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Peace and Justice

Solidarity, Conversion and Advocacy

We are nearing the end of our Lenten series “Walking in Solidarity.” For our theme this week, Russell Testa shares with us a process to identify and act on social justice issues we see in our communities. Francis began his conversion in the Church of San Damiano, when he heard the crucifix challenge him, “Francis,…

Mission Monday: Advocacy and Political Responsibility

Holy Week marks our last week in our Lenten blog series, “Walking in Solidarity.” Before we turn to the celebration of Easter, we’re focusing on “Promoting Solidarity: Advocacy and Political Responsibility.” Wednesday and Friday we’ll have tips and reflections on how you can be an advocate for solidarity, but today we look at how Franciscan Mission…

Franciscan Friday: Look At Our Reality From the Perspective of the Poor

Recently I found myself in a small upper room in a Franciscan Spirituality Center in Tarata, a town about an hour drive outside of Cochabamba, Bolivia. I was sitting in a plastic chair in a circle of Franciscan volunteers from around the world, some from Germany, others from Brazil, and me from the United States.…

Mission as Peacemaking

How does mission promote peace around the world? Marie Dennis, co-president of Pax Christi International, delved into this topic at our last Souposium event before our summer hiatus. Accompaniment, solidarity, and building bridges of understanding – the hallmarks of mission also help make and promote peace between people, countries and cultures. Check out these two excerpts from…

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…

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…

Celebrating Peace at Casa San Salvador

FMS Staff, Return Missioners, Missioners in Formation, friends and neighbors gathered on August 28, 2010 to celebrate our annual Peace Pole Planting. The service took place in front of our home site in D.C., Casa San Salvador, amidst a group of reflective and thoughtful individuals who offered up their prayers for peace, prayers for our…