The readings for March 23, the Third Sunday of Lent include scenes that are ripe for exploring historical context: Who were the eighteen people killed at Siloam? What exactly was going on with the Galileans and Pilate?

As interesting as that might be, right now I feel too tired to explore the context. In this historical moment, I need simple messages from Scripture. Hopefully, you won’t mind if I take a different approach with this week’s reflection. Pope Francis often focuses on three main takeaways, and he has explicitly encouraged preachers to be brief.

Join Franciscan Action Network and Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service for a one-hour webinar on Wednesday, March 19, at 4 PM ET. Using Our Power – Nonviolence & Noncooperation In History & Today will feature Maria Stephan, coauthor of Why Civil Resistance Works, and Rivera Sun of Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, with reflections from Ken Butigan on nonviolence in the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare and Michele Dunne, OFS moderating the conversation.

Learn about nonviolent strategies that have driven change throughout history and how they are used today. Register now to reserve your spot! The recording will be shared with registrants.

Franciscan Action Network is sponsoring the first in a series of webinars with Nuns Against Gun Violence highlighting efforts to prevent gun violence at the state level. On Tuesday, April 1 at 7pm ET, we’ll focus on Pennsylvania, hearing from speakers who are working to address gun violence and build safer communities. Together, we’ll reflect on ways to take action and find hope for a more peaceful future.

Click here to register

On Tuesday, February 11, several members of FAN’s staff and community participated in the Interfaith Immigration Coalition’s Vigil and Day of Action. After taking time to pray and hear testimony from different leaders, including Br. Ken Taylor, OLF, they met with the staff of Senators Kaine (VA), McCormick (PA), Fetterman (PA), Gallego (PA), and Collins (ME).

Join their efforts by calling or sending a message to your representatives today to show your concern for immigrants:

Church World Service Action Alert to Restore Refugee Resettlement and Asylum Access as the Refugee Act Turns 45

USCCB Action Alert to Protect Dreamers and Mixed-Status Families

This week, our Legislative Director Eileen DeGuire and Communications & Development Coordinator Rosie Davila attended the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City, invited by Franciscans International. They had the opportunity to learn from women around the world who are leading efforts in clean energy, care for creation, conflict resolution, immigrant justice, and more. It was an inspiring event, and they were grateful to help represent the Franciscan voice in these vital global conversations. 

While at the UN Conference on the Status of Women, our legislative director, Eileen, recorded a podcast episode of Walk Talk Listen with Maurice Bloem, where she discussed the importance of faith-based work in today’s climate, being a young advocate, and gender equality.

Registration is now open for the 2025 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Love in Action from October 18-20, 2025, at the Yours Truly Hotel in Washington DC. 

This inspiring event invites young and older adults to explore justice, peace, and care for creation together through thought-provoking speakers, communication and civic engagement training, and advocacy meetings on Capitol Hill. Together, we’ll deepen our Franciscan values and engage in meaningful action on the challenges our world faces today. We hope to see you here in Washington DC for this encouraging and empowering gathering.

Franciscan Justice Circles continue to show up and engage in the legislative process at the state level. A New Mexico FJC member joined other creation care advocates at the state capitol to speak up for water, land and wildlife and others have been writing to their state legislators through action alerts from groups like Sierra Club. The CT-RI FJC members have been both learning about how to give written testimony to bills before their state legislature as well as submitting their testimonies. Members of the Central Indiana FJC are contacting their state legislators on various bills currently being considered having to do with predatory lending, the death penalty and the cooperation of law enforcement with ICE.