Please do not forward this email using your email program's forward feature.
If you do, you risk being inadvertently unsubscribed from our mailing list. Instead, use this link:
Forward to a Friend
|
December 26, 2011
Feast of St. Stephen, First Martyr
|
|
|
|
|
Fiat: Imitating the Theotokos
 On this Sunday, the first day of 2012, we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Our Catholic faith tells us that this is an extremely important feast day. Early Christians gave Mary the title Theotokos, which means, "God-bearer." We celebrate her as the Mother of God because, in bearing Christ, she bore the fullness of the Godhead within her. On this day, we are reminded of the role that the Blessed Virgin played in the plan of our salvation. Christ's Birth was made possible by Mary's fiat: "Be it done unto me according to Thy word" (Lk 38:1).
As we begin the New Year it is a good time to stop and reflect on both the past year and going forward. Have we followed the example of our Blessed Mother in living our daily lives according to God's will? Do we put our own needs and wants first or as the Blessed Mary said, "Be it done unto me according to Thy word." As Catholics who defend the sanctity of human life, we stand up for the unborn, the homeless, the inmate on death row, the environment and our neighbors living in hunger because all human life is created in the image of God. Our economy needs a moral foundation and should serve all Americans, not simply the privileged few. The priorities of Wall Street bankers and political parties must not be confused with the teachings of Jesus.
May your new year be filled with the love, the joy, the peace and the hope of being fully embraced by and being one with our loving God!
"The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!"
(Nm 6: 24-25)
Patrick Carolan
FAN Executive Director
|
|
Brighter Future for Cleaner Air
 As we welcome the light of Christ, we also welcome news of the finalization of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards for Power Plants, a Clean Air Act Rule that has been "20 years in the making," as EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson stated during a press conference on Dec. 21.
The rule will require the use of widely available and proven technology to reduce emissions of mercury, chromium, arsenic, and other toxic pullutants; 40 percent of the 1,100 coal-fired power plants in the U.S. do not yet meet this standard.
The USCCB issued a press release in support of the rule.
FAN had submitted a letter of support in August 2011 in conjunction with USCCB efforts.
|
|
Prince of Peace and Father Francis: Express Solidarity with Muslim Neighbors
 As we celebrate the Prince of Peace, who fled to Egypt to escape those who feared his presence and power, we also remember the witness of our Father Francis in building a relationship with Sultan Malik Al-Kamil of Egypt. In our time, Mary Furlong, a FAN member and an Associate with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, shares a concern that Lowe's hardware store's decision to pull their ads from the "All-American Muslim" television show may have been influenced by a group that objects to the portrayal of Muslims as "ordinary Americans" rather than as terrorists.
Mary invites you to contact Lowe's at their corporate offices (1-800-445-6937 or wecare@lowes.com) to ask about this decision and indicate your solidarity with Muslim Americans. Read Pope Benedict XVI's message for the World Day of Peace on "Educating Young People in Justice and Peace."
|
| Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. in Prayer and Action
 FAN partner Faith Advocates for Jobs is organizing an interfaith prayer vigil on Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr's holiday.
What about gathering locally as Franciscan communities and parishes for prayer followed by organizing to address ongoing social concerns?
|
|
The Golden Calf Speaks on Capitol Hill
 Our celebration of Christmas honors Emmanuel, God with us, besides whom there is no other God.
Earlier this month, FAN staff members participated in carrying a "golden calf" to the Capitol as part of a prayerful witness against the idolatry of greed.
Read Lonnie Ellis' reflection and see photos on the FAN blog. Watch a brief Washington Post video about the event.
|
Canticle Campus Class Offerings Beginning January 15, 2012  Chris Hickman, SFO and Francesca Wigle, TSSF are pleased to announce that Canticle Campus will be offering two classes beginning January 15, 2012. The 10-week classes will be based on two books by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF: - Clare of Assisi, A Heart Full of Love - "Although this is a small book on the spirituality of a medieval woman from a glorious past, it is also a book about Christian life today. Clare's decisive emphasis on the person of Jesus Christ is an emphasis on the human person as well, what we are and what we are called to be." - From the Introduction.
- Franciscan Prayer - "By examining Saint Francis' doctrine of prayer through the twin lens of Saints Clare and Bonaventure, this book provides us with a long overdue spiritual and theological synthesis which will be treasured by all who love the Franciscan tradition. A significant contribution, beautifully presented." - Lawrence S. Cunningham. (Published by St. Anthony Messenger Press)
|
|
O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary
bestowed on the human race
the grace of eternal salvation,
grant, we pray,
that we may experience the intercession of her,
through whom we were found worthy
to receive the author of life,
our Lord Jesus Christ, your son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
(Prayer for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)
|
|
Mission Statement
Inspired by the Gospel of Jesus, and the example of saints Francis and Clare, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN) is a collective Franciscan voice seeking to transform U.S. public policy related to peacemaking, care for creation, poverty, and human rights. |
Did someone forward this message to you? if you like what you see, click below to join our mailing list and have our updates delivered directly to your inbox.
|
|
SHARE FAN ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES!
      |
|
|
