catholic school education, yet very little college to my credit. Still, while preparing for a Junior High catechism class this year, I came across a prayer in an old missal of mine attributed to St Bonaventure, and developed an interest in reading his work and learning more about Franciscan spirituality. First, it was quite a daunting task to find much written by Bonaventure – and then, when I did, I knew I needed help. I turned to you, and Brother William has been an instructive and supportive companion on my own journey with Bonaventure. I can’t thank you enough. He’s led me to the Augustine course I’m studying now, and who knows where else I’ll end up? Origin? Anselm? I only wish I had the proper credentials so that I could enroll at the School of Theology – it’s only an hour or so away from my house!
Mary –
Brother William has been an instructive and supportive companion on my own journey with Bonaventure.
I am a 64 year old housewife with a Catholic school education, yet very little college to my credit. Still, while preparing for a Junior High catechism class this year, I came across a prayer in an old missal of mine attributed to St Bonaventure, and developed an interest in reading his work and learning more about Franciscan spirituality. First, it was quite a daunting task to find much written by Bonaventure – and then, when I did, I knew I needed help. I turned to you, and Brother William has been an instructive and supportive companion on my own journey with Bonaventure. I can’t thank you enough. He’s led me to the Augustine course I’m studying now, and who knows where else I’ll end up? Origin? Anselm? I only wish I had the proper credentials so that I could enroll at the School of Theology – it’s only an hour or so away from my house!
Sr. Brigid –
The content was excellent.
The content was excellent. The development of the course was well organized and the speaker’s presentation clearly spoken and made understandable for people with a variety of backgrounds.
Roger S., OFS, B.C., Canada –
Winter Survey: January 2017
St. Bonaventure’s, “The Souls Journey into God”, is one of my favorite spiritual readings, and Fr. Bill Short’s commentary brings it alive. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Franciscan mystical spirituality.
Lisa B., WI –
Summer Survey: July 2017
I love theology, but it has to be at an easy to understand level, the program on Bonaventure was just that.