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reconciliation

My American Penance and Reconciliation

Editor’s Note: Lifelong missioner, Janice Smullen describes how her way of thinking continues to shift as she learns more about the history of the United States and ways she can live out a journey of reconciliation after returning from mission in Jamaica. I have to admit that I am not a regular attendee of weekly…

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Something That Important

Editor’s note: Development Associate Sam Hardwick reflects on the example of sacrifice that Jesus provides for us on the cross and how it leads to forgiveness. It’s really hard to forgive. When someone has wronged you in some way, or has led you astray, or caused you grief, or done any number of things that…

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The Many Pieces of Support

Editor’s Note: Franciscan Mission Service overseas missioners are asked to fundraise in support of their training and service. Missioner-in-training Janice Smullen reflects on a recent support-raising class and shares her experiences inviting others to join in her mission journey through financial contributions. “Some give by going. Some go by giving.”  -Fr. Anselm Moons (Franciscan Mission Service founder.) There are…

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NEW SERIES – Through the Eye of the Needle: Unpacking White Privilege in the Journey Towards Racial Reconciliation

Editor’s Note: Today lay missioner Annemarie Barrett kicks off a special five-part series on how her time in mission in Latin America is shaping her understanding of racism and privilege. Learn about the significance of the title. Every day I am learning more about what I do not know, my own ignorance. In choosing to…

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Franciscan Saint of the Day: St. Bonaventure, the “Seraphic Doctor”

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Bonaventure, the first and greatest of the Franciscan Doctors of the Church. Saint Bonaventure was born in 1221 and joined the Franciscans in 1243, where he quickly established himself as one of the brightest minds in the Order. Having been sent to study at the University of…

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Donor Story: Leadership and Service of Art McNeill

Arthur T. McNeill Franciscan Mission Service is grateful for the support of our donors from around the world and of all walks of life. This Father’s Day, we honor Art McNeill, a father of three whose life of service touched many. In 1963, Arthur McNeill took his 8-year-old son Thomas to the National Mall to…

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Lorraine Kelley on Mission and Reconciliation Pt. II

This is part of a three part series by Lorraine Kelley: “Mission and Reconciliation” Part I Part II Part III Continuing our series Sacraments and Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples, returned missioner Lorraine Kelley writes about her faith’s relationship to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and experiences on mission. Read Part I. Examining my…

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Franciscan Friday: Returned Missioner Lorraine Kelley on Mission and Reconciliation Pt. I

This is part of a three part series by Lorraine Kelley: “Mission and Reconciliation” Part I Part II Part III Continuing our series Sacraments and Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples, returned missioner Lorraine Kelley (Bolivia, 1994-2002) writes about her faith’s relationship to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and experiences on mission.  My work as a…

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Mission Monday: Reconciliation as Mission

Continuing our series Sacraments and Social Mission: Living the Gospel, Being Disciples, current missioner Valerie Ellis writes today about her faith’s relationship to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and her call to mission.  Every time I come out of confession, I feel completely cleansed and at peace. What a beautiful gift we have from God to go…

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“Pardoning that we are pardoned” – A Guatemalan Healing Ritual

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” We know that forgiving others begets forgiveness from God, but sometimes we are challenged to forgive ourselves. Or, perhaps our challenge comes not in forgiving but in forgetting or moving on. Rather than foster anger, resentment or sadness, our journey for Easter peace calls…

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