Boquete, Panama (September 16-21, 2024). 26 Franciscan friars from various countries of the Americas (United States, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina and Brazil) met in the city of Boquete, Panama, to participate in the VI Continental Meeting on Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC).
This meeting is held every three years and seeks to strengthen, resume and give continuity to the JPIC work of the Order of Friars Minor that pilgrims on the continent.
For five days, the friars shared experiences, challenges and good practices around the promotion of these values in their provinces or custody. The meeting focused on analyzing and systematizing the actions carried out and evidencing the commitment of the JPIC animators on issues such as: migration and refugees; education; lifestyles; parishes and sanctuaries; and political advocacy.
“This meeting is a unique opportunity to reflect on how we are living in the current context, to be able to listen to the concrete projects and experiences of the friars and Sisters fill their existence and vocation with hope, since they are projects that reaffirm life in the midst of the diverse realities of the American continent,” said Fr. Daniel N. Rodríguez Blanco, Director General of the JPIC Office.
Why is this meeting important?
- Strengthen the network: The friars had the opportunity to get to know each other, share their challenges and celebrate their achievements, creating a stronger network to work together.
- Inspiring action: By sharing concrete experiences, participants inspired each other to continue working with creativity and passion in their communities.
- Aligning efforts: The meeting allowed for the alignment of the efforts of the friars throughout the Americas, ensuring that they work in a coordinated and effective manner.
- Celebrating Franciscan spirituality: In commemorating the VIII Centenary of the Stigmata of St. Francis, the friars reaffirmed their commitment to Franciscan spirituality and their call to follow in the footsteps of the Poverello of Assisi by touching the suffering flesh of Christ in others with hope.
What were the main topics addressed?
- Migration and forced displacement: The friars discussed how they have accompanied mixed groups of migrants and refugees from the continent, in order to promote joint actions through the Franciscan Network for Migrants of the Americas (RFM).
- Education: Innovative ways to integrate JPIC values into education, both formal and informal, were explored.
- Lifestyles: Participants reflected on how to live more sustainably and how to promote simple and supportive lifestyles inspired by the way of life of the Friars Minor especially in initial formation.
- Parishes and shrines: It was discussed how parishes and shrines can be spaces for meeting and social transformation.
- Civil society and political advocacy: The friars explored their participation in civil society and their impact on public policies to promote justice and peace.
Finally, the participants of the meeting highlighted the importance of networking and collaborating to achieve a significant impact on society. They also reaffirmed their commitment to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis, who dedicated his life to serving and welcoming those most in need, to promoting peace and reconciliation, to continue building the Kingdom of God. “The only thing a JPIC animator needs to carry out his mission is passion: passion for Christ and passion for His people,” Fr. Daniel noted.
