Month: October 2012
Recommended Reads: “Open Veins of Latin America”
Before the formation classes arrive for their fall training, they receive a book list of titles related to their sessions. We asked the candidates what books they’ve enjoyed and would recommend to others who would like to read about the Franciscan charism, social justice issues, and country studies. How well do you know your American history? Like…
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Mission Monday: Let’s Talk About Nonviolence
This past week the formation class attended a session on nonviolence, a subject that candidate Annemarie is very passionate about. For this Mission Monday post she shares her reflection on the training and the connections she had made through her spiritual journey. Annemarie (left) at anti-war rally in Oct. 2010. Recently, as a part…
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Franciscan Friday: St. Francis of Assisi – The Young Man
After writing Getting To Know the “Real” St. Francis of Assisi, Fr. George Corrigan, OFM. continues to bring to light the kind of person St. Francis was in context of his time, his upbringing, and his faith. St. Francis of Assisi – by dawnzy58 Even in Francis’ day Assisi was a small town, but it…
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Mission Monday: The Act of Grounding
We all can use a check on our humility every now and then. But what does it really mean to be humble? Missioner Candidate Jeff Sved shares his reflection on this topic that was discussed on this past week’s formation retreat. Photo by Ian W Scott I wish there was an embarrassing story of some…
Read MoreWorld Mission Sunday!
We would like to bring awareness to the multitude of dedicated people living out a call to service abroad on mission. These individuals work hard with willing hands and listening hearts to bring God’s light and love to international communities. Please keep our missioners in Bolivia, Kenya, and South Africa in your prayers. The work…
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Franciscan Friday: Not The Only Fool In The Square
This past week our missioner candidates and domestic volunteers took a day retreat to reflect on the theme of Simplicity and Authenticity. Domestic Volunteer Anna Robinson shares her take on the group discussions and the “Discipline of Simplicity.” Assisi’s town square – by Peter Gutierrez When you think of St. Francis, what is the first…
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Mission Monday: They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.
Missioner Nora Pfeiffer is not the only one moving on from their community in Cochabamba, Bolivia. And saying goodbye to neighbors just makes you realize how much you appreciated the company. I find myself recently reminded of the words from the Joni Mitchell song “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t what you got…
Read MoreChallenged to live as Franciscan “Minority”
For this Franciscan Friday post, missioner candidate Annemarie Barrett answers a question discussed in her formation class, “What does the Franciscan value of “minority” mean to my life and relationships?” Throughout our formation thus far, the value of “minority” in Franciscan spirituality has particularly affected me. During our sessions instructed by Fransican religious, I have…
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The Ministry of Presence Found in the Barber’s Chair.
Missioner candidate Paul Heinzen has been volunteering at the Gift of Peace House in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday mornings as part of his formation. For this Wednesday he shares with us a bit of his work and the unusual role that has lead to new friendships. The Sisters of Charity, also known as Mother Theresa’s…
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Mission Monday: Passing the Baton
As members of Franciscan Mission Service’s Mission Class XVIII is in D.C. train for mission abroad, members of Mission Class XV prepare to return to the United States this holiday season. Joel Vaughn, who serves in Cochabamba, reflects on this transitional time. Passing the baton. Stock image by Grace Yang. As Lynn and I complete…
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San Damiano Cross: Telling the History of Christ’s Passion
The San Damiano cross is the large Romanesque rood cross that hung in the abandoned chapel near Assisi. While still in his early 20’s and seeking his place in the world, Francis of Assisi was praying before this cross when he heard the voice of God commanding him to “rebuild my church.” It is because…
Read MoreGetting To Know the “Real” St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi by Cimabue Did you know that statues of St. Francis are the second most popular lawn ornament sold every year – right behind pink flamingo? That is an image many people have of St. Francis, certainly one reinforced by Franco Zeffirelli’s film “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” another in a long line…
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Bolivia’s Pedestrian Day: Raising Awareness and Having Fun
Kitzi Hendricks, on mission in Cochabamba, shares her experiences from Bolivia’s second annual National Day of the Pedestrian, an event to raise awareness about the environment. Missioner Kitzi Hendricks enjoying a rare traffic-free bike ride on the street of Cochabamba El Día del Peatón is probably one of my favorite days in Bolivia. It is…
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Mission Monday: Sharing in Christ’s Fellowship
During their training in D.C., our mission candidates take a morning each week to volunteer in the local community. For this Mission Monday, Annemarie Barrett shares what it’s like to work alongside Christ’s chosen company. Photo: www.fathermckennacenter.org Every Wednesday morning during formation, I visit the Father McKenna Center, a daytime drop-in center for men who…
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