By Eli Pacheco 

Postulant Jimmy Beh brought his unique perspective to the inaugural season of “Acting Franciscan,” a new podcast from Franciscan Action Network.  

The podcast delves into societal issues that resonate with Franciscans. Acting Franciscan will cover four main areas of focus: 

— Care for creation 

— Care for the poor and vulnerable 

— Human dignity 

— Peacebuilding 

The maiden episode features the Franciscan Action Network from its dawning to its present-day and its vision for the future.  

The second episode, titled Two Hands of Active Nonviolence, features Office for Social Evangelization and Engagement Director Russ Testa and discusses rebuilding our hope to understand the other side in a highly polarized world.  

The third episode focuses on our call for a higher sense of eco-spirituality in the mindset of care for God’s creation.  

You can listen to episodes on the Franciscan Action Network website, Podbean, or Spotify. 

Jimmy calls it a creatively satisfying project. 

“Before starting the podcast, I had no experience with audio editing or podcast interviewing— it was all very new and, if I am being honest, at times I felt a little bit overwhelmed by how much I had to learn,” he said.  

“However, I began to enjoy the process of developing the style and flow of each episode, and I greatly appreciated the support and creative freedom from the Franciscan Action Network, who suggested the project in the first place.” 

“Like any creative endeavor, as soon as I finished each episode, I had about ten things I wanted to improve, but, ultimately, I am grateful for how it all came together, and I am even more grateful for my guests who trusted me with their words and stories,” Jimmy said. 

Franciscan Action Network is a collaboration of Franciscan voices that seeks to impact U.S. public policy on issues such as care for creation, peacemaking, poverty, and human rights. The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an institutional network member.   

Jimmy said the podcast has been an impactful way to learn about his Franciscan vocation. 

"My guests' stories and lives helped show me how fraternity helps us become more of ourselves," Jimmy said. "Whether we support one another through tough times, celebrate small or big victories together, or simply allow ourselves to be seen deeply, fraternity allows us to live life more fully."  

Other Franciscan podcasts 

— “Fe y Café” – Br. Lalo Jara, OFM 

— “Everything Belongs” – Br. Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation 

— “Minor Characters” – Brothers Casey Cole, OFM, and Tito Serrano, OFM 

— “Clouds and Sun” and “Franciscan Lectio” – Br. Dan Riley, OFM