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.
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”?
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.