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Month: January 2012

Mission Monday: A Quinceañera at the Franciscan burn center

Bolivian children recovering severe burns are sometimes brought to the Franciscan Social Center in Cochabamba to heal. Missioner Nora Pfeiffer, who lives at the center, shares with us this “Mission Monday” a recent special birthday celebration. The 15th birthday girl and the cake made by Nora Here in Bolivia, a girl’s 15th birthday is particularly…

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Four Days in Bolivia – What Kitzi’s Seen So Far

After arriving safely in Bolivia, our newest missioners started their Spanish-immersion classes at the Maryknoll Language Institute yesterday. In her first blog post abroad, Kitzi Hendricks summarized her observations so far.  As is common with new arrivals overseas, many of her observations are general and are from an outsider’s view. Her understanding and appreciation of the Bolivian culture…

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A visit to the MLK memorial

Two of our domestic volunteers, Rachel Roa and Bridget Higginbotham, recently visited the new Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial here in Washington, D.C. Bridget offers a reflection on their experience.  Photo by Bridget Higginbotham One benefit to volunteering is D.C. is that I am constantly surrounded by inspiration. From the beautifully spiritual people I’ve…

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Franciscan Friday: Prayer for Missioners

Michael Redell Kitzi Hendricks Susan Slavin Missioners Michael Redell and Kitzi Hendricks arrived in Bolivia today while Susan Slavin makes her final preparations for Kenya.  As they begin their two-year mission journey abroad, please join us in praying the Franciscan Prayer for Missioners: Lord, make our sisters and brothers serving in other countries instruments of your peace. .…

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Mission Monday: Busting Myths

Our Associate Director Mariam Mitry busts the myths she frequently hears about mission: In the past couple months, I have had the pleasure of speaking with more than 100 students interested in volunteering internationally after they complete their undergraduate studies. I find that whenever I’m recruiting — whether I’m talking to college students or retirees…

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First Christmas in Zambia

As we wrap up the Christmas season, our missioner Sandra Bradford shares how she and her husband Bryce spent the holiday. In Zambia, they serve as high school teachers and help run the retreat center for the St. Francis Friary. Our liturgical Advent celebration was a wonderful preparation for Christmas. I made new banners with…

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World Day of Peace: Educating Young People in Justice and Peace

By Ryan Lothian “Dear young people, you are a precious gift for society.   Do not yield to discouragement in the face of difficulties and do not abandon yourselves to false solutions which often seem the easiest way to overcome problems. Do not be afraid to make a commitment, to face hard work and sacrifice, to choose…

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