Boquete, Panama (September 16-21, 2024). 6 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).
We conclude Season of Creation 2024 with the Oikos Mediterranean project of the Conference of Provincial Ministers of Italy and Albania, based in the friars’ convent in Taranto, Italy. The OIKOS project was officially born in June 2023.
We share the request for help that we received from the brothers of the Province of St. Hedwig, in Poland, following the devastating flood that occurred in recent days.
In the framework of the Centenary of the Stigmata of St. Francis, on Tuesday the 17th September, at the retreat house of the Franciscan Seminary in the city of Boquete, David, Panama, the VI Continental Meeting of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Americas began.
Season of Creation 2024 and Franciscan friars in Indonesia.
For the Season of Creation 2024, we continue to present Franciscan experiences in integral ecology, this time from Brazil.
During the Season of Creation 2024 the General Office of JPIC will be sharing various Franciscan experiences in the world on integral ecology. We begin with the Custody of the Holy Land.
The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation will be celebrated on the 1st September 2024, with the theme: Hope and act with creation. The invitation is towards active hope. Who can deny that it is a virtue so necessary in the current situation of creation, which includes us human beings?
In a video message accompanying his prayer intention for September, Pope Francis prays that “each of us might listen with our hearts to the cry of the earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and climate change, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.”
In the northeast of Colombia, in Santander, is the region known as Catatumbo, characterized mainly by a war that has been going on for more than fifty years, there are large coca plantations for the production of alkaloids and the presence of armed groups outside the law.
The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is celebrated every September 1. On this occasion, the Holy Father writes a Message addressed to the Catholic Church and to all people of good will.
As part of the fortieth anniversary of the signing of the “Cartagena Declaration” (1984), one of the most important legal instruments of recent decades in terms of protection and solutions in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Embassy of Chile to the Holy See has organized a conference to give a voice to refugees and displaced people. On Tuesday the 2nd July 2024, at the Palace of San Calixto, together with several Catholic organizations, such as the Jesuit Refugee Service and Caritas International, they addressed the challenges of the migratory context and formulated recommendations for governments in the development of the Action Plan of Chile 2024-2034.
A virtual meeting was held by members of the Animation Committee of the General Office for JPIC on 24-27 June 2024. Present at this meeting were Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco OFM, Br. Francesco Zecca OFM, Br. Taucen Hotlan Girsang OFM, Sr. Mary Wangare Sebastian LSSJ, and Mr. Tomás Insua.
Ecological conversion requires a “reversal of direction” of everyone’s conscience, because Creation is intimately connected to a revolution of the spirit: this is the heart of the conference presenting the Pope’s message for the World Day of Prayer for Creation, held today in the Vatican Press Office. The reference to the upcoming Jubilee and the need to involve young people in protecting the environment, also through social media, is central.
From Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th June 2024 the Chapter of the Mats was held in Taranto, entitled “A sea of fraternity. The Franciscans for a new humanism of the Mediterranean”, in which friars, Poor Clares and lay people belonging to the Franciscan family participated.
On the morning of the 4 th June 2024, the main streets of the Salvadoran capital, San Salvador, the same ones where the saint and martyr Oscar Arnulfo Romero walked, were painted brown, yellow, green and white.
On behalf of Franciscans International and its International Board of
Directors (IBD) I am pleased to present the annual report of our work in defense of the rights and dignity of all and care for creation” (Br. Michael Perry, OFM)
The General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and the Pontifical Antonianum University (PUA) of Rome held the annual course for JPIC animators of the Franciscan Family from the 20th to 26th May 2024.
On Sunday, the 12th May, the meeting of the Franciscan family that gathered in Marrakech, Morocco, to address the issue of migration in the Mediterranean concluded.
On behalf of the JPIC General Office, Br. Taucen Girsang visited the Province of St Francis Herald of Peace in West Papua-Indonesia, from 20-29 April 2024, to listen and to exchange experiences with the friars regarding JPIC activities.
After the gathering of the Franciscan Conferences of Asia and Oceania in Manila, Philippines, Br. Taucen Girsang and Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco from the General Office for JPIC Office spent 14-18 April 2024 in Seoul visiting the Province of the Holy Martyrs of Korea.
On Saturday, the 11th May, the second day of the meeting of the Franciscan family gathered at the friary of the Holy Martyrs of Morocco in the city of Marrakech.
Brothers and sisters of the Franciscan family and special guests from Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Morocco, Greece and representatives of Franciscans International in Geneva gathered in the city of Marrakech, Morocco, to participate in the first Franciscan meeting of service to migrant and refugee population in the Mediterranean.
Lenten season encourages both Franciscans, Christians and people of goodwill to address society’s problems and advocate for positive change.
The office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Franciscans Africa (JPIC-FA) based in Nairobi- Kenya have been leading people of Faith and Youth on promoting climate justice and restoring Biodiversity Loss.
The Franciscan Conference of Asia and Oceania (FCAO) is the name by which the two conferences (EAC and SAAOC) that bring together the Franciscan Provinces, Custodes and Foundations of those continents are known.
The Secretariat for Mission and Evangelization, Br. Francisco Gómez and Br. Denis Tayo, together with the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Br. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco and Br. Taucen Girsang, visited the Franciscan Province of Saint Michael the Archangel of Indonesia during the week of the Octave of Easter from 1-6 April 2024.
Saint Óscar Romero was “A visionary who knew how to occasionally glimpse what Pope Francis has promoted about ‘integral ecology'” (Rafael Moreno Villa, SJ):
A purposeful meeting was convened on Monday, 18 March 2024, between the General Office for JPIC in Rome and Franciscans International in Geneva, at the Curia Generalate OFM.
On the 2nd February 2024 from Nairobi airport, where I stopped for eight days of meetings with my brothers, I landed in Goma, the main city of Kivu, the large region in eastern Congo.
The Inter-Franciscan Family for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation or The Roman VI gathered at the Seraphicum in Rome on Wednesday, 8 February 2024.
On Friday 2nd February in the seminary of St. Saviour in Jerusalem the Custodial Commission of JPIC: fr John Luke Gregory, fr Carlos Gabriel Eduardo Molina and fr Mark Vertido, completed its series of courses given to the friars in the initial stages of formation.
La Spezia is an Italian city located between Pisa and Genoa, four hundred and twenty
kilometers from Rome. It was built in the narrow valley that connects the mountains with the
Ligurian Sea, belonging to the Mediterranean.
In the Tempo Forte of January 2024, the General Definitory of the Order of Friars Minor appointed Tomás Insua as a member of the Animation Committee (CA) of the General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
Between the 10th and 27th of December, 2023, six friars and a Franciscan sister spent the Christmas season with some communities in the Municipality of Puerto Leguizamo. During this Christmas apostolate led by the “Laudato Si” Movement, 150 indigenous, farmers and Afro people participated in various religious activities and shared their ancestral wisdom. This mission is one of the activities that seeks to consolidate the Ministries of the “Common Home” in the Colombian Amazon and to safeguard the culture of the inhabitants of the forest.
The Franciscan Network for Migrants of the Americas (FNM) held its annual Assembly in San Salvador, El Salvador, from 19 to 26 September.
From December 4 to 5, 2023, in the fraternity of Montariol, situated in the city of Braga, Portugal, a meeting of the offices of animation from the four Provinces that make up the (CONFRES) Conference took place. It was organized by the Secretary General for Missions & Evangelization, the Secretary General for Formation & Studies, and the animators of the JPIC offices, in collaboration with the President of the Conference of Spain and Portugal, Br. Joaquín Zurera, and the responsible Definitor General, Br. Cesare Vaiani.
From Monday 11th to Friday 15th December 2023, the members of the Animation Committee of the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation OFM gathered for their annual meeting at the Franciscan friary of St. Mary Draperis, in Istanbul, Turkey.
From November 20 to 23, the first conference of friars (brothers) responsible for Missions and Evangelization, Formation and Studies, and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of the Conference of Ministers Province of Italy and Albania (COMPI) was held at Sacrofano (Rome). More than 80 friars participated, to which were joined the Provincial Ministers responsible for the various sectors.
A tree planting campaign was organized by Br. Jean Eric Mutabazi, OFM the JPIC Provincial Director for the Province of St. Francis in Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius in collaboration with Laudato’si animators of the institute of Franciscan Brothers Disciples of the Glorious Cross as well as Gikondo parish in which the Franciscan Brothers Disciples of the Glorious Cross exercise their ministry.
On Saturday, November 18, 2023, a webinar on Pope Francis’ the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum was organized by the JPIC OFM General Office and drew participants from all over the world. This webinar was translated into three languages: English, Italian and Spanish. The moderator was Br. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco OFM, director of the General Office of the JPIC OFM.
To all the Brothers of the Order of Friars Minor Dear Brothers,
Assisi, 4th October 2023
May the Lord give you His peace!
The World Day of the Poor is again before us, the seventh so desired by Pope Francis and I would like to bring to our attention the Message that the Pope wrote for the occasion on the 13th June on the feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, brother and friend of the poor. The invitation is to read it personally and in fraternity, with our lay people and collaborators, «to discover ever anew the heart of the Gospel».
The JPIC OFM General Office participated virtually on Wednesday, November 8, in the transfer of the Executive Director of Franciscans International (FI).
A short visit to Custody of St. Anthony of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, from 22-25 October 2023, was done by Br. Taucen, OFM on behalf of JPIC OFM in Rome. The aims were to share with the friars regarding JPIC’s activities and matters, to listen to their experiences due to the JPIC animation plan, and to look forward on ongoing formation program for JPIC animators.
The meeting was held in Semarang, Central Java-Indonesia, from 16-20 October 2023, where the participants came from 60 nationalities around the globe, including a representative from JPIC Office in Rome, Br. Taucen OFM, a representative from Brazil, Br. Rodriquez Perets OFM, and a representative from Indonesia, Br. Mikael Gabra Satrio, OFM.
During the month of September, the JPIC of the Province of the Holy Martyrs of Korea carried out various activities related to climate justice. Here are some of them.
Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, OFM, as Director of the General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation and member of the Board of Directors of the Franciscan Migrant Network of the Americas (FMN), and Vianey Martínez, Executive Secretary of the FMN, participated in this Assembly.
On the 11th and 12th October 2023, at the House of Pilgrims at the Sanctuary of Mount St. Anne in Poland, the General Secretariat for Missions and Evangelization, the General Secretariat for Formation and Studies and the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, in collaboration with the President of the Conference, br. Alard Maliszewski, and in the presence of the Definitor General responsible for the North Slavic Conference, br. Konrad Cholewa, organized the meeting of all the respective Offices of the Provinces of this Conference.
The Franciscan Family of Central America held its General Assembly on the 25th and 26th of August, 2023 at the Monte Alvernia Retreat House, San Salvador, El Salvador. fr. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, Director of the JPIC General Office, was invited to share the work carried out by this Office and, specifically, on the Franciscan Network for Migrants of the Americas (FNM).
From the 6th to the 11th September, fr. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, Director of the JPIC Office of the General Curia, visited the Provinces of Santa Fe and San Pablo in Colombia.
One image that can help us interpret Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum is that of “a wakeup call.”
The Season of Creation 2023 has as a special prelude the announcement of Pope Francis who is preparing the second part of Laudato Si’. In addition, it is very likely that the Season of Creation will conclude with the presentation of the aforementioned pontifical document, on the 4th October, 2023.
The XXXVII World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal ended with the celebration of Holy Mass in Lisbon’s Tejo Park in front of one and a half million young people, priests, religious, authorities and volunteers.
On Sunday the 30th July fr. Massimo Fusarelli, Minister General, arrived in Lisbon for a meeting with the Franciscan friars and the young people of the Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM). Both groups were preparing to develop an integral ecology programme at WYD Lisbon 2023.
On Tuesday 1st August, the Patriarch of Lisbon, H.E. Card. Manuel Clemente, celebrated the Holy Opening Mass of the XXXVII World Youth Day, which takes place in Lisbon, Portugal, until 6th August. Thousands of young people from all over the world took part, gathered at Parco Edoardo VII; as part of the Integral Ecology program, 40 Friars Minor from many parts of the world have taken care of the Park and the gardens it contains.
On the occasion of the World Youth Day that takes place in Lisbon, Portugal, from the 1st to the 6th August 2023, we interviewed Br. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, OFM, Director of the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the General Curia in Rome, to illustrate the commitment of JPIC animators in the world meeting that Pope John Paul II conceived in 1985.
In the month of May this year, torrential rains flooded western and northern provinces of Rwanda triggering flash flooding and landslides which left at least 130 people dead, 18 000 people displaced, 6000 houses damaged and others facilities such as roads, bridges schools, health care centers demolished.
We Korean OFM JPIC committee held an Open Dialogue on fundraising for ‘Biscuit for Myanmar’ (Emergency Food Assistance for Myanmar refugees) from 16:00 to 18:00 on July 14 at San Damiano cafe, with KOCO (Korean Solidarity for Overseas Community Organization) as a co-organizer.
On 4-8th July 2023, at the Franciscan Spiritual Centre in Kabgayi, a town about 50 km from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, a workshop on Promoting JPIC for Every Creature was organized by Br Jean Eric Mutabazi, OFM, Provincial JPIC animator in the Province of St. Francis in Africa, Madagascar and Mauritius.
From July 2 to 4, at the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is hosting a meeting of the Alliance of Ecclesial Networks for Integral Ecology with representatives from Latin America, North America, Africa, Asia , Oceania and Europe.
From 26-29 June 2023, Br. Taucen Girsang and Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco from JPIC Office in Rome were in Geneva to participate in different sessions of the 53rd General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).
Br. Fausto Yudego, OFM and Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco, OFM, the members of the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean, already visited Marseille in France from June 17-20, 2023, to meet with both the Franciscan fraternity and the local Church from the city.
The XXIII Ecological Walk 2023 had as its motto “The Common House calls for Environmental Justice”. This is done every year within the framework of World Environment Day. It is being coordinated by the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of El Salvador (JPIC-El Salvador) together with other social and religious organizations.
On World Environment Day, we share Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 2023, published on 25 May 2023.
At the last Tempo Forte of April 2023, the Minister General, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, and his Definitory appointed Sr. Mary Frances Wangari Sebastian, of the Congregation Little Sisters of St. Joseph, as a member of the JPIC Animation Committee.
Pope Francis invites everyone to join the Laudato Si’ Week 2023, which will take place from May 21-28 with the theme: “Hope for the Earth. Hope for Humanity”.
Laudato Si’ Week 2023 will be celebrated May 21-28 with the film “The Letter” to mark the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for creation.
The Order of Friars Minor (OFM) will be present at World Youth Day, Lisbon 2023, through the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.
From 26-28 April 2023, in the Friary of St Mary of the Angels on the island of Visovac in Croatia, the Secretary General for Missions and Evangelisation, the Secretary General for Formation and Studies and the General Office for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, in collaboration with the President of the Conference, Br Marko Mrše, and in the presence of the General Definitor responsible for this Conference, Br Konrad Cholewa, organised the meeting of all the respective offices of the Provinces of this Conference.
The three-day meeting (26-28 April 2023) of the Order’s animation Offices – Secretary General for Formation and Studies, Secretariat for Missions and Evangelisation and Justice Peace and Integration of Creation – with their counterparts from the South Slavic Conference concluded with an educational trip to Krka National Park, Visovac Island in Croatia, in the presence of the President of the South Slavic Conference, Br Marko Mrše and the Definitor General, Br Konrad Cholewa.
Send us your application by 31 May!
The Second Special Autonomy and the New Autonomous Region (DOB) were enacted by Indonesian government as new policy for West Papua, Indonesia, throughout 2022. These were drawn attention from other parties because that policy created more divisions in the middle of pro and contra, including how to establish where will be the administrative capital city.
The Netherlands, a European country with about 18 million inhabitants and an area of 41,543 km2, is still one of the favorite destinations for migrants from Ukraine, Africa, Middle East and other continents.
Central loggia of the Vatican Basilica
Domenica, 9 April 2023
Dear brothers and sisters,
Christ is risen!
The first EcuFilm Fest, Cinema for Interreligious Dialogue, was held from 23 to 25 February 2023, in Meanza, the Province of Latina, Italia. At the end of the festival, Fr. Gianmaria Polidoro, OFM – a Franciscan friar who in 1984 met Reagan at the White House and also went to the Kremlin to plead for an end to the Cold War – sent letters to the Russian and Ukrainian Presidents, and to the Patriarchs of Moscow and Kyiv, to invite them to the Umbrian city.
Pope Francis has sent his response through the Vatican Secretariat of State to the General JPIC Office for the “Letter to Pope Francis. In the ten years of your ponticate, ten gifts for which to thank you”, by our Director Fr. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, OFM.
Rome, 24 March 2023. From 22 to 24 March, the Coordination Committee of the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean meeting, organised by the General Office for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), was held at the General Curia in Rome.
During the meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean, we interviewed Br Francesco Zecca, OFM, of the Oikos Project and JPIC coordinator of COMPI (Conference of Minister Provincials of Italy and Albania).
Taking place at the OFM General Curia, the meeting lasted for three days from March 22 to 24, 2023.
Rome, 22 March 2023. From 22 to 24 March, the meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean, organised by the General Office for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), is being held at the General Curia in Rome.
On Wednesday, March 15, at the OFM General Curia, Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco, OFM and Br. Taucen Hotlan Girsang, OFM of the JPIC General Office received the representatives of Franciscan Missions based in the United States of America, Br. James Gannon, OFM (Minister Provincial), Br. Andrew Brophy, OFM (Executive Director) and Br. Gil Noriega, OFM. It was a fraternal rather than a formal visit.
Dear Pope Francis, whom the cardinals as your brothers went to seek “almost to the end of the world”:
May the Lord give you peace!
On the 10th anniversary of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s election to the papacy, the Minister General of the OFM, Br Massimo Fusarelli, shared a brief reflection on Pope Francis and these ten years of his pontificate.
On International Women’s Day, we collected the testimonies of Sr Miriam Oyarzo, Franciscan Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart (FMSC), and Sr. Stella Balthasar, Franciscan Missionary of Mary (FMM), both of whom are committed to serving the most marginalised women.
The JPIC animators of the Conference of Brazil-Southern Cone met from September 12 to 15 in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, Franciscan Province of Asunción, with the objective of discussing the new organization of the conference, based on the services developed in each entity, preserving the particularity of each region and, finally, the construction of the Special Statutes (SS) of this new organization.
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the Custody of the Holy Land initiated recently encounter and dialogue, first, among the postulants in Montefalco on January 28, then, among the novices in La Verna on January 30-31.
On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, The Inter-Franciscan Commission for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation held a meeting in General Curia of the Capuchins in Rome.
On February 9, 2023, JPIC Animators came together in a virtual meeting organized by Russell Testa as the president of the English-speaking Franciscan Conference. Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco, OFM and Br. Taucen Hotlan Girsang, OFM from JPIC General Office in Rome, have participated.
On January 31, 2023, Pope Francis, during his apostolic journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo, offered a prophetic speech that we present in its entirety because of its strength and value.
Pope Francis establishes an education center on integral ecology in the papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, to promote “ecological conversion” as called for in his Encyclical Laudato si’.
With the aim of deepening the collaboration between the animation efforts of the provinces and custodies, the Conferences and the Order, Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, convoked the Secretaries for Formation and the Studies, Evangelization and Mission and JPIC Animators of the Franciscan Conference Brazil – Southern Cone to a meeting on January 27 and 28 of this year in the city of Brasilia, capital of Brazil.
No one can be saved alone.
Combatting Covid-19 together, embarking together on paths of peace
Catholic Church leaders and local change makers from nearly 30 countries gathered in Rome, Italy December 5-7, 2022, to reflect on Pope Francis’ relentless work for nonviolent change throughout his ten-year papacy; to share their own experience of nonviolent change in the face of acute violence and injustice; and to explore next steps in advancing the spirituality, way of life, strategies, and universal ethic of nonviolence in the Church and the world.
Following the International JPIC Council in Petrópolis, the members of the JPIC Animation Committee hold their second annual meeting from November 28 to December 1 at the historic convent of San Antonio, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The International Council was coming to an end. But before that, some action proposals had to be drawn up to carry out the general lines approved the day before. In the same way, Fr. Angelito presented again the draft of Petrópolis 2022 Declaration which incorporated the observations that had been made at the friars’ assembly.
On Friday, November 25, 2022, the fifth working day of the International Council, the general lines of action for the next few years were drawn up. In the first part, the friars attending the Council were divided into three language groups: English, Spanish and Italian. Then, each of the groups presented their proposals at the plenary. By the end of the morning, the general lines of action were: Conversion and Integral Ecology; Human Migration and Refugees; and Culture of Peace.
The fourth day of work of the International Council of JPIC was marked by reflection and analysis. During the morning, Br. Cesar Külkamp, OFM, General Definitor for
Latin America, presented a synthesis of the Plenary Council of the Order of 2018 and the General Chapter 2021 regarding JPIC.
On Monday, November 21st, the Internacional Council of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (CIJPIC) began its meeting in Petrópolis, Río de Janeiro, Brazil. Franciscan brothers from all continents have come together in order to evaluate the work done in each Conference or region where the Order is present and to draw up lines of action that will accompany the JPIC animators in the following years according to what the General Chapter entrusted to the JPIC general Office.
The second day of the International Council of JPIC that is taking place from November 20th to 27th in the hill town of Petrópolis, Río de Janeiro, Brazil, was marked by the presentation of the Animators’ reports from every Franciscan Conference in the world including the Holy Land.
Since the year 2007, the franciscan province of the Imaculate Conception from Brazil is present in Rocinha, one of the largest Favelas in Rio de Janeiro. To begin with this experience the participants of the International Council of JPIC, early in the morning of November 23rd began their journey.
Prior to the conclusion of the first week of COP27, the various Catholic environmental organizations and institutions convened for the first time. The Franciscan delegation comprised of OFM-JPIC, Franciscans International, and other Franciscan groups from Africa attended the COP summit. COP27 is the first COP for Catholic players as an official UN Climate Change party (UNFCCC). Since COP24, the Franciscans have constantly participated in gatherings of Catholic actors. Archbishop Nicolas Thevenin, the Apostolic Nuncio to Egypt, led the Vatican delegation that facilitated the meeting.
The first COP 27 screening of the Letter was presented by the Laudato Si Movement, the Vatican delegation, and the Senegalese government on November 10, 2022. It took place at COP27’s Blue Zone in the Government of Senegal Pavilion. Before the film was shown, Archbishop Nicolas Henry Marie Denis Thévenin, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Arab Republic of Egypt, had a roundtable conversation with Fra. Angel Cortez, OFM, the representative of the Franciscan Delegation, and with other representatives of Catholic organizations.
“Like last year, I ask each one, at least with another brother or more than one, to make a gesture of minority, of entrustment to Providence, of service and sharing with the poor. This will be the best preparation for the Centenary of the Rule and Christmas at Greccio”. This is what we read in the Letter of the Minister General Br Massimo Fusarelli on the occasion of the VI World Day of the Poor, which is celebrated this year on 13 November.
The Franciscan Delegation, represented by Friar Angelito Andig Cortez, OFM, from the Province of San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines, a member of the OFMJPIC Animation Commission and an active partner of Franciscan International, participated in the annual Talanoa Dialogue at the beginning of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from November 5 to 18, 2022.
Three franciscan brothers in Inicial Formation share their experiences working at the service of migrants.
Pope Francis receives members of the Ecclesial Coordination for the 800th...
Taucen Hotlan Girsang, OFM, of the Province of St. Michael the Archangel in Indonesia, was appointed Assistant Director of the General Office of JPIC by the General Definitory of the Order during the month of July of this year.
The past 12 of September concluded the commemoration of the “Mother Earth, Sisters Stars”, the festival dedicated to cultural, scientific, and artistic themes essentially focused on integral ecology, scientific research, astronomy and the dialogue between science and faith.
That was the title of the virtual seminar offered on September 1, 2022, by the Franciscan, Rome Office of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation.
In order to better understand the Season of Creation 2022 and to live it from our faith and spirituality, both on a personal and fraternal level, five guiding questions are presented with their respective answers and resources.
One year before World Youth Day, which will gather young people from around the world in Lisbon from 1 to 6 August 2023, the Order of Friars Minor has announced its participation in the event.
“Listen to the voice of creation” is the theme and invitation of this year’s Season of Creation.
A new team at the service of migrants in Panama: the group of volunteers joining the Franciscan Network for Migrants was born last April and has just received its first visit from the Order’s General Office for Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation. Br Jaime Campos, outgoing general animator of JPIC
Br Jaime Campos, OFM and Br Daniel Rodríguez, OFM, visited the Franciscan Province of “Our Lady of Guadalupe” of Central America, Panama and Haiti from June 5 to 24, in the context of the change of the Director of the General Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Their goal was to encourage and promote the initiatives and projects in the field of JPIC that the entity is carrying out.
Spanish-American meeting of the chapter coordinators of the Laudato Si’ Movement and JPIC Animators. LSM and Franciscans walking together.
“Out of love for the people, out of love for the river – which was a source of life for the inhabitants – we could not have been in favour of a project that aimed solely and exclusively at the economic use of water”
From May 24 to 26, Br Jaime Campos OFM and Br Daniel Rodriguez OFM, animators of the JPIC Office-Rome, held a meeting with Franciscans International, represented by its Executive Director, Br Markus Heinze OFM, and the working team. The goal was to evaluate and plan the cooperation and collaboration between the two offices and the signing of an agreement of understanding.
We are celebrating Laudato Si’ week in communion with Pope Francis from 22 to 29 May. The Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation of El Salvador received more than 40 pastoral workers from the different Franciscan presences in the region to begin the first of three JPIC workshops, focused on the Social Doctrine of the Church from the perspective of Franciscan spirituality.
The theme for the week is “Listening and Journeying Together.” Laudato Si’ Week 2022 is sponsored by the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and facilitated by Laudato Si’ Movement in collaboration with a cohort of Catholic partners.
the International Board of Directors (IBD) of FI welcomed Sister Charity Nkandu SFMA, Carolyn Townes OFS, and Brother Michael Perry OFM as new members. During their first in-person gathering since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the board also elected Brother Michael, former Minister General of the Friars Minor, as its new president.
The weeklong global event will mark the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on creation care.
The JPIC Animation Committee met in person and virtually on 22 – 25 March. Br Jacek Orzechowski, OFM from the United States, Br Daniel Rodríguez, OFM from El Salvador, and Br Francesco Zecca, OFM and Jaime Campos, OFM took part in person in the General Curia in Rome
The biblical exodus of so many refugees fleeing war helps us see with open eyes this fate that affects so many, too many people throughout the world today.
The Franciscan Justice and Peace Movement announces the activities carried out in all the departments of Bolivia where it is present. In addition, they inform us of the activities coordinated by the National Commission.
This project wanted to equip the Parish of St Francis of Assisi and the friary of St Francis with a photovoltaic solar plant for collective self-sufficiency, thus reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and increasing the possibility of saving on energy bills
Within the Movement, the Franciscan spirit led to designing a reforestation project to be implemented in the long term in the town of Copacabana, in the department of La Paz, Bolivia.
As the power of corporations has grown, so should their responsibility towards human rights and our planet. Yet the reality is that around the world, harms to people’s rights through business activities continue to take place with impunity.
Since the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 3 million people have fled Ukraine seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including Poland, Romania, and Slovakia
So, this Lent, let us, together with our Franciscan Friars in Singapore, join forces to make amends for our sins against God’s Creation – by embarking on this Lenten journey of conversion from Cosmic Dust to an Easter Garden!
I remember that it was already dark, cold, and so many people were everywhere. The students had been walking for two days and were exhausted
“The world does not need empty words, but convinced witnesses, artisans of Peace open to dialogue without exclusion or manipulation”.
Pope Francis
The brothers working in the animation services of the General Curia travelled to Colombia to participate in the meeting of Ministers Provincial and Custodes of the Bolivarian Franciscan Conference.
The voices of our brothers living on the war front reach us with all the dismay with which they are inevitably charged
Prayer, combined with fasting, is the poorest of human resources from a political point of view, but it is the most powerful if we see things from God’s perspective.
From 14 to 18 February, the organisations that are part of the CLAMOR Network, including the Franciscan Network for Migrants, met in Bogotá.
We Franciscans are following the increasing tension between Russia and Ukraine with great attention and concern. Although there have been some positive signs in recent days, the conflict is still present.
The brothers and sisters who make up the JPIC Office in El Salvador are actively committed to defending the rights of Christ, of his Church and of every human being who shares in the profound cries of our country.
The theme of the eighth International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Trafficking in Persons is “The Power of Care – Women, Economics, Human Trafficking”.
Expressing concern over the increasing tensions that threaten peace in Ukraine, Pope Francis calls for Wednesday 26 January to be a day of prayer for peace.
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually around Pentecost in the Southern Hemisphere and between 18-25 January in the Northern Hemisphere.
At Christmas, we commemorate the entry of Christ’s light into the world; he comes for everyone, not just a select few.
In the Convent of the Conception Church in San Salvador, on October 12, 1996, the JPIC Office, then known as the Office of Justice, Peace, and Ecology of the Franciscan Friars in El Salvador, was inaugurated. This past October 12, we have already commemorated, grateful to the God of life, 25 years since that event so impacting the Franciscan charism in our country.
In early December 2020, the community store “Sister Providence” opened its doors
The meeting was opened by the Minister General, Br Massimo Fusarelli. He invited the animators to change the paradigm, from the human being as dominus to the human being as frater, living in communion with all
The alliance between Franciscans International and the Franciscan Network for Migrants created this training which was offered in 2021. It was divided into two stages: 6 virtual modules and 4 face-to-face days.
As Catholics, united for our common home, we urgently ask leaders at the United Nations 26th Climate Change Conference to follow Pope Francis’ leadership in reaching a prophetic final agreement.
As Franciscans who actively participated in COP26, dreaming, hoping, and calling that COP26 will involve faith groups in climate negotiations and encourage our church leaders to walk the talk and promote ecological lifestyles
Today, the World Day of Prayer for the Poor, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development announces the launch of the next phase of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform.
The entities join Pope Francis’ call for an economy that curbs human rights and environmental violations by extractive industries.
“Grita Tierra” musical project promoted by UN Live – Museum for the United Nations in Latin America is a testimony of universal solidarity, is the result of an alliance with the OFM-JPIC Office of the Franciscans and high level artists. The project also has the collaboration of the Humboldt Institute and the support of the Hempel Foundation.
Entered his 6th day of water-only hunger strike for climate justice. He and four other members of the Youth-led Sunrise Movement for social and climate justice have been doing it in Washington DC, in front of the White House. The stakes are high.
As if watching a football match, the team set up a big screen and followed the deliberation of the UN Human Rights Council on these two important resolutions.
The Pope does not limit himself to writing a message, but meets us in the flesh, the same flesh of the poor that is the sacrament of Christ, who for love of us made himself poor and wished to be identified with the poor.
Six years after the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, it’s critical to assess progress while ramping up pledges and laying out a clear plan of action for achieving climate action goals in the short, medium, and long term.
During this pandemic, advocacy work was challenging. Franciscan International has the difficulty of bringing partners from outside Europe. On that note, they maximized the opportunity that Br. Angel Cortez, OFM was there with them.
The OFM – JPIC Office represented by Br. Angelito A. Cortez, OFM, went to Geneva, Switzerland last October 3 to 9, 2021, to visit Franciscan International for future collaboration and prepare for the preparation of Franciscan Participation in COP 26.
Nearly 200 partner organizations have been working together to shape the Laudato Si’ Action Platform
The pandemic of COVID-19 is not end yet. The damaged is already huge and disaster. Many people lost their loved ones, plenty people in the hospital, huge number of people losing their job and countless people searching for food from generous people
Holy Father Francis, His Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, and His Grace Justin Welby, archbishop of Canterbury, for the protection of Creation
On the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, various organizations together with the Franciscan Order gathered at the Alameda church to pray and invoke the Divine and reaffirm the commitment to care for the Earth.
The University of San Buenaventura- Cali section is aware of the need to promote a culture of self-sustainability, providing the planet with concrete solutions to mitigate climate change and listening to the voice of the Church.
Pope Francis calls on Catholics to join Season of Creation
We invite you to take the Laudato Si’ Animators’ Course, which is free and open to everyone regardless of your academic degree.
We Vietnamese Franciscans are doing what we can to help the poor overcome the food crisis. The JPIC Animator and the Mission Animator are working with our friars to provide foods and necessary supplies to those in need.
On July 29, the forum of ‘Gross National Happiness (GNH): Advocacy to Grassroots Development’ was held by Inter-religious Climate and Ecology Network (ICE Network). The keynote speech was given by Lhundup Dukpa from Bhutan, and guest speech by Wallapa Van Willenswaard from Thailand and Br. Aloysio Kim from the Order of Friars Minor
It recounts the engagements of FI’s team and of sisters and brothers on the ground who, throughout the pandemic, still found ways to stand up against injustices and to bring these to the attention of decision-makers
As part of a two-year synodal process, the mission, values, and structures have also been changed and improved. The movement is now called the Laudato Si’ Movement. A change that has the support of Pope Francis.
The Franciscan friars of the Province of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil are trying to develop initiatives to care for the Common Home. One of them is the São Francisco de Asís Socio-environmental Centre
Korea OFM JPIC commission visits places where justice, peace and integrity of creation have been disrupted, every year with our brothers in the first year of simple profession
Is elected as the new OFM Minister General for 2021- 2027
As part of his presentation, the Minister General invited Brother Jaime Campos, Director of the General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, to share on JPIC developments that are integral to the life of the Order.
As the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) is taking place from 21 June to 15 July, 2021, the undersigned civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations call on the UN member States through the HRC to establish at this session a new UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change.
Promoted by the Interfranciscan Service for Justice, Peace and Ecology (SINFRAJUPE) of Brazil and the Luciano Mendes de Almeida Socio-environmental Justice Observatory (OLMA), the song “Laudato Si'” was born to contribute to the Laudato Si’ Revolution Campaign.
It is with great joy that we share with you that the Pontifical University Antonianum of Rome is about to present its new program of studies: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with a specialization in Integral Ecology, as part of the 2021-2022 formation program.
The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commissions of the Franciscan Family of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, with deep sorrow we lament the death of Rev. Fr. Juan Antonio Orozco Alvarado, OFM, belonging to the Franciscan Province of Saints Francis and James in Mexico, JPIC animator and composer of the Hymn of the Revolution Laudato Si’
Korean Buddhist Action for Democracy in Myanmar and JPIC(Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) commission of Order of Friars Minor have organized the photo & painting exhibition for the resolution of the Myanmar crisis.
The night of Saturday May 29 was chosen by the organizers to carry out the closing festival of the campaign: “Praise be my Lord.”
We’re grateful to share that the Franciscan Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) plays a central role in the platform’s development as a member of the Steering Committee and Religious Orders working group.
Catholics around the world respond to Pope Francis’ call
The Laudato Si ‘Platform for Action is one of the Vatican’s efforts to advance, through the Laudato Si’ goals, the socio-economic and cultural transitions necessary for our collective flourishing.
As part of the Laudato Si Week, the introduction of the Prayer Network for the Care of Creation and the World Day of Action for our Common Home led to the conversation “Laudato Si ‘: Franciscan contemplative life”
It is beautiful, lush and green. This is how we get used to seeing forests. However, behind the scenes, a high and accelerating level of deforestation is worrying. What the eyes of the rulers do not see, little by little, has generated innumerable consequences for all of Brazil and the world.
We’ll highlight universities and institutions around the world that have made Laudato Si’ an integral part of their curricula and that are using Pope Francis’ encyclical to educate the whole person.
“The Lord’s creation is not for sale,” she said. “Let’s act now and act together.” Lebea shared her moving story on Monday during a powerful Laudato Si’ Dialogue as Laudato Si’ Week 2021 continued across the world…
We extend the invitation to participate in Laudato Si’ Week to all the fraternities of the Order through the JPIC Offices of each entity and to the Franciscan Family. The following are the initiatives that will be carried out or will be presented during the week of May 16 through 25
Religious groups in South Korea issued a joint statement on Thursday calling for the international community to take action against the ongoing violent military crackdown in Myanmar following a coup there in February.
Though the pandemic has slowed down many of the efforts of the Laudato Si’ Revolution, the Holy Name Province (New York, NY, USA) is pleased to join with a great many other religious communities, secular groups, educational institutions, and governments in divesting from fossil fuels.
Pope Francis invites all Catholics to take part in the joyful celebration, which coincides with the sixth anniversary (May 24) of when His Holiness finished writing the encyclical.
We invoke the call to defend the rights of the poor; firmly denounce all kinds of warfare and all arms races that end up affecting the poorest
In the spirit of Laudato Si’ 2021, the platform “Prayer Network for the Care of Creation”, a network of communities committed to the healing of our common home, has been created. The JPIC Office, with the support of Pro Monialibus, has invited the Poor Clares, the Capuchin Sisters and the Conceptionist Sisters to be part of this network.
To celebrate the end of the Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary Year, Pope Francis invites the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to joyfully participate in Laudato Si’ Week 2021, to be held 16-24 May.
Completed the installation of their solar panels in collaboration with WeGen Laudato Si’ as a collective response to Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’
Emergency Call to Action
Stop the Killing of Innocent Civilians in Myanmar!!!
The Poor Clare Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament, a 48-year-old monastery in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines was inspired by the encyclical Laudato Si and responded to the call of Pope Francis to transition into renewal energy.
The institute commenced their partnership initiatives during the Covid-19 lockdown to raise digital awareness of the LS Revolution campaign
Nagasaki Project is an International Franciscan Community of Peace, which basic concept is to spread and promote lasting peace in the city of Nagasaki and the world.
This commitment implies working together to promote effective programs, maintaining constant communication and ongoing training, which will be fundamental elements in this process.
This initiative is inspired by the leadership of Pope Francis, drawing from his message of integral ecology and his platform for the implementation of the Laudato Si’ Goals. Our purpose is to empower ecological spirituality as well as participation and action at the individual and community levels.
As Franciscans, we have joined this great initiative through the JPIC Office. Let us recall that on the fifth anniversary of the Encyclical, the JPIC offices of the Order and the Franciscan Family joined the “Laudato Si’ Revolution” campaign by carrying out various national, regional and international initiatives.
Our Franciscans in Myanmar have witnessed firsthand the brutality of the security forces and the insecurity this has created.
The San Francisco de la Alameda Church was one of the key areas to publicly highlight the climate crisis that affects the entire world and from there, make a powerful call to take care of our common home.
We join the Myanmar people in their struggle for self-determination under a duly elected government. We are united with them in demanding for a peaceful resolution to the military take-over.
As we draw near to March 11, 2021, the first year since the official declaration of the Sars2-COVID-19 pandemic, I invite all of you, my dear brothers, to join with the universal Fraternity of the Order for a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
The JPIC Commission of the Korean OFM Province and 17 civil society organizations were running a campaign to stop the coup in Myanmar.
The JPIC organisations of the Franciscan Family of this region got involved from September 2020 with various initiatives in the Laudato Si’ Revolution.
The present Pope remembers, that St. Francis with his beautiful song “Laudato Si’, mi’ Signore”, warned us that our common home is also like a sister, with whom we share our existence, and like a beautiful mother who welcomes us in her arms.
The Order of Friars Minor is one with the entire world and with the Holy Father in celebrating the International Day of Human Fraternity.
The Private Mixed College of Santa Clara is an educational establishment that is very aware of being part of the change needed to face the present environmental problem. For this reason it is working on the project called “The Ecological Complex of Saint Francis of Assisi”.
Even now, refugees continue to arrive almost daily, making the dangerous crossing from Turkey by the Aegean Sea. In winter the sea is very rough and many drowned.
The International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking 2021 brings into the spotlight one of the main causes of human trafficking: the dominant economic model of our time, whose limits and contradictions are exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please take a moment to read the joint statement from the leaders of the six Franciscan Provinces of Friars Minor in the United States in response to the violent events on January 6, 2021
It is with great joy to inform you that our Br. Rufino Lim Han-wook, OFM, the current Assistant in the JPIC office in the General Curia was elected Vicar Provincial of the Province of the Korean Martyrs
The Franciscan Network on Migration (RFM) extends a warm invitation to all those who are interested in serving at migrant and refugee shelters associated with our network in Guatemala, Mexico and the United States.
A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace. A culture of care as a way to combat the culture of indifference, waste and confrontation so prevalent in our time.
That Jesus whom Francis wished to see with his own eyes on Christmas night 1223 in the little remote town of Greccio. The Jesus of the First Admonition who is made flesh in Bethlehem and becomes bread on the altar through the hands of the priest.
From the JPIC Office of the Franciscan Order we send warm greetings of peace and renew our commitment to the values of justice, peace and the care for our common home for 2021. At the same time we want to share and invite you to participate in our Christmas activities 2020
The goal was to deepen the challenge that Pope Francis has made to all Christians, but especially to us Franciscans, with his encyclical Laudato si’. We thought that it could be a further way to deepen the focus in the initial formation program on the themes of justice, peace and integrity of creation, as the Ratio formationis of the Order envisions.
We are blessed and privilege that as a Franciscan family we have a voice in the United Nation through the Franciscans International. The core business of Franciscans International is human rights advocacy.
The Encyclical Laudato Si’, by Pope Francis, challenges us Franciscans in many ways. Before elaborating on this, there is something we need to remember. We have experienced many challenges in our Franciscan history, but I think they have played a positive role rather than a negative one.
This publication aims at deconstructing predominant myths about migration and human mobility more generally, from a human rights perspective.
Attention to this dimension of integral ecology is part of Franciscan identity, and therefore of our formation. It is enough to read art. 1 of our General Constitutions to understand this: it is particularly important because, at the beginning of the Constitutions, it briefly expresses our identity.
The exhibition and exchange of plants in the door and front of Lerchundi Cultural Center was one of the activities organized by the Order of fFriars Minor Justice, Peace Integrity of Creation in Larache, Morocco animated by Friar Melito Pinili, OFM
The Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in collaboration with the JPIC-Media teams offer this resource to deepen on the World Day of the Poor in four approaches: from Integral Ecology, from a contemplation of the reality, from a discernment from the brotherhood and from a commitment of being a samaritan.
Join Franciscans around the world for a conversation on: The responsibility of Business on Human Rights – Franciscan action at the United Nations from the perspective of Laudato si’
Our presence raised vital hopes. We highlight, in particular, the reality of our work with migrants, such as the delivery of food, clothing, shoes, furniture and various other private and community needs of each migrant.
In this third JPIC notebook, we focus on integral ecology. It is the revolution launched by the Pope with the encyclical Laudato Si’, and now, five years later, precisely during the pandemic, it becomes increasingly current and urgent to unleash new processes in the political, economic, social and pastoral sphere of care of our common home.
The Laudato Si’ and Integral Ecology Franciscan Online Course is offered to everyone who wants to gain insights into the major themes of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking encyclical and who desires to become a part of the global Franciscan movement towards ecological conversion and systemic change.
September 1 is the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation and the first day of the Season of Creation. As part of the Laudato Si’ Revolution, a global Franciscan campaign for integral and ecological conversion, the JPIC Office celebrates this year’s World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation with the newly released RAP SONG, “Laudato Si’ Revolution” by Br. Sandesh Manuel, OFM.
The Season of Creation is approaching — it begins on September 1st 2020, which marks the World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation, and continues until October 4th, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Ecology and Ecologists. Many Christians join in this special time to reflect, pray, and implement concrete activities that will lead humanity towards a lifestyle of solidarity that cares for our Common Home.
Following a synodal process, a new Ecclesial Conference came into being on June 29th,2020. What was the process that led to its creation? Who participates in this Conference? What prospects does the Pan-Amazonian region have? To get answers to these questions, why not participate in the online seminar?
Watch the video of the seminar …
HOMILY OF THE MINISTER GENERAL FOR THE FEAST OF THE PARDON OF ASSISI
“Praised be You, my Lord, who with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun…, through Sister Moon and the stars…
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brother Wind,…Sister Water,…Brother Fire,…
Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us…
Praised be you, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulations.”
Over the past few years, the climate crisis has demonstrated the need to look for new alternative renewable energy systems. In various countries, the Franciscan friars have been carrying out a process of energy transition in their houses, parishes and schools; the majority have opted for solar energy.
We need to create a new culture, a new civilization that gives full respect to the infinite Love and Goodness of God in Creation. Only then will we be able to sing together with St. Francis of Assisi and St. Bonaventure ‘Praised be the Lord of Creation
Spiritual orientation can also provide guidance. In this context, we could draw inspiration from those who follow the guidance of Francis and Clare of Assisi. While they lived in another century and faced other crises, social problems, and epidemics, their work may still shape our present actions.
It is with great joy that I present our annual report for 2019. In it you will find an overview of the work done by the many Franciscans who have come to the United Nations
Integral ecological conversion is one of the proposals made by the Pope in his letter, since the problems are not presented in an isolated way, but are interconnected. An integral conversion should encompass, among other things, the political, social, environmental and economic aspects.
Human rights organizations monitoring the situation on the ground estimate that over 27,000 people have been killed by security forces and vigilantes since 2016, in a campaign that has disproportionately targeted poor communities.
St. Camillus parish in Silver Spring, Maryland, staffed by Franciscan friars, is the largest and most diverse parish in the archdiocese of Washington. It is also located in the area that has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the entire Washington metropolitan region.
While our country continues to agonize because of the pandemic, we are terrified to know that our lawmakers have turned their attention more to the anti-terror bill (House Bill 6875) certified urgent and priority bill by our President Rodrigo Duterte on June 1, 2020, to amend the Republic Act 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007).
Amidst this worries and fears, JPIC-OFM Indonesia showed solidarity and empathy towards this global pandemic. Accordingly, in commemorating World Health Day 2020 on Tuesday, April 7, JPIC-OFM Indonesia managed to give away free masks to fellow citizen of Jakarta.
The rapid development of the pandemic has caused many problems, and as usual, it has affected the weakest, poorest, neediest and sickest. So, after the initial shock, many institutions started to get involved to help those who found themselves in the difficulties created by COVID-19. The new situation strongly challenged us as followers of St. Francis, who espoused Our Lady Poverty and gave us the example to follow by caring for the poor, sick and abandoned.
Dear JPIC brethren, from Guinea Bissau, I want to share with you some initiatives that have been carried out and are still ongoing in the Franciscan Mission and Parish of Quinhamel, 30 km from the capital.
For the Coronavirus emergency, which broke out here in March 2020, the Franciscan Catholic Mission used some Diocesan Caritas funds for:
Por la emergencia Coronavirus que se desató en marzo 2020, la Misión Católica Franciscana ha empleado algunos fondos de Cáritas Diocesana para:
In Morocco, the Coronavirus forced the country to declare lockdown from 20 March. This has led to the suspension of all activities; it has changed the way we live and the way people welcome us. A very strange, surreal feeling: forced to stay at home because of the danger of infection. What to do? How to organise ourselves?
• A global campaign of the Franciscan charism.
• Franciscans are launching a year of celebrations and activities to promote and live the values of the Laudato Si’ encyclical.
• They declare their grateful communion with Pope Francis and his recent designation of the “Laudato Si’ special anniversary year.”
Five years ago, Pope Francis published one of the major texts of his pontificate, the encyclical Laudato Si’. In a March video, the pope encouraged parishes and religious communities to participate in “Laudato Si’ Week”
These are opportune times to approach the Face of Christ in the needy, the unprotected, those who have no material security and live in an almost haphazard manner.
Friar Andrea Dovio, a 44 year old priest, serving as Secretary to the Provincial Minister at the Portiuncola in Assisi one day made an extraordinary request to his superior. He asked to go and serve in the fight against the novel Coronavirus in the hotbed of the epidemic in the very north of Italy.
The Order held a high-level online consultation on the Order’s response and learnings from the global COVID19 crisis. Attendees include the General Minister, Br. Michael Perry, and representatives from Missionszentrale der Franziskaner, Franciscans International, Franciscan Mediterranean Network, Franciscan Network on Migration (RFM) and representatives of the JPIC Office.
The Korean branch of the Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM Korea) comprises more than 30 local Catholic organizations, including the JPIC Commission of the Korean OFM Province, as well as hundreds of individual Catholics
In the first weeks of this crisis, we were carefully observing not only the development of the situation but also the reaction of the United Nations (UN), other human rights experts, and States. We continue to do so.
We hope you’re doing o.k. at this difficult time for people everywhere. Today is World Earth Day, and we want to invite you to join in celebrating our common home while you’re confined to your own home. Will you and the people you’re in contact with rise to the challenge of “Planting hope and harvesting joy”?
The socio-environmental crisis described in the encyclical Laudato Si’ is a challenge for humanity to restructure its ways of relating to God, to the brothers and to creation, through an ecological spirituality, which begins with the insight into the whole creation as free gift from the Creator and its interconnectedness.
“Shareholders of POSCO are not the owners of the Earth!” they shouted. The demonstrators strongly demanded the company take responsibility for the climate crisis and take immediate action on it.
As Franciscans, we must not remain on the sidelines in the peaceful, non-violent transformation but rather be active, creative and courageous participants in it.
Br. Aloysio Kim, OFM, JPIC animator of Holy Korean Martyrs Province, took part, along with other experts in medicine and epidemic, in a panel discussion on PBS, a Catholic TV channel in Korea on March 29. The title of the program was “Virus: Counterattack of Nature.”
Recently, the General Definitory approved Br. Francesco Zecca, OFM from the Assumption B.V.M Province (Italy) as a new member of the Animation Committee of the JPIC General Office.
I want to communicate with you about the Annual JPIC Course 2020, which was scheduled for this May in Manila. As the Corona epidemic has been spreading in almost all the world, the JPIC General Office was deeply concerned that our international gathering in the Philippines could risk the wellbeing of all the participants. Therefore, having consulted the General Definitory, the Office made a difficult decision to cancel the JPIC course for this year. We’re sad about the decision.
In the time of the pandemic, we remember the importance of washing our hands for public health. But we know that there are more than 2.2 billion people who don’t have access to clean water. They are denied from water, the gift of God, that is the fundamental right of humanity.
The Franciscan spirit led to the design of a long-term project of tree planting to be carried out at schools at first. Its objective was to plant 1,000 trees of native species, contributing to the identity of the people and their origins.
We are now facing unprecedented challenges with the spread of COVID19. The argument has been made that climate change has had a significant impact on the development of infectious viruses such as Coronavirus.
As Franciscans, we are called to read the signs of the times in continuous contemplation and action for the values of the Kingdom, i.e., Justice and Peace.
To celebrate the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis invites Catholic communities to participate in Laudato Si’ Week, from 16 to 24 May 2020.
“Todo está conectado (Everything is Connected).” It is the title of the book by prof. Martín Cabajo Nuñez, OFM, presented on February 27 in the Aula Magna of the Alphonsian Academy. Prof. Jules Mimeault, C.Ss.R., Vice-Principal of the Academy, recognized that this title expresses not only a theme that is a recent trend but also a commitment that makes us think about ecological issues.
As Christians, we are called to promote the values of justice, peace, truth, love and solidarity – ‘peace and all good,’” Father Verdugo said. “We have an ethical and moral responsibility to work against the anti-values of those who damage the environment.
West Papua Network in Rome is a network of the religious congregations which are present in West Papua. There, the native Papuans have been suffering from serious human rights violations since the end of the Second World War. The Catholic church has been accompanying the indigenous people mainly through the parish, education, and health care ministries.
The members of the Inter-Franciscan JPIC Commission called Romans VI met at the JPIC Office of the USG (Union of Superiors General) & UISG (International Union of Superiors General) on February 25, 2020.
The 800th Anniversary of the meeting between St. Francis and the Sultan Malek al-Kamel was celebrated in the capital of Croatia, Zagreb, and in Split, which is the second largest city. It was remembered and celebrated in Zagreb, 28 – 29 October and in Split, 24 – 29 November.
Moreover, they were reluctant to resume the proposed law made by human rights...
The weekend was for youths who, in their own way, all are potential seeds that can make a difference Iland bring about positive change in their workplace, their home and their locality. The format of the weekend was partly theoretical and partly experiencial in the form of visits to organisations that are helping the poor and support the environment.
1. The beloved Amazon region stands before the world in all its splendour, its drama and its mystery. God granted us the grace of focusing on that region during the Synod held in Rome from 6-27 October last, which concluded by issuing its Final Document, The Amazon: New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology.
There were two significant events held in Rome. Talitha Kum organized a prayer vigil on February 8 in the Basilica of San Antonio (Antonianum) and a public march on the next day from “Castel Sant’Angelo” to St. Peter’s Square. The participants in the parade also attended the Sunday “Angelus” after the march. Pope Francis announced human trafficking as “a true plague that exploits the weakest.” And he said that therefore requires “the commitment of all: educational institutions, associations, and agencies.”
The third meeting of Serata Laudato si’ took place together with the seventh celebration of the Franciscan Youth Missions in the city of Xaxim. It was promoted by the Franciscan Province of the Immaculate Conception of Brazil, bringing 800 young people together for five days to reflect on the care of our Common Home (from 29th January to 2nd February 2020).
We are glad to inform you about the international JPIC course 2020. We hold this year’s course in Manila, the Philippines, on the theme of “Promoting JPIC in times of Ecological Crisis.”
The JPIC Commission of the Province of the Holy Korean Martyrs took part in Global Catholic Climate Movement Korea (GCCM Korea). In the case of South Korea, there are more than thirty Catholic organizations, dioceses, and three hundred Catholics that take part in GCCM Korea, and it’s ever-expanding with other Catholic institutions in Korea.
It took place in a very fraternal atmosphere. It was essential to specify the objectives and decisions made at the meeting in Malta on September 6 – 8, 2019, which was the meeting of the Secretaries of Evangelization and the JPIC animators that came from almost every Entities around the Mediterranean sea to reflect on the possibility of creating this significant Network.
More than 700 young people from all over the Province (from Santa Catarina to Espírito Santo) will experience great excitement in this evangelising, formative celebration. Numerous workshops will deal with themes related to the service of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC). The goal is that they may be characterised by issues of ecology, justice, migration, respect for nature, good living and simplicity. These values are particular to the Franciscan charism and so urgent and necessary for our times.
Rap music always has something to say to listeners. A youth group of Inmaculado Corazón de María parish in Guatemala has chosen this format to spread the messages of the Encyclical Laudato si’. A song entitled Laudato si’ was born out of the project, Viico, rap crítico (critical rap). The song was composed by Br. Antonio Pedro and Br. Victor Treminio, who played harmonica, guitar and Cajon drum.
The IDPHT was first celebrated on the 8th. February 2015 at the desire of Pope Francis, who in 2014, requested the International Union of Superiors and of Superiors General (UISG / USG) to promote this day. The Secretary of State, responding to requests made by religious, who had been working for years to combat trafficking, gave approval to organizations that for years have celebrated Anti-Trafficking Day on this date.
The objectives of the activities were formation & conscientization on climate crisis for local Franciscans and others, taking acts of solidarity for climate justice, a projection for future action and celebration of the spirit of Laudato si’.
We wish Merry Christmas to all of you! We hope each of you rejoice in Peace, which is the fruit of Justice. We want to thank you all who are pursuing and promoting the values of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, especially, those who are working for migrants and refugees in the world. We all are pilgrims and strangers in this world!
The UN Climate Conference (Cop25) that began on Dec. 2 ended on Dec. 15, which was two days longer than its original schedule. The JPIC Commission of the Holy Korean Martyrs Province of Korea has participated along with its ally NGOs.
Message of his Holiness Pope Francis for the celebration of the 53rd World Day of Peace.
Thereby, we make appeal to the government of President Daniel Ortega to establish peace and the good of every one of the people without any discrimination, as it is the mission of a political leader. Let repression, impunity, violence cease, freedom, justice, and solidarity come, respect for life dawn, and forgiveness and open dialogue flourish.
In celebrating the 40th anniversary of St. Francis, patron of ecologists, the JPIC Office of the Order wanted to commemorate this date in a symbolic place for Franciscan spirituality: St. Damian’s Church in Assisi. In this small church on the outskirts of Assisi, St. Francis confronts his vocation with Christ and begins to do penance. In this same place, two years before his death, he composes the Canticle of Creatures where he synthesizes his strong human commitment to all creation to praise God.
OFM Myanmar Foundation has been actively participating in GCCM-Myanmar (Global Catholic Climate Movement) since 2017. We consider this as coordinated with the JPIC office that we serve for the common good, showing our Franciscan identity and promoting Franciscan spirituality among the people. Our main activities are organizing an Earth Hour celebration, symposium, training workshop on ‘Deep Journey into Laudato si’’ and day trip outreach program.
Each year since 1988, the world community is invited to pause for a moment to reflect on the HIV/AIDS pandemic, increase awareness and knowledge, speak out against all forms of stigma, commit to a deeper engagement, and call for an increased response to move towards ending the pandemic as a public health threat. These goals can be achieved by facilitating access to early and affordable diagnosis and treatment for all people who need it, no matter what their social or economic status might be.
It was the first climate pilgrimage prepared by the OFM JPIC Commission of the Korean Province, Green Asia, and ICE-Network since last year. The global climate crisis is already happening in the world. It’s evident when we look at wildfires in forests and droughts. And the poor and the vulnerable are crying out for immediate action for justice. However, there is no consensus in Korea on the issue. The Korean governments and the people are either ignorant or neglecting this global problem. People are struggling to survive in a fierce competition to acquire more economic prosperity rather than to feel the responsibility for the disasters, even though they are responsible for massive carbon emission and the climate crisis.
The course ‘Mimicking Natural Ecosystems – Growing Food Sustainably’ is meant to be yet another tool in the rediscovery of a better quality of life through simple and archaic processes such as agriculture. It aims at helping participants strengthen their connection to all that exists, while learning clean and sustainable ways of practicing agriculture.
“Chile’s waken up” is an anthem we have sung in the demonstrations. We sing it to tell the government, the politicians, the businessmen and all those who have allowed social inequalities that enough is enough. The social awakening is happening in various forms of demonstration, both peaceful and violent, and protests on the street and in the different churches and spiritual traditions on the days of reflection and prayer (although they are not visible by the mass media). “Chile’s waken up” is an expression of each and every citizen in the country, calling for a structural, profound transformation that would allow us to overcome injustices. But it is also no less true that if we want to ask for changes in the economic model, we must also do so in our lifestyle which is shaped by that same model, lacking fundamental human values such as equality, justice and equity. We should bring changes in a competitive, selfish, individualistic and consumerist lifestyle, changes to a collaborative lifestyle of solidarity. This movement means waking up to get out of oneself by opening to a more fraternal (serving each other) social coexistence.
Throughout the pilgrimage, all the participants have prayed for the genuine Peace in the world, keeping in mind the fact that today’s world needs the interreligious and intercultural dialogue and that our vocation lies in the fraternal attitude of openness that shines through in the life of Jesus Christ and St. Francis.
On 2 October, West Papua Network in Rome organized the seminar “West Papua, a Neglected Heaven – Justice and Human Rights based on the Gospel value” at Augustinianum in Rome to address the issue of human rights violation of indigenous West Papuan people.
From October 25 to 27, 2019, the first JPIC Commission Worshop was held in Calpan, Puebla (Mexico). The objective was to let the wider Franciscan family of the Holy Gosepl Province (Mexico City) gain a deeper insight into JPIC as well as its three main lines of action: Laudato si’, migration and extractivism.
How many times do we see poor people rummaging through garbage bins to retrieve what others have discarded as superfluous, in the hope of finding something to live on or to wear! They themselves become part of a human garbage bin; they are treated as refuse, without the slightest sense of guilt on the part of those who are complicit in this scandal. Frequently judged parasites on society, the poor are not even forgiven their poverty. Judgment is always around the corner. They are not allowed to be timid or discouraged; they are seen as a threat or simply useless, simply because they are poor.
After a long synodal journey of listening to the People of God in the Church of the Amazon, which Pope Francis inaugurated during his visit to the Amazon, 19 January 2018, the Synod took place in Rome in a fraternal gathering of 21 days in October 2019
We deeply regret and at the same time denounce that in the last days we have been victims of acts of violence, reflecting religious intolerance, racism, oppressive attitudes, affecting especially the indigenous peoples: a refusal to build new paths for the renewal of our Church.
A three-day JPIC Seminar on the negative impacts of extractive industry and the response of the Catholic organizations was convened by the JPIC Office of the UISG (International Union of Superiors General) at the Casa La Salle in Rome on September 25 – 27. May have joined on behalf of their religious and secular organizations to share experiences and propose joint actions to the dangerous threats of mining companies.
The Order (through its JPIC Office), together with the Pontifical University Antonianum, The World Catholic Movement for Climate (WCMC), and the Ecclesial Network “Red Eclesial Panamazonica” (REAPAM), put together a seminar of reflection and listening. The intention is to contribute to the synodal process, by raising the various issues that affect the entire Amazon region.
Today, at a powerfully symbolic event held in the Vatican Gardens, Pope Francis planted a tree alongside Amazonian leaders from Brazil and dedicated the upcoming Synod on the Amazon to St. Francis of Assisi.
The OFM East Asia Conference JPIC Animator and member of the JPIC Animation Committee of the Order, Br. Angelito Andig Cortez, OFM, received the Icon of Francis and Clare for the Laudato si’ Pilgrimage, on September 30, 2019, in the General Curia, Rome. It was a turnover by the JPIC General Animator, Friar Jaime Campos, OFM, and witnessed by the General Definitor for Asia and Oceania, Br. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM. After visiting 18 countries in Latin America, the icon will now go on Pilgrimage to the different countries and OFM entities in Asia.
Pope Francis will host a celebration in the Vatican Gardens during which an oak tree from Assisi will be planted, as a visible sign of integral ecology. The event will see the participation of indigenous leaders and Church leaders, sending a powerful message to the world about the Church’s commitment to the care of our common home.
It is good to remember that St. Francis himself sent his friars out “two by two” recommending that they announce peace and penance (cf. 1Cel 29). This confirms the missionary dimension of our charism that urges us to go forth towards our brothers and sisters of the whole world, coming to them in a unique way, preaching with our form of life and action in favour of reconciliation, peace, justice and respect for creation (cf. GGCC 1:2). This challenges us today more than ever in the context of the climate crisis and the migratory crisis in which we live, and the Church invites us not to be indifferent.
Alex, three years old, lives in a gypsy camp in Giugliano in Campania, a few kilometers from Naples. Since May, water and electricity have been cut off, forcing him and the other 400 people in the camp to live in a situation of extreme poverty and marginalization. According to their stories, the institutions would refuse to recognize their presence. And there have been attempts to clear the field against their will. There have been solidarity and support for them. People like Br. Enrico, who choose to dedicate themselves to those who were in need and bring some relief into their lives, so stressful and tiring.
Nesakkaram-SEEDS, a Franciscan NGO serving in Chennai celebrated on 21 September 2019 the 800th anniversary of St. Francis meeting the Sultan. Nesakkaram which celebrates the “Women Cultural Fest’’ annually thought it fitting to remember this year the great historical event of St. Francis meeting the Sultan and thus spread the flavor of peace and dialogue among the people of various religions.
A year ago, prompted by the social and cultural situation that was spreading throughout Italy and in much of the West, the Franciscans felt called to question in a concrete manner those signs of fraternity characteristic of our Order. To this end, the idea of establishing a “Franciscan Network of the Mediterranean” has matured. As Friars Minor we strongly feel the responsibility and urgency to trigger processes shared fraternally between peoples and cultures that face the Mare Nostrum
In the past few months, we have seen the planet earth burning with numerous wildfires in different parts of the world, exacerbating the climatic emergency that we live today.
Pope Francis, in the encyclical Laudato si’, invites the entire human race to hear the cries of the poor since they are the most affected by the climate crisis.
A conference on “Voices from the Amazon: Land, People, and Religion” will spark deep conversations and ideas on 5 October, one day before the synod begins.
The conference will include Mons. Hector Cabrejos, OFM, President of the Episcopal Conference of Latin America, Br.Michael Perry, General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor, Patricia Gualinga, Sarayaku Leader, Ecuador, and many more.
The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for many different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for the challenges and increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.
Please join us for “The Amazon: our Common Home”, a compelling event series that brings the Amazon to Rome for the bishops’ synod on the Amazon. Across eight countries with approximately 400 indigenous communities and millions of people, the Amazon is a place where the Creator’s glory is revealed.
“Living Franciscan humanism in today’s European context: Go and repair my house” was the topic of the VII Continental Meeting of JPIC European Animators.
In the retreat house “Porziuncola” in Malta, there was the meeting of 25 brothers working for the animation of the values of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) in the European continent. The meeting started with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided by Br. Richard Stanley Grech, OFM, Provincial Minister of the Province of St. Paul in Malta.
We hope that we can count on your support to help carry this initiative, to have your bell(s), … ring in your towers, belfries, carillon, churches, communities, institutions – a call or another sign – on Friday 4 October 2019 at 14.00 hrs. to give a hopeful sign of prayer, peace and reconciliation among all people of goodwill throughout the world.
Almost more than half a million migrant workers, who live in and around the city of Chennai, are unskilled workers. Migrants who come to the city of Chennai are typically at the receiving end of misplaced bias, such as loud, sexually open, dirty and so on. In workplaces, migrant labor is often deprived of the most necessary and essential of amenities such as a clean toilet, drinking water, and a place to rest. It is perhaps not news that migrants are taken for granted and the accounts show that there is a long way to go before migration with dignity is achieved.
The aim of these camps is to lead young people to an encounter with God through Sister-Mother Earth, by means of Franciscan spirituality and the values of JPIC. To achieve this the young people are brought into an environment which promotes more direct contact with nature and for this reason the site for the camp is carefully selected.
The Franciscan Province, “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe” of Central America, Panama and the Foundation of “La Santa Cruz” in Haiti, has the JPIC Commission in the Province, which consists of a friar appointed for animation and coordination in each region of the actions of JPIC, together with the Franciscan Family. The Province has an evangelization project that includes four points for JPIC animation. They are, firstly, JPIC in initial and ongoing formation (formation program), secondly, JPIC in each evangelization settings (parish, rectory), thirdly, JPIC in the schools of the Province, and fourthly, JPIC office in each country. Even if there are JPIC teams of the Franciscan Family in some states of Central America, it’s essential to have an office in each state.
From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate.
A cycle rally was organised by the friars in Chennai, South India on the 7thof July for the cause of water and land, and around 250 children and youth had participated in this event. They covered up around 20 km of distance in and around Madhavaram, Chennai and the neighbouring area holding posters with slogans “Save water and it will save you later; No water no life; Water is life, Treat it Right; Reuse the Past, Recycle the present, Reduce pollution in the future…”
The tragedy of Venezuela happens at all levels: social, cultural, political and economic. However, in the face of so much human pain, we choose to focus on various action alerts. We decry the ecological destruction and its impacts on our suffering people. We deplore a decline in the public services, the high cost of economic activities, and poor public administration. Besides the corruption in the regions, the rural populations living far from the capital are the most affected. Unlike the outside areas, the city of Caracas enjoys the nearly uninterrupted public services. Over the years, numerous official grievances have been made by the environmental groups, indigenous communities and other entities about the excessive growth of illegal mining in the Amazon.
Br. Joseph Nangle belongs to the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) and has served as a missionary in Bolivia for over 15 years, was another 12 years the co-director of Franciscan Mission Service and last Thursday he was arrested, along with 70 other Catholics, for protesting against the immigration policy of the government of Donald Trump. Brother Joseph was kind enough to answer some questions for pazybien.es and highlights the serious situation in which migrants live due to current measures in place by the US administration
The objective of this Alliance, as expressed in the agreement, is to promote a systemic, cultural and spiritual change that should be translated into economic and political transformations in the face of the current climate crisis. By doing so, the adherent 21 organizations have expressed their willingness to put themselves at the service of the community and facilitate links that can generate public-political influence from their respective identities.
One such support came from the Franciscan Family Chennai (FFC). An Inter-Religious Floral Tribute to the victims of bomb attack as well as to show our unity beyond boundaries of religion, caste and race were organized on the 28th of April 2019.
On the first day of the Meeting, the JPIC projects of both schools that belong to the Franciscan Province of the XII Apostles in Perú were exhibited. It should be noted that JPIC values have been presented transversally within the educational institutes. The creation of JPIC Commissions in each school has allowed the development of valuable programs that are aimed at the students and their families for the care of creation.
And that’s why António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, has called for the UN 2019 Climate Summit on September 21 – 23 in New York with the theme, ‘A Race We Can Win. A Race We Must Win.’ The Church also resonates to this call. The Pope, too, declared a global “climate emergency.” He said that a failure to act urgently to reduce greenhouse gases would be “a brutal act of injustice toward the poor and future generations.”
The 35th National Assembly of the Franciscan Movement of Justice and Peace was held at San José de Tarata Convent, near the city of Cochabamba. The Meeting brought together 52 people from the JPIC departments of La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Sucre, Oruro, Trinidad, Potosí and Tarija. The theme of the Meeting was “Faith and Politics,” given the upcoming presidential elections that will take place in Bolivia this October.
When the episode in the life of Francis related to his encounter with the Crucifix of San Damiano, and the task with which he was entrusted, “Go and rebuild my house which is falling into ruins”, is raised, almost always if not always, there is a reference made to the fact that the Church of that time, at least in respect of the temporal power it wielded, lived in luxury and was certainly not an example of integrity and in keeping with the Word which it was announcing.
We leave at your disposal the recent edition of JPIC Newsletter “CONTACT"...
Starting from this perspective it is good that we ask ourselves about our Eucharistic celebrations, our participation in the Eucharist, our ability to adore the Divine Mystery present in the Eucharist. But starting from this perspective it is good that we also ask ourselves about our relationship with life, with the world, with creation and with all creatures, which in the Eucharist begin to experience the deification movement that began with the Easter event the Paschal mystery of Jesus Christ?
On the occasion of World Environment Day, June 5, the friars participated in some activities to mark the day. In the formation house in Chimoio City, the friars and the students participated in an environmental campaign to plant trees. The ceremony was held in one of the primary schools around the city.
On May 27, days before Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard traveled to Washington to begin negotiations with the United States regarding the tariff threat, the Assistant Secretary for Border Affairs, Migrants and Human Rights of Tabasco, José Ramiro López Obrador, announced the deployment of 100 agents of Federal Police and 100 troops of the SEDENA (Secretariat for National Defense) in Tenosique to “reinforce the tasks of the National Migration Institute.” The Federal Police had already been operating for 17 days in Tenosique at the time of the announcement.
In conclusion to this wonderful experience of friendship and dialogue, I must say, first of all, that I have witnessed what Laudato si’tells us about our faith and science, i.e. we should also relate our faith with science. Secondly, Carceri and Sacro Bosco are a part of our rich Franciscan heritages. St. Francis and his followers were very much in communion with nature and made it home of encounter with God. For us Franciscans, we can develop here a project of Franciscan ecological spirituality and ministry. We can utilize the sacred sites in nature for our formation in Franciscan ecological spirituality and for visitors and pilgrims as well. With the various species of plants, trees, shrubs, and herbs, rock formations, landscapes, and the whole ecosystem, it will be a venue for scientific studies and its integration with our faith, awe, and spiritual aesthetics.
The JPIC Animation Committee of the Order of Friars Minor gathered in Jericho from June 10 to 14, 2019, soon after the International Council for JPIC in Jerusalem. The Animation Committee had a very good dialogue with the JPIC Commission of the Custody of the Holy Land headed by Br. Giorgio Vigna, OFM. The encounter between the two highlighted the works of the brothers in the Holy Land working for JPIC, especially with their ministry of presence and dialogue. The JPIC General Animator expressed his gratitude for the recently concluded International Council in Jerusalem with all the organization and logistical preparations that the Custody did for the friars. After which the four members of the Animation Committee were accompanied by Br. Mario H’dchity, OFM to proceed to Jericho for their meeting.
The Synod for the Amazons is a reflection on these problems that currently represent the life of the Church. There have been many meetings around these themes, hopefully producing more than just documents that diagnose this region. This Synod is provoking new paths, new models of evangelization for facing the challenges of mission, especially in the Amazon region.
The Custody of the Holy Land hosted the two-yearly planning meeting of the International Council of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the Order of the Friars Minor from 3rd to 10th June 2019.
The JPIC Office has always dealt with everything concerning Justice, Peace and the Integrity of the Creation, recognized as founding values of Franciscan spirituality. These values are also to be found in the fight against climate change, the protection of Human Rights and special attention to the problems and real violations existing in the 119 countries where the Order is present and works. “This meeting,” said Fr. Jaime Campos, Director of the General Office for JPIC, “allows us to evaluate the work that has been done and to plan, with our discussions, future work with constant attention to the contents of the “Laudato Si’” Encyclical”.
Br. Giorgio Vigna was the first Christian religious honored in these ceremonies and received this tribute in his name but also, as declared by the organizer of the event Yshai Menuhim, in recognition of the constant commitment of the Franciscan Custody for human dignity.
The JPIC Office was invited to present a report on the JPIC promotion work in the Order and perspectives for the future. We have informed the presidents about the JPIC work in each Conference, giving each of them a detailed Conferential report of the last two years. Likewise, we present some concrete proposals to carry out the document of the Plenary Council of the Order from the perspective of JPIC.
Greta has become the symbol of the struggle of youth that claims intergenerational responsibility and a minimum of consciousness for future generations. Pope Francis has put some open questions about our current lifestyle 4 years ago. “What kind of world do we want to leave to those who come after us, to children who are now growing up? This question not only concerns the environment in isolation; the issue cannot be approached piecemeal. When we ask ourselves what kind of world we want to leave behind, we think in the first place of its general direction, its meaning and its values.” (LS n.160)
In 1982, Br. Dionysius Mintoff, OFM, of Malta, and Sister Elisabeth Cameron, OSF, of USA, wrote to the Franciscan family in the United States about the possibility of a Franciscan presence at the United Nations. It ledto a joint project of the Franciscan Family, which resulted in the creation of the Franciscan Non-Governmental Organization, Franciscans International, for cooperation with the United Nations. Its vision statement identified three main goals: to be aware of the interconnectedness of the entire creation and thus of the commitment to the environment, the commitment to peace and the poor. Later, a conference of the Franciscan Family has been organized in our General Curia, set up by our Office of Justice and Peace, to spread the idea within the Franciscan Family. This is how “Franciscans International,” which was formerly a grassroots organization of Franciscans with a small office in New York, has begun. Later, the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) assumed the patronage as the official organ of the six General Ministers, those of the three First Orders, TOR, the Franciscan sisters and OFS. Franciscans International seeks to bring spiritual, ethical and Franciscan values to the United Nations and other international organizations.
Warm Franciscan greetings to all! It is our pleasure to write to you during the 30th Anniversary celebration of Franciscans International (FI).
As you know, FI is the only common ministry project of the Franciscan Family. It was created thirty years ago from the grassroots up, based on the vision of various sisters and brothers who were inspired by a dream of sharing our Franciscan message and values at a global level through the structures of the United Nations (UN). In the last three decades FI has undergone various changes, but it has continued its commitment to serve peace, the poor and the planet.
“It is beautiful,” said the Pope to his guests of MZF, “how you, as a community of religious brothers and committed laities, address all people of good will in the world to motivate them to help the poor, the needy and the marginalized to a better future.”
On Saturday, April 6, 2019, the Pope has met the staffs of the MZF on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the relief organization. More than twenty staffs of the MZF General Office, together with its first director of many years, Fr. Andreas Müller, and the current president, Fr. Matthias Maier, participated in the audience of the Pope.
This year, with the theme that concerns us, the Culture of Encounter, we want to take up the words of Pope Francis in front of the presidential palace at the opening of his visit to Colombia in September 2017.
On May 3, Pope Francis has received the photos with the names of the 270 people killed, the crime of the Vale from Dari Pereira, survivor of the crime of the Vale in Brumadinho and Fr. Rodrigo Peret, OFM of Churches and Mining Network and Mining Working Group of the CNBB.
The Pope was deeply moved for the victims, blessed the photos and expressed his solidarity to the families who lost their loved ones and all those affected. Immediately the Pope remained in front of the photos in a gesture of affection, respect and solidarity. On May 18, a representative of the Pope, Monsignor Duffé, will be visiting Brumadinho and getting to know the reality and the struggle of those affected.
Samir became an accountant and married Houda Kalala who was a French Teacher at Kilikia Armenian High School. They lived happily in Aleppo with their 4 beautiful children. Tragedy struck on Good Friday (12thApril 2014) with the bombing of their city in the Syrian Civil War. Many lifelong friends and family died on that fateful day. Miraculously, the family managed to escape to another Syrian city and later fled to Lebanon where they applied and were granted a visa to Australia.
Br. Evaldas Darulis OFM, from the Province of St. Casimir in Lithuania was recognized for his efforts to encourage Christians to be more respectful and nondiscriminatory towards LGBT+ persons.
On March 27 – 29, 2019, a symposium on mission and development was held...
It is with great pleasure that I share with you, on behalf of Franciscans International, a short reflection on “The Works of Mercy and Human Rights” based on the “Mandala” of Saint Nicolas de Flue. May this text provide a source of spiritual nourishment for you and your community on your Lenten journey!
On March 24, 1980, St. Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez was martyred while celebrating the Eucharist. It is fitting that during March, the month of his death, we remember that day on October 14, 2018, when Pope Francis canonized him in St. Peter’s Square along with Pope Paul VI, Sr. Nazaria Ignacia March, Sr. María Caterina Kasper, Fr. Francesco Spinelli, Fr. Vincenzo Romano, and layman, Nunzio Sulprizi. That event caused many from around the world to rejoice, especially those who identify themselves with either Romero’s strong testimonials or with the way he followed the Lord. Here are a few reflections from Bishop Romero that can help us in our work as Friars Minor, especially in our work with JPIC.
“Even as the quality of available water is constantly diminishing, in some places there is a growing tendency, despite its scarcity, to privatize this resource, turning it into a commodity subject to the laws of the market. Yet access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise of other human rights.
During the World Youth Day in Brazil, 2013, Pope Francis visited a hospital that is under the care of the Fraternity Saint Francis of Assisi in the Providence of God. During this visit, Pope Francis, in a conversation with Fr. Francisco Belotti (Superior General), asked him if the Fraternity had a presence in the Amazon, and encouraged them to carry out some project in the region. After that, the friars were motivated to attend to this request and presented the model of what would be a “hospital ship” to the Holy Father in the Vatican on November 5, 2018.
The Maltese OFM Province of St Paul the Apostle has teamed up with the Centre for Environmental Education and Research of the University of Malta, and the Interdiocesan Commission for the Environment to launch a course designed to inspire and empower participants in taking a stand on sustainability, both in their personal lives and in their communities.
The JPIC Office in Rome has planned a series of webinars for 2019 on the four...
Here is a girl from Sweden. Her name is Greta Thunberg. She is 16 years old. She started her solo protest of “School Strike for the Climate” in front of the Swedish parliament on August 20, 2018. The slogan of her Friday protest was “Why Study for a Future We Might Not Have?”
The Pontifical Antonianum University has recently put the fruits of four interdisciplinary seminars on integral ecology, held in the last two years to productive use.
Subsidy for Formation. The booklet consists of six themes that address the event of the crusade, the encounter between St. Francis and the Sultan of Egypt, the recall of the 800 years of unfinished history, the fruitfulness in following Jesus and the spirit of mission
The products are used in the friary kitchen and also to feed the poor who seek help from the various religious houses in the area. The project has stimulated ecological interest by young and old alike. Today many groups from schools visit the Franciscan agricultural project. Surely this is very positive and encouraging signal for the future.
The General Minister together with the General Definitory recently appointed a new member of its Animation Committee. Br. Angelito Andig Cortez, OFM. He belongs to the Province of San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines. Having made the solemn profession in 2015, he has been deeply involved in the various JPIC ministries leading many international as well as regional campaigns.
During the retreat, the volunteers were asked when was the last time we encountered God through nature. When have we stopped to deliberately be in silence? When was the last time we reflected on the impact of human activity to a tranquil nature?
Laudato si’ will be celebrated in three zones: Parque Omar, Colegio Internacional Maria Inmaculada and various Youth Festival stages. Through these exhibitions, pilgrims will be encouraged to commit to living Laudato si’ and start conversations on ecological conversion to recognise God in creation in their own countries.
On 1 September 2026, together with Br. Albert Sibusiso OFM, Secretary of the...
Br. Taucen Hotlan Girsang, OFM, visited Franciscan fraternities around Johannesburg to learn about their pastoral work, JPIC initiatives and responses to social challenges.
JPIC y formación franciscana se unen en un taller con doce novicios de América Central y el Caribe celebrado en República Dominicana.
