prayer Archives | Franciscan Mission Service

Let the Children Come Unto Me

Editor’s Note: Lay missioner Susan Sarkissian shares how she relates to the children whom she accompanies at one of her ministry sites. Every Sunday, I join my friends Jeanne and Joleen on a visit to Bethlehem Home. This is one among many homes established by the Missionaries of the Poor (MOP) in service to those…

Fostering the Franciscan Charism as a Franciscan Mission Fellow

Editor’s Note: Following this year’s Sending Forth Mass, Franciscan Mission Fellow Joe Costa shares a reflection on how he grew in the Franciscan charism during his program year with Franciscan Mission Service. July 20, 2024 On July 16, 2024, a Sending Forth Mass was held at the Capuchin College Chapel honoring the DC Service Corps…

Transitions

Editor’s Note: During his next life transition, DC Service Corps volunteer Bohdan O’Shaughnessey compares life with FMS and DC Service Corps to life in New York City as a medical school student in light of faith, community, and service. Over the past few weeks, I finished my program with FMS, returned home to Denver, and…

Embrace the Breeze, Protect Your Peace

Editor’s Note: As DC Service Corps volunteer Jennifer Eburuoh reaches the end of her year of service, she reflects on how she has learned to surrender to God’s will throughout the year. Right now, as I sit on the front porch of Casa San Salvador, my home for the past 10 months, I witness the…

Lent in Cochabamba, 2024

Editor’s Note: In light of this liturgical season of Lent, lay missioner Victor Artaiz reflects on how he’s living the three pillars of Lent–prayer, fasting, and almsgiving–while on mission in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Not all of our mission camino is filled with smiles and fresh air, cobblestone walks and views of fresh flowers, mountainside vistas and…

Committed to the Bike (Except When it Rains)

Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Bohdan O’Shaughnessy shares his decision to change his daily commute and how he “reframed” his bike rides to be more mindful and spiritually fulfilling. Around 6:20 in the morning and then again at 4 in the afternoon, you can find me marching around Brookland in my light blue scrubs,…

Walking Toward Christ, Even in Discomfort

Editor’s Note: Lay missioner Ralph Anderson, OFS describes how Christ has been calling him to prayer in a special place in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I have been living in Cochabamba, Bolivia for seven weeks now. Things are very different here. I have spent time in Latin America throughout my life. My first mission trip was when…

Day 5: Tears

Editor’s Note: For day 5 of our Advent series “The Day of Joy Drew Near,” Madeline Turley, a DC Service Corps alumna and current blog manager, shares how a pilgrimage to the Holy Land restored her hope during a season of tears and waiting. “Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy.”…

Saying Yes and Saying No

Editor’s Note: Kim Wagner, a newly commissioned missioner describes how she discerned joining FMS’s Overseas Lay Mission program through a series of yeses and nos. As we draw closer to the end of formation in Washington D.C., I have taken time to recall the first few months of 2023 when I was discerning joining FMS’…

Nourishment on Mission

Editor’s Note: Lay missioner Victor Artaiz relates to Jesus’ moments of rest and prayer in Scripture by sharing his own moments of prayerful reflection on mission. Entering into the 22nd month of my mission journey here in Bolivia, I began to reflect on how Jesus and holy scripture continue to light my path and provide…

Sacred Spaces and Receptivity

Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps member Jennifer Eburuoh admires the sacred art in the Casa San Salvador chapel. She allows the art to draw her deeper into prayer and to reflect on her year of service thus far. The first day that I arrived at Casa San Salvador, I was immediately drawn to our chapel.…

The Power of Simple Prayer

Editor’s Note: Overseas Lay Missioner Joleen Johnson shares the story of her spring break babysitting turned God-moment. She expresses the power of a simple prayer through the eyes of her younger cousin. When I was in college, I excitedly volunteered to babysit my twin cousins while their parents were gone for the weekend. It was…

Day 7: Journey

Editor’s note: As part of FMS’ Advent blog series, Nora McMahon, a recently-commissioned missioner, reflects on what it means to prayerfully journey through life in a world that values destinations. A journey is a funny thing, one I am quite sure that few people do nowadays. Yes, people take trips, travel, and go on adventures,…

Day 1: Invitation

Editor’s note: During Advent, we invite you to join the FMS family as we journey toward Christmas with a new blog series: “¡Miren cuántas luces! Look at all the lights!” In this first post of the series, Associate Director Meghan Meros invites readers to try a kind of spiritual stargazing that views darkness–rather than light–as…

Pulled to Prayer

Editor’s Note: DCSC volunteer, Madeline McKissick, leads the reader through an all too common ordinary afternoon practice. She reflects on the idea of prioritizing time in prayer amidst busy and chaotic schedules. It was another whirlwind of a day. I worked at the FMS office from 9-5, came home for spiritual direction at 5:30, worked…

If These Walls Could Talk

Editor’s Note: After living in the Casa San Salvador for three years, Amanda Saunders reflects on the gifts and lessons received through living alongside many FMS volunteers, missioners, and guests. As her time as House Manager comes to an end, Franciscan Mission Service extends our gratitude towards Amanda for her service and dedication over the…

What’s Next?

Editor’s Note: Nayeli Garcia describes her discernment process as her time with DC Service Corps comes to a close and new opportunities arise a the Father McKenna Center. As my time at FMS is coming to an end, I can’t help but wonder what is next? What will the next chapter of my life look…

To Stop and To Be

Editor’s Note: DC Service Corps volunteer Nadia Barnett reflects on the importance of finding moments to pause and invite God to reveal their presence through our surroundings. It is imperative that we all remember to stop and to be – with God, with others and with self. I find the concept being, not doing does…

Into the Barren Winter

Editor’s Note: As we transition from winter to spring, Programs Manager, Emily Norton reflects on the vulnerability of winter and the lessons that can be learned from sitting with the bareness of nature. Do trees in the winter feel ashamed of their nakedness? Or do they fully embrace the colder months when their beautiful leafless…

Into The Fog

Editor’s Note: Executive Director, Liz Hughes reflects on the trust required when facing the unknowns and uncertainties of daily life. Last January, I was driving to St. Raphaela Retreat Center in Pennsylvania when I encountered a fog so thick I could barely see. I was scared, claustrophobic, and wondering if I should pull over. As…

Is God in the Wild Flowers or is He in the Church?

Editor’s Note: Tim Shelgren, FMS missioner, reflects on a powerful experience in Kingston, Jamaica where God revealed His presence through a day at the pool. About thirty years ago when my children were little, every Sunday morning before church I used to go running behind our home on the “dikes” along the Allegany River in…

Glimpses of the Kingdom

Editors’ Note: Missioner in Guatemala, Becky Kreidler, describes a moment of receptivity as she encountered the children of Xela. Sometimes I get caught up in the intended purpose for each chapter of my life and underestimate how God is at work all around me. When I came to Guatemala my eyes were fixed on the…

Breathing in the Yearning of God

Editor’s Note: Missioner SarahJane Cauzillo reflects on the constant cooperation and presence of the Creator and creation. She describes the mountains that have guided her heart towards a deeper connection with God. The words of Cynthia Bourgeault – mystic, Episcopal priest, and writer – ran through my ears as I stood surveying the mountain range…

Recipe for Prayer

Editor’s Note: Current missioner in Bolivia, Maggie Van Roekel, shares a beautiful reflection she created based from her favorite bread recipe. Baking has been a love of mine for as long as I can remember. In my short lifetime, the kitchen has provided me with space to reflect and build relationship. I love the process…

Disney, Dreams, and Divine Intervention

Editor’s Note: FMS missioner Hannah Hagarty reflects on the meaning of a dream that brought up a childhood longing for global service and justice. I found myself walking down the street with three stone goblins. I don’t remember the topic of conversation, but we were strolling along and chatting. I woke up. Who were those…

Invitations to Dance

Editor’s Note: Sabrina Portner recently moved to Cochabamba, Bolivia to embark on a mission of love and accompaniment through FMS Overseas Lay Missions. Sabrina reflects on the ways God is inviting her to encounter Him in this new environment. Everyday I wake up amazed by God’s love. This is most definitely not an exaggeration. I…

From a Mustard Seed to a Garden

Editor’s Note: Former DC Service Corps volunteer, Sam Hardwick, shares how God spoke to his heart and inspired growth through the invitation to live a life of faith. This is the irrational season When I was going into my senior year at Providence College, God planted a seed in my heart. This seed came in…

Letting Go in Love

Editor’s Note: With the end of a school year, missioner Erin McHugh reflects on the relationships she built at Valley and the surrender required as she says goodbye to the kids. This time of the year is the always emotional for everyone at Valley, as the school year comes to an end. For the graduating…

Seeing Clearly: Reading the Word

Editor’s note: Thomas Piolata, OFM Cap. is an FMS formation presenter and close friend to the FMS community. As a guest blogger for our Lenten blog series, Br. Tommy analyzes how we are saturated with information—as members of the social media generation—constantly seeking to learn more things, know more facts, and understand more deeply. Yet, he…

Cooking and Community at Casa San Salvador

Editor’s note: Missioner SarahJane Cauzillo gives a glimpse of the Casa San Salvador community’s evening meal and prayer time. [unitegallery casadinner] Reflection question: How do you make mindful connections through meal time?

Heavenly Food to the Faithful

Editor’s note: DC Service Corps volunteer PJ Herrera reflects on life with his fellow community members at Casa San Salvador. “He is The Bread sown in the virgin, leavened in the Flesh, molded in His Passion, baked in the furnace of the Sepulchre, placed in the Churches, and set upon the Altars, which daily supplies…

Waiting for Mission in Stillness

Editor’s note: SarahJane Cauzillo, a new FMS missioner, walks us through her spiritual growth process as she prepares to join us for formation in Washington, DC. Almost eight months ago to the day, I sucked in a harsh breath, and then clicked “submit.” My muscles unclenched as the first stage of my official application to…

Be Not Afraid: Walking Among the Stars

Editor’s Note: Communications manager Kim Puchir shares how turning to the rosary in the face of fear has led her through many difficult times. Fear seems like the end of the road. When loss, sickness, and uncertainty bring this familiar feeling, I imagine myself standing at a ragged edge of asphalt. A bridge has capsized,…

Thank God for Answered Prayers

Editor’s Note: Missioner Aubrey Kimble shares how some advice from a friend caused her to see her past and present in a different light and set her on a path of deeper gratitude for the future. Thinking of the future has always brought me a bit of anxiety. It usually reminds me of the need…

Lord, Teach Me to Pray

Editor’s Note: Missioner Janice Smullen reflects on the challenges of her first few months teaching in a primary school in Kingston, Jamaica, and how she has altered her mindset to fit these challenges. Prayer isn’t so much about making something happen, but asking how I may accomplish my best within what is happening. St. Francis…

Letting Go of the Need to Feel Joy in Prayer

Editor’s Note: Former FMS development associate Christine Landau shares her reflections on genuine prayer, especially during times of great struggle. For my entire adult life, from the age of seventeen on, personal prayer has been very special and important to me. I have joined prayer groups, spent time in monasteries, involved myself in liturgy, gone on…

What You Can Do For Your Missioner

Editor’s Note: As the members of Class 31 begin to leave for mission, we thought it would be helpful to write a post geared towards friends and family members who have or will experience sending loved ones overseas for an extended period of time. What can you do for your missioners before and after they…

Comfort and Joy: Following Mary’s Example

Editor’s Note: As part of our “Comfort and Joy” Advent/Christmas blog series, Nonprofit Servant Leadership Program Coordinator Mercedes Matthews shares how the example of Mary’s unwavering love and faith leads us closer to Christ. Upon hearing the theme of comfort and joy, my mind, perhaps like yours, quickly began humming “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Or more…

Black Lives Matter Bolivia

It was February 12th when I received the first email. The subject line was “First Steps Towards a Worthy Cause”. The email talked about coming together as a US community in Bolivia to voice our concerns around the racial injustices taking place all over the US. My first reaction? Why are we doing this now?…

Simple Prayers

In honor of our 25th anniversary and our nearing World Care Benefit and Celebration, we share a poem with you from our June 1996 World Care newsletter written by returned missioner Fr. George Corrigan. It serves as a reminder to us that we should never be too busy to say a simple prayer to the Lord, and…

Making an impression

Editor’s Note: The following post was written by Nate Mortenson. Pastoral Universitario This is the group Mary and I have been participating in since we moved to the UAC – Carmen Pampa. It’s a wonderful group—usually about 7 to 15 attend the Tuesday evening gatherings where we sing, pray and read from the bible, and…

Growth Through Faith

Editor’s Note: The following is part of our daily holiday series celebrating “The Shared World.” Michael is the former communications associate at FMS. We Irish-Catholics are known for many things, but ecumenism isn’t one of those things. In my own heart, I’ve felt a need to resist feelings of clannishness and pride that keep me from…

All Soul’s Day in Bolivia

Editor’s Note: Nate shares his thoughts and photos. Last weekend was All Souls’ Day. It was a beautiful holiday, and Mary and I got to see quite a bit of local culture. During this weekend people here make bread called TantaWawas. It can be translated to tons of babies. Wawa is a Quechua word for baby. They…

OFM Congress: Enzo Bianchi on the Importance of Listening

Communications Manager Bridget Higginbotham blogs about her experience last month at the Order of Friars Minor first international congress on mission and evangelization. “If believing in God means to speak about God to others then I do not believe in God. If believing in God means speaking to God then I believe in God.” –…

Community 101: Prayer

For the next four weeks, we will feature a four part series on faith in community every Franciscan Friday: “Community 101: An Introduction to Intentional Living”! It will feature weekly contributors highlighting specific features of intentional-living in faith communities: Prayer, Listening, Sharing, and Learning to Love. Today’s post about prayer is by Paola Piscitelli, President…

Takeaway Wednesday: Torture Awareness Month

Join Franciscan Mission Service in support for Torture Awareness Month in June! The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) is an inspiring organization of women and men united in faith advocating dignity for all people and an end to torture. Their message is clear: So, what can YOU do for Torture Awareness Month? Read the…

Friendship on the Street: Take Two

Missioner-in-training Valerie Ellis reflects on one of her experiences with those living on the streets of Washington, D.C. Yesterday, I met Brad.* When we first met, he thanked us for the food that we gave and asked if we would like to pray. He joined hands with us and we prayed the Our Father. Brad…

Take the Pledge to Join Our Missioner Prayer Community

This August, our new class of overseas missioners Catholics will begin their three-month Formation program with us in Washington, D.C. This training is essential in preparing them to work for peace and justice abroad. But it’s not always easy. The 13 weeks are packed with workshops, lectures, paper work, homework, retreats, prayer, reflection, volunteering, community…

Franciscan Friday: Praying for World Youth Day

Every two to three years since 1984, millions of teens and young adults from around the globe gather together for a week of celebrating their faith with the pope. This year’s World Youth Day festivities started on Tuesday and run until Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, under the motto, “Go and make disciples of…