NEW YORK — Louis Vitale, OFM, widely-known Franciscan peace activist and founder of the Pace e Bene Nonviolent Service, spoke at two Province churches in New Jersey this month, discussing “Living as a Peacemaker.”
The former Provincial Minister of St. Barbara Province in California recently returned from a peace and friendship delegation to Iran to discuss peace with the government of Iran.
On June 10, Fr. Louis, more commonly known as Louie, spoke at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson, N.J., sharing insight from his journey in peacemaking. In his talk, Louie spoke about what motivated him as a Christian and Franciscan.
According to Sr. Jean Amore, SMIC, who arranged the event, “Fr. Louie shared with a large group of parishioners and with many others from the surrounding area his life story from world events and awareness that lead him in ‘Living as a Peacemaker.’ He reminded us that we need to come together to listen to each other and to share what we have with others in order to re-establish order, Peace, in our daily living. Through God’s compassion, love and mercy we are strengthened to live the Gospel as Peacemakers.”
On June 14, Louis spoke at St. Anthony Padua Church in Camden, N.J., where William “Jud” Weiksnar, OFM, is pastor.
Louis has dedicated his life to peace, working tirelessly for the dignity and well being of all people.
On June 23, Louis will speak at the Province’s church in Raleigh, N.C., St. Francis of Assisi, and on June 24 at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, N.C.
Shown in the photo above are Sr. Jean, Mario Gomez, OFM, Louis Vitale, Christopher VanHaight, OFM, and Daniel Grigassy, OFM, pastor of St. Bonaventure.