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Overjoyed at Seeing the Star
In the midst of their activity, the three wise men whose story we hear in the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord serve as a model for contemplative listening. Their action flows from their attentive discernment of received guidance. The magi set out on their journey because they perceived the sign of their times in the star which heralded "'the newborn king of the Jews'" (Mt 2:2). They proceeded to Bethlehem in response to the prophetic Hebrew Scriptures, which the chief priests and scribes shared with these first Gentile believers through the unlikely mouthpiece of Herod (cf. Mt 2:8). And "they departed for their country by another way" because they heeded the Lord's message to them in a dream warning them not to return to Herod (Mt 2:12).
In addition to the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh which the magi laid at the Christ Child's feet, they made a gift of their lives with each step of their journey in search of Him. Matthew's account reveals the sincerity and depth of their quest: "They were overjoyed at seeing the star" (2:10) and fulfilling their desire to meet this singular king of kings.
As we journey into another year of Our Lord, what exterior gifts can we offer to Christ? The way we devote our time; the way we interact with family and friends, neighbors and strangers, and other creatures; and the way we order our material goods can be signs of Christ's kingship in our lives. Interiorly, how can we offer our very selves more fully to God's love? Let us listen attentively to direction from the Lord in varied ways, that we may perceive the direction in which we will find Christ and so lead others to the same joy.
Christy Elliott
FAN Director of Care for Creation
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Shine Light on Immigration: The Magi and Migration
This year's Sunday celebration of Epiphany on Jan. 8 begins National Migration Week. As we remember the magi's journey to find Christ and the Holy Family's flight into Egypt, let us pray for all those who migrate, willingly and under duress. Find resources for observing National Migration Week on the USCCB website.
FAN Board of Directors member Sr. Barbara Kraemer, OSF (School Sisters of St. Francis, Milwaukee) noted a Catholic News Service article on a December "posada," a traditional Mexican reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, in Chicago to raise awareness of the challenges immigrants face. About 250 Catholics joined Chicago Auxiliary Bishops John R. Manz and Alberto Rojas and a couple portraying Mary and Joseph.
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FAN TSSF Action Circle Team Forming
 FAN Action Commission Francesca Wigle, TSSF wrote an article for the Third Order Society of St. Francis newsletter, the Franciscan Times, about FAN. Check out the newsletter, with Francesca's article on p. 25. (Internet Explorer may work better than other browsers to view the newsletter.)
Francesca and Dianne Aid, TSSF are forming a TSSF FAN Action Circle Team. Email them at fwigle@gmail.com or sanmate921@yahoo.com to learn more.
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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.
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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."
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| 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?
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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.
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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)
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O God, who on this day
revealed your Only Begotten Son to the nations
by the guidance of a star,
grant in your mercy
that we, who know you already by faith,
may be brought to behold the beauty of your sublime glory.
Through 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. Amen.
(Prayer for the Epiphany of the Lord)
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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. |
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