Fr. Louie Vitale has devoted his life as a Franciscan priest to peace.

As the leader of the Franciscans for a decade, as the pastor of a poor parish for many years, and as a peacemaker throughout the world, Fr. Louie has worked tirelessly for the dignity and well-being of people everywhere.

Most recently, this journey has led him to a small county jail in Georgia.

In November Louie joined thousands of people from across the United States in prayer at the School of the Americas at Fort Benning, Georgia. His prayer was for the closure of this school — which has trained soldiers from Latin America in how to use the techniques of torture against their own people — and for a world without war and injustice.

In the spirit of Jesus, St. Francis, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Louie was arrested as he prayed this prayer of nonviolence and reconciliation on the grounds of the school. Choosing to remain in custody as he awaited trial, he was sentenced to six months in jail. His prayer has continued for all of us while serving his time behind bars.

On April 28, Louie will be released. He has told us that, while serving time in prison is difficult, he is determined to continue the pilgrimage of peacemaking at a time of war.

A co-founder of Pace e Bene, Louie will re-join the staff after he is released as the organization’s Nonviolent Action Advocate. We look forward to working closely with him, and supporting his creative and powerful steps for “peace and all good.”

We are currently planning a series of “Welcome Home Louie” events in May in the following cities:

• San Francisco Bay Area: 5/1-5/11, 5/27 and following;

• Los Angeles area: 5/11-5/14; and

• Phoenix: 5/16-5/18.

If you are interested in hosting one, please email Ryan Hall at ryanhall@paceebene.org.

You can write to Louie at:

Crisp County Jail
196 Highway 300 South
Cordele, GA 31015