On 1 September 2026, together with Br. Albert Sibusiso OFM, Secretary of the JPIC Commission, Br. Taucen attended the meeting of the JPIC Commission of the Province “Our Lady Queen of Peace” in Besters. They also participated in the Eucharistic celebration at St. Joseph Theology Institute (STJI) in Hilton, Durban. The following day, 2 September, they held a meeting with the friars in formation at the Formation House in Hilton, Durban.
The JPIC Commission meeting was led by Br. Mawetu OFM, the main coordinator of the JPIC Commission, and was attended by Br. Makhomba OFM, a member of the Commission; Br. Albert Sibusiso OFM, Secretary of the JPIC Commission; and Br. Taucen OFM from the General JPIC Office in Rome.
In this meeting, Br. Sibusiso presented several initiatives already planned by the Commission in preparation for the Jubilee of the Transitus of St. Francis of Assisi. These include tree planting, a week-long symposium, and a recollection for the feast of the Transitus involving Franciscan religious and members of the Secular Franciscan Order. Br. Taucen shared about the principal tasks of a JPIC animator, namely animation in the areas of formation, coordination, collaboration, and communication. He also explained how the General JPIC Office is working to strengthen and develop the Franciscan Network in the regions of the Americas, Mediterranean, Asia, and Africa.
At the moment of the open dialogue, three main points were identified for further action. First, the JPIC Commission needs to materialize its existing plans and communicate its activities more effectively to the friars. Second, the Commission proposed developing a pig-farming project as a means of producing biogas. Third, JPIC activities could also serve as an opportunity for Franciscan vocational promotion and outreach to young people interested in Franciscan life.
In the afternoon, Br. Sibusiso and Br. Taucen joined the Eucharistic celebration at St. Joseph Theology Institute (STJI) for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. Many students from different religious congregations participated in the celebration, including several religious sisters. During the Mass, the main celebrant highlighted the connection between faith and care for creation, emphasizing that authentic Christian faith should lead people to take concrete action for environmental justice and peacebuilding. The celebration provided an opportunity for the participants to deepen their awareness that care for our common home is an integral part of Christian discipleship.
On the following day, Br. Taucen had the opportunity to meet with the friars in formation at the Formation House in Hilton. During the session, he introduced the values of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and explained why these values are important to the Franciscan Order, describing them as part of the Order’s “DNA.” Br. Taucen shared examples of how Franciscan brothers around the world are actively engaged in JPIC ministry: praying and working for peace, caring for the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, accompanying and assisting migrants in the Americas and the Mediterranean, serving people in refugee camps in Africa, and advocating for the right to a healthy environment in Asia.
There was a space for dialogue, and the students raised an important question: How can we become involved in JPIC, and how can we encourage others to participate in JPIC activities? In response, Br. Taucen emphasized that awareness and sensitivity to social and environmental realities are the basic foundations of JPIC engagement. JPIC begins with the willingness to respond whenever we encounter injustice and suffering: to act when we see social injustice, to care when we see our common home being exploited, and to stand in solidarity when we encounter victims of war and conflict. For Franciscan friars, JPIC is therefore not simply an additional activity or programme, but a way of living the Gospel according to the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. It calls every friar to see the reality around him with compassion, to discern what action is needed, and to respond concretely in fraternity and solidarity.
