From the Director...

Faith Illuminating a Pathway

Dear Friends of Woodstock,

Again the season of Lent is upon us. As we focus on the passion and death of Jesus, we know that the story does not end there. While Lent can seem like a dark and dismal time, the promise of the Resurrection gives us the hope and strength to connect to and address the brokenness we see in our lives and our society. It does not take much searching to find signs of society’s failure to live out the Kingdom of God. A look at the headlines often confronts us with stories of war, prejudice, and injustice. But we know through our faith that redemption is possible.

In this issue, two of our visiting fellows have provided us with examples of faith illuminating a dark pathway. Francisco Claver, S.J., writes of his experiences responding to human rights abuses as a bishop in the Philippines. Susan Rakoczy, IHM, writes on meeting with faith the challenges of ecological degradation.

Woodstock also is undertaking a new initiative on another topic that often highlights the fissures in society – migration. We are looking to explore and develop an underlying theology of migration, and find what our Catholic tradition can say in response to the challenges of our times.

My thanks go to all of you who so generously support our work here at Woodstock. We could not carry on this work without your spiritual and financial assistance. If you would like to join us in this work, please consider using the enclosed envelope or donating online.

May your heart overflow with the joy of the risen Christ!

Gasper F. Lo Biondo, S.J.
Director

Upcoming Event

Evening of Conversation with Bishop Gregory M. Aymond, Chair of the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People speaking on building trust after the scandals in the Church moderated by Thomas J. Reese, S.J. March 20, 2007 8:00 p.m. Georgetown University’s Intercultural Center Auditorium