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The Courage to Care: Francis and Clare of Assisi for Today

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Home Short Courses The Courage to Care: Francis and Clare of Assisi for Today

The Courage to Care: Francis and Clare of Assisi for Today

In this course, we will explore the lives and legacies of Francis and Clare of Assisi, with an eye to understanding their spiritual maturation and how we can learn from them for wising living today. We will use the book, The Courage to Care: Wisdom from Assisi to guide our learning. We will cover topics including spiritual discontent, metanoia, intentional community, Clare’s contemplative method, and living with generosity of spirit. Our 90-minute online sessions will include about 30 minutes of presentation, with 30-40 minutes of conversation, and a final summary with time for Q and A. Reflective prompts in The Courage to Care will guide your integration of course materials. No previous knowledge required. 

 

Gillian Ahlgren, Professor Emerita of Theology at Xavier University, is a church historian internationally known for her work in the Christian mystical tradition, especially with such figures as Teresa of Avila, Ignatius Loyola, and Francis and Clare of Assisi. She is the author of ten books, including The Tenderness of God: Reclaiming Our Humanity, and Faces of Metanoia. Her academic life is informed by decades of pastoral practice, communicating practical dimensions of the mystical life. 

Book Event

By booking this event you can attend all occurrences. Some of them are listed below but there might be more.

2026-09-23
2026-09-30
2026-10-07
2026-10-14

Online series ticket #2858 £75

This is an online series delivered via Zoom

Available Tickets: 89
The Online series ticket #2858 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.
Portsmouth CMD ticket #2858 £0

This is an online course held via Zoom. This course is part of the Portsmouth Continuing Ministerial Development programme. Please use this ticket only If you are eligible for a free place. If you need to check eligibility and / or terms & conditions for the booking, please contact the Diocese directly.

Available Tickets: 1
The Portsmouth CMD ticket #2858 ticket is sold out. You can try another ticket or another date.

Details

Dates & Times

23 Sep 2026
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Tutor(s)

Dr Gillian Ahlgren

Course code

2858

Other Notes

This is an online series taking place 23 & 30 September, 7 & 14 October 2026.

This series is delivered via Zoom.

Free places are set aside for those eligible for Portsmouth CMD

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What our students say

A wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection and deeper knowledge

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It was a wonderful opportunity for peaceful reflection and deeper knowledge at the start of one of the busiest weeks of the year. It made all the difference.

Absolutely loved it and learned a lot.

Spiritual Landscapes Course

It was a thoroughly enjoyable well put together experience. Absolutely loved it and learned a lot.

The course provided space for personal reflection

Theology Catch-Up Course

It supported my learning and helped me to think about my faith. The course provided space for personal reflection which I greatly appreciated.

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.
Mark Oakley

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

 

 

Tutor(s)

Dr Gillian Ahlgren

Visiting Scholar

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