Franciscan leaders and students join forces in Washington
Author: Eli Pacheco
Date Published: November 04, 2025
This October, the Franciscan Action Network and the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities hosted the second annual Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where Franciscan leaders and students not only learned compassionate, nonviolent approaches to conflict but also gained hands-on advocacy training to amplify their voices for justice and peace.
Brothers James LaGrutta, OFM, Domingo Martinez, OFM, Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, Matt Ryan, OFM, Steve Patti, OFM, and the postulants joined Franciscans nationwide to develop new skills and knowledge for making a positive impact in their communities.
The conference, themed “Love in Action,” focused on domestic and global issues. Attendees listened to keynote speakers and exchanged ideas on nonviolent communication, civic engagement and Franciscan community building.
Br. Domingo of St. Francis of Assisi Friary in New York City says the Church's social teachings inspire the pursuit of justice.
“It made sense for me to take advantage of the training,” said Br. Domingo, who ministers in the labor movement. “The conference brought together Franciscans committed to justice, and I was happy to be a part of it.
"Non-violent communication includes specific techniques and guidelines that I will definitely integrate into my ministry,” Br. Domingo added.
Br. Matt Ryan, OFM, speaks during a session at the Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in October. He and other friars from the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe attended, in part, to boost “advocacy efforts to help the immigrant community,” Br. Jacek Orzechowski, OFM, said. (Photo by Br. Domingo Martinez, OFM)
Where Franciscan leadership is needed
Attendees participated in prayer and reflection and visited Capitol Hill to share their views on peace, justice and environmental care with congressional representatives.
Issues such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and U.S. immigration were discussed. Br. Jacek, who attended the conference with students from Siena University in Loudonville, New York, identifies peacemaking and advancing ecological conversion – encouraging guardianship for God’s creation – as key areas where Franciscan leadership is needed most in the Church.
“It was important for me as a friar to attend the event along with students, to join them in advocacy efforts to help the immigrant community and address the human rights violations committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” he said. “I continue to be inspired by the young people taking active roles in promoting the common good.”
Dr. C. Vanessa White, recognized by Br. James as the event’s standout keynote speaker, is an associate professor at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She offered advocacy training to attendees. Her research focuses on applied spirituality, emphasizing discernment, racial justice, diversity, intercultural dialogue and ministry formation.
Br. James, an advocacy associate with the Franciscan Action Network, said after the conference he brings a renewed “ability to exercise compassion and empathy” to his ministry at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. “I hoped to gain a better understanding of the public policy process, Franciscan values and leadership qualities, while building relationships with other attendees.”
Br. James LaGrutta, OFM, an advocacy associate with the Franciscan Action Network, takes part in a discussion at the Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in October. He and others had the opportunity to attend congressional hearings as part of their advocacy training experience. (Photo courtesy of Br. James)
Hope abounds for future conferences
People who weren’t able to attend the conference can access Franciscan Action Network’s Advocacy 101 toolkit and other resources to use with their ministry.
The conference, in its second year, expanded in comparison to its inaugural event in numbers and in reach. Br. Domingo said that forthcoming conferences would help those pursuing justice in the Franciscan tradition. He added that attending congressional sessions provides useful advocacy experience.
“In addition to spirituality, the conference includes training on specific issues and legislation as well as how to conduct a lobbying visit,” he said.