The Long Loneliness
The Long Loneliness By friar Vincent Petersen, OFM Conv. To champion the cause of justice and peace is to accept a risk the prophets knew well: to be dismissed, avoided, and misunderstood. When one speaks on behalf of the marginalized, the poor, and the disenfranchised, the cost can include loneliness.…
Q&A With Sister Charity Nkandu
Q&A With Sister Charity Nkandu Sister Charity Lydia Katongo Nkandu, SFMA, is a prominent advocate for human rights and children’s welfare, serving as a representative for Franciscans International at the United Nations. Originally from the Archdiocese of Ndola in Zambia, she celebrated 38 years of religious life in January 2026.…
A Disarming Peace: Franciscan Social Theatre – Bold Hope in Syria
A Disarming Peace: Franciscan Social Theatre – Bold Hope in Syria By friar Michael Lasky, OFM Conv. In a world scarred by conflict, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that true peace is “unarmed and disarming,” always drawing close to those who suffer. These words echo the Gospel’s call to transform…
“Enough of War”: Pope Leo’s Call to Reconciliation and Peace
“The world is thirsting for peace. We need a true and sound era of reconciliation that puts an end to the abuse of power, displays of force and indifference to the rule of law. Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction and exile!” Pope Leo…
Pax Christi: From Pilgrimage to Peacebuilding
Pax Christi: From Pilgrimage to Peacebuilding Written by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. In 1945, even before the Second World War came to an end, a lay woman and a French bishop organized pilgrimages among French and German communities to promote reconciliation. The hope was that their common faith in…
Six Popes – One Call: Peace
Six Popes – One Call: Peace Written By friar Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv. “Peace be with you all!” Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ. I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people,…
Ash Wednesday 2026: The Jubilee of St. Francis
Ash Wednesday 2026: The Jubilee of St. Francis Homily by friar Mario Serrano, OFM Conv. If you are still wondering which penitential practices to undertake during Lent, Pope Leo has asked us to consider listening and fasting. That is to make room for the Word and to listen to the…
Un sacramento para ser recordado
El año 2026 marca el octavo centenario del Tránsito: el paso de San Francisco de Asís de este mundo a la vida eterna. Recordar su muerte es recordar cómo vivió: profundamente arraigado en la Palabra de Dios. Francisco no solo predicó el Evangelio; lo retomó repetidamente, dejándose moldear…