A firm step toward Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation
The Coordination Team of the Franciscan Network for Peace and Integral Ecology in Asia, comprised of the animators of the JPIC General Office in Rome, representatives of SAAOC, EAC, Franciscans International, and the Secular Franciscan Order (virtual), met from the 7th-11th April, 2025, at the House of Silence – Retreat House in Cebu, Philippines.
Priorities for action for the Asian region
During the meeting, the main priorities of the Franciscan Network for the future were defined, in response to the specific challenges of the region. The objective was to continue the strategic plans focused on promoting peace, interreligious dialogue, political advocacy, social awareness, community development, and building international alliances.
A fraternal and inspiring opening
The meeting opened with a warm greeting from Fr. Renee Dean OFM, Minister Provincial of the St. Anthony of Padua Province in Cebu, followed by the reading of the message sent by Fr. Derrick Yap OFM, president of SAAOC. The Network’s activities between April 2024 and March 2025 were also reviewed, and the experiences of the Franciscan Networks of the Americas and the Mediterranean were presented.
A Perspective from Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti
Inspired by the Encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, the Kota Kinabalu-East Malaysia Resolution 2024, and the Assisi Declaration 2025, the team reflected on upcoming Franciscan integral ecology and peace programmes.
Peace Projects with a Franciscan Seal in Asia
Amongst the notable projects:
- The Nagasaki Peace Project in Japan.
- The Church of Peace between the Two Koreas, led by friars from South Korea.
- The defense of West Papua as a “land of peace” promoted by the friars from Indonesia.
- Dialogue in Manipur, India, as a path toward reconciliation.
Response to the Crisis in Myanmar and Support for Migrants
In response to the crisis caused by the earthquake and civil war in Myanmar, it was agreed to prioritize humanitarian actions, support for housing construction, and support for migrants and refugees in Penang, West Malaysia.
Formation and Support for JPIC Leaders in Asia
On the occasion of the 800th Anniversary of the Canticle of Creatures and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, the urgency of strengthening the training of JPIC leaders, both religious and lay, was highlighted. As an example, the development of eco-pastoral programs in Indonesia was proposed as a pilot project.
Towards a Digital Platform for Ecology and Peace
Finally, the creation of a Franciscan digital platform was proposed as a tool for accessing updated information, training resources, and experiences of the Network, available to the Franciscan Family and the general public.
