Twenty-one novices from the Province of St. Francis (Kenya) and ten from the Autonomous Custody of Our Lady of Kibeho (Burundi-Rwanda) participated in an intensive course on the Franciscan commitment to Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC), reaffirming the essential dimension of these values within the Franciscan charism.
From the 2nd-7th January 2026, in Rwanda, a total of 31 Franciscan novices experienced two weeks of formation focused on the spirituality and mission of the Order of Friars Minor regarding justice, peace, and care for creation.
Franciscan formation from the sources and the local context
The course was led by Fr. Jean Eric Mutabazi, OFM, Custodial Animator of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and member of the Animation Committee, who guided the participants in a profound reflection based on Franciscan sources, the local sociocultural context, and concrete life experiences.
During the sessions, the novices understood that Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) is not an optional or secondary dimension, but rather forms part of the very essence of the Franciscan charism, just like prayer, fraternity, humility, and mission.
As the Guidelines for the Animation of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (n. 24) point out, these values “permeate all aspects of our lives” and guide the Order’s evangelizing presence in the world.
St Francis and St Clare: Prophets of peace and ecological conversion
The programme included a historical and spiritual reflection on St Francis and St Clare as prophets of peace, as well as on the Franciscan commitment to socio-environmental justice throughout the centuries.
Participants also explored the current urgency of peace and ecological conversion, discerning the Franciscan response to contemporary challenges marked by conflict, inequality, and the environmental crisis.
Furthermore, the programme presented the spirit of collaboration that should exist between the Office of JPIC, the Secretariat for Formation and Studies, and the Secretariat for Mission and Evangelization, promoting the integration of these values across all structures of the Order.
A renewed commitment to the franciscan mission
The course concluded with a final evaluation in which the novices shared their experiences. Many acknowledged that they were not fully aware of the central place that justice, peace, and care for creation occupy within Franciscan spirituality.
With enthusiasm, they expressed their commitment to promoting these values in their daily lives, integrating them into their formation process and future ministry.
This formation experience in Rwanda confirms the importance of strengthening initial Franciscan formation from the perspective of Justice, Peace, and Integration (JPIC), ensuring that new generations of friars live and proclaim the Gospel with a clear awareness of their responsibility for social justice, peacebuilding, and the care of our Common Home.
Fr. Jean Eric Mutabazi, OFM
Custodial Animator of JPIC
Member of the Animation Committee
