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.
Franklin –
Excellent lectures
These lectures are amazing! I have always appreciated the wisdom of Franciscan Spirituality and Br. Short explains a new level of detail. Simply priceless.
Jimbo –
A primer in the subject of Franciscan Spirituality
The spirituality of St. Francis is anything but a “feel good” point of view, although there is plenty of joy and peace. This writer speaks from experience as he gives us (and the world) the much needed virtues of Francis of Assisi: humility, true poverty of spirit, patience, love of the poor, and reverence for all of creation,
Dr David Leary, OFM Melbourne, Victoria, Australia –
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Br William Short is one of the English speaking world’s foremost researchers, writers and presenters on the origins and early development of the Franciscan Order. From that position, Br Bill is able to inform us of the complexity and yet simplicity of Franciscan spirituality. It is engaging, nourishing and inviting.
Sr. Juliana –
The presenter is lively and very knowledgeable in this subject.
Brother Bill Short’s historical background of the time of Francis was very helpful. Francis became more alive to me. I have greater admiration of this Saint of all time and of all peoples. The presenter is lively and very knowledgeable in this subject.
Karron –
It was clear, complete, succinct and inspiring.
The course on Franciscan Spirituality by Fr. Bill Short, OFM, was the best elucidation of the Franciscan charism that I have ever heard. It was clear, complete, succinct and inspiring.
Kathleen W., IN –
Fall Survey: October 2016
Brother Bill’s soothing voice, clear delivery, and sheer knowledge of Franciscan history makes his courses my first choice, hands down.
Br. Rodd –
A master presenter
Br. Bill Short, OFM, is a master presenter. He speaks deep truths about Franciscan Spirituality so that everyone, lay or seminary trained, can understand. He has a superb handle on the material in educating this generation on the person of St. Francis and the history of the Franciscan intellectual tradition.
Walter T., CT –
Spring Survey: April 2017
I am greatly interested in St Francis and Fr. Short is a great presenter and very knowledgeable.
Sr. Patricia L., NY –
Summer Survey: July 2017
Br. Bill Short gives factual information in a humorous and interesting manner.
John Kosinski –
Summer Survey: July 2017
The best series of presentations on Franciscan Spirituality that I have ever heard
Ralph R. P., OFM USA –
2017 Christmas Survey
Br. Bill Short is insightful, engaging and concise. I found the presentation excellent.
Sister Sheryl H., OSF, MO –
2018 Summer Survey
Br. William Short is so awesome, he really brings to life St. Francis and the early followers