WASHINGTON — Michael Blastic, OFM, and Russell Testa, director of the Province’s Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation here, are the featured speakers at the 14th Annual National Franciscan Symposium at Washington Theological Union.
“Franciscans in the Public Square” takes place April 8 to 10 on the WTU campus at 6896 Laurel Street, NW.
Michael, associate professor of spirituality studies at WTU, is the opening speaker on April 8 at 7:30 p.m., discussing “The Public Vocations of Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.” He speaks often at Provincial retreats and events.
Testa, a Provincial staff member since 2000, will discuss “Living the Franciscan Message in the World — Tools and Actions for Integral Social Transformation.” He will present along with Sr. Sharon Goodremote, FSSJ, chair of the Buffalo, N.Y., Diocesan Care for Creation Committee.
Other speakers include Sr. Kathie Uhler, OSF, advocacy officer of Franciscans International, who will discuss “From Public Square to Global Sphere: Franciscan Life-Work Today,” and Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM, senior director of ethics for the Catholic Health Association, who will talk about “Following the Footsteps of Christ in Today’s Public Square: Prophets or Reconcilers?”
The full conference, including meals, costs $220. Registration can be completed online or by contacting the director of conference and events, Sr. Katherine Kandefer, BVM, at 202-541-5222.