12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace is a beautiful way to prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace. The program is available in English, Spanish, and Korean and includes thoughts or themes for each week, a reflection, a Psalm fragment, a reflection question, resolution, and prayer.
In those days when a person’s word meant something, there was also more conversation, less debate, and more dialogue. Debate is more about winning and making the other person wrong than about having a healthy dialogue and sharing ideas. Where have those days gone? Why do I need to make you wrong rather than just understand your point of view? When we make others wrong, we do violence to them. We also do ourselves a disservice, because we lose out on the opportunity to learn from them, and thus to grow. ...
The Season of Creation is a period that brings together the entire Christian community worldwide to pray and take action for the care of the environment. It begins on September 1st with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation and ends on October 4th with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Check out this resources to help you observe the season.
In true Franciscan fashion, Donna Hollis, OFS, began her JPIC award talk by recognizing others who were nominated for the award. “This award represents and includes all of us who work tirelessly for Justice and Peace. It is not just me, but many members working together as Franciscans, and people with compassionate hearts showing the love of God through our actions for others in most need,” Hollis said. [...]
Donna Hollis, OFS, is the 2021 recipient of the National Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award presented at the National Chapter. ... Carolyn Townes, OFS, JPIC animator, introduced Hollis as a Franciscan living out her call. “She is on the margins, at the border, taking care of those who have nowhere to lay their heads at night,” Townes said. “She does not judge or question why – only, what can I do to help? How can I love you and care for you – one human being to another? One child of God to another child of God.” [...]
When your earthly journey is over and you meet our heavenly Father, which of the two greetings do you expect? “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” “Where were you?” [...]
Prayer must be our first line of defense in all things and not a last resort. Prayer must be our default – like breathing.
It is that time again. September 1st is World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. It marks the first day of the Season of Creation. Attached please find the Franciscan Season of Caring for Creation. Also attached is the 2021-SOC-Full-Guide for this year. This year, the theme of the season is “A Home for All? Renewing the Oikos of God.” In Genesis God set a dome over the Earth. The word ”dome“ is where we get words such as ‘domicile’ and ’domestic’ — in other words, God puts us all is — all people, all life — under the same . . .
Pope Francis tells us that we are all called to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers – not just when it is convenient or safe; but whenever there is a need. Where there is a need, there is a Franciscan.
Monica Olivera, OFS, is the 2020 recipient of the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Award.Olivera founded First Nations Outreach that serves remote Native American communities.