Dear Alexis,

Peace and all good! Welcome to our monthly newsletter highlighting news and events of the Franciscans in the Western United States.

With Lent approaching quickly, it is a good time for us to meditate on the ways in which we all are in need of God’s healing and grace. The life of Saint Francis may offer some inspiration, especially in light of current world events. The story of his encounter with the wolf in the forest near Gubbio invites us to search for alternatives to violence. His Holy Land visit to the Sultan, attempting to make peace between Muslims and Christians during the Crusades, encourages us to treat all persons with respect.

Especially as we begin this season of Lent, I hope you will join me in prayer for the following:
• people suffering ethnic, racial, political, economic religious or other forms of hatred, injustice and violence of any kind;
• all those who are still working to recover from the effects of natural disasters;
• religious, civic and moral leaders throughout the world;
• peace-makers of all faiths and nations.

May the example of Saint Francis and the guidance of the Holy Spirit help us all to be instruments of God’s peace. -Bro. John Summers, OFM

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This year's award recipients will be featured in the May-June 2007 and July-August 2007 issues. The winners are:
First Prize: "A New St. Francis" by Jeanne Sapunor of Sacramento California.
Second Prize: "Whatever Love May Ask of Us" by Matthew Kinsella from New Jersey.

To subscribe or receive a free issue to The Way of St. Francis ...

Phoenix, AZ: Take a guided tour of St. Mary's Basilica
Want to know more about the History of St. Mary’s?
Join us every Wednesday after the Noon Mass for a guided tour of the Basilica.
For more information...

Sacramento, CA: Thursday Night Theology
Thursday Night Theology On Thursday, February 1, 6:30-8:00PM in the Parish Center Chapel, Sr. Margie Will, O.S.F. will present on “Conscience, Sin & Reconciliation.” All are welcome.
For more information....

Oceanside, CA: Eco-Justice Classes: February 6, 13, 20, 2007 at Old Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center
Learn more about the respect and care for our common heritage; the planet we live on! Dr. Tom English leads lively discussions covering topics on endangered species, Bible and the environment, dangers of nuclear weapons, preserving bio-diversity and various Christian responses to environmental issues. Join us Tuesday evenings 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Dr. Thomas D. English is President of T. English Endangered Species Studies Institute and Creation Care Educator, Presbyterian Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. Free-will offering. Please pre-register: (760) 757-3659 or online