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Three American Catholics who embody Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to be advocates for the poor and agents of change will be in the spotlight at an event to be hosted by the School of Theology and Ministry this Monday, March 31.
“The Transformative Power of Faith: Responding to Pope Francis’ Call,” which takes place at 5:30 p.m. in Robsham Theater, will feature a panel discussion of Catholics who have been honored nationally for their ministry by the nonprofit Catholic Extension. STM Dean Mark Massa, SJ, will serve as moderator.
The panelists will share compelling stories about the work they do to transform the lives of people in some of America’s poorest communities.
•Mary Susanne Dziedzic, CSSF, a Felician Sister, will describe the unexpected ecumenical movement her order jump-started since their move to the poorest county in South Carolina.
•California husband-and-wife ministry leaders José Lopez and his wife Digna R. López will reveal how they are keeping the Church present for young people as an alternative to drugs and violence.
•Rev. John Hatcher, SJ, will discuss his life-changing efforts to promote sobriety and build community while maintaining the Lakota traditions on the Native American reservation where he has served for 10 years.
Also speaking at the event will be those who have been mentored or inspired by the three panelists.
“St. Francis of Assisi told his earliest followers to ‘preach always. If necessary, use words,’” said Fr. Massa, who is hosting the event as his annual Dean’s Colloquium on Religion and Public Culture. “What makes the Dean’s Colloquium this year so exciting is that we will have an opportunity to encounter some extraordinary individuals who have, in fact, followed St. Francis’ advice: the message of their lives will be matched by powerful words from those who know them.”
STM’s event co-sponsor, Catholic Extension, uniquely contributes to the growth and vibrancy of the Church in the US by strategically investing in poor mission dioceses that cannot financially sustain themselves. The “Transformative Power of Faith” panelists are past recipients or finalists for Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award, which recognizes those in mission dioceses who have devoted their lives to serving the poor and to fostering Catholic communities that build faith, inspire hope and ignite change.
The STM-Catholic Extension partnership includes several educational initiatives: Four adults in Catholic Extension’s Young Adult Leadership Program are pursuing masters in pastoral ministry degrees at the school, and four Hispanic Lay Leaders took classes last summer toward either a master’s degree or certificate program in Hispanic Ministry.
“It is a rare and wonderful opportunity to bring these unsung heroes to tell their stories to this colloquium,” said Catholic Extension President Rev. John J. Wall. “The challenges of their communities might seem insurmountable to some, but through the remarkable transformative power of faith, these panelists are changing lives, hearts and society. They are living examples of Pope Francis’ call to bring the light of Christ to those on the margins.”
Read more about the “Transformative Power of Faith” panelists here.