Pope Francis
1936 – 2025

While we note with sadness the passing of Pope Francis, we do so with an even deeper sense of gratitude for the gift of his service and leadership to the Church. To the formation of future priests and lay ministers he brought a renewed emphasis on human and pastoral formation, not simply proclaiming the profound dignity of every person but also challenging would-be leaders in the Church to act with courageous compassion to seek out the marginalized and embrace them with the love and joy of the Gospel.
-Fr. John Kartje, Rector/President
Click here to read a statement from Cardinal Blase J. Cupich on the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025
Formed in Tradition.
Trained in Compassion.
Prepared to Shepherd.
“I will give you shepherds after my own heart.” – Jeremiah 3:15
Jesus first formed his disciples by interacting with them directly, then sending them out to encounter others. Through their encounters with others, the disciples’ minds and hearts were conformed to the mind and heart of Jesus Christ. At the University of St. Mary of the Lake, we follow Jesus’ example by grounding all our programs on the principle of encounter-based formation.