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FI Annual Report

6/22/2015

Franciscans International has published its 2014 Annual Report. Read all about what the organisation has achieved including the "historic step... in the area of business and human rights, as an intergovernmental working group prepares to negotiate a legally-binding instrument to hold businesses to account for human rights abuses."
There is a short section dealing with Canada's responsibility for the environment and human right's abroad (see page 19). In July 2015, Canada will be reviewed by the UN Human Rights Committee for its compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, an important human rights Treaty.

You can download the report here.

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Laudato si' - Fr. Robert Barron's initial perspective

6/19/2015

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"...let us be “protectors” of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment."
HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS, Saint Peter's Square, Tuesday, 19 March 2013, Solemnity of Saint Joseph

During the JPIC seminar, Eastern Regional Elective Chapter in Cacouna 2014, we remembered St. Francis' example of using "brother" and "sister" for elements of nature and noted how that approach transforms our relationship with the cosmos. When we are conscious that we are temporarily gifted with the animate and inanimate for as long as we live here on earth, we learn to respect and appreciate with conscience.

In the face of modernity and the current notion of manipulating and mastering nature, Fr. Robert Barron's initial overall sense is that the Pope is bringing us back to our roots: a cosmological sensibility, a keen sense of "Creator God" where everything and everyone is related and interdependent. Fr. Barron promises more when he has had time to study the document further. In the meantime, he shares some key quotes from St. Francis, Pope Francis and our two previous popes on "Sharable Graphics".

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Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes - Laudato si'

6/18/2015

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[St. Francis] "...shows us just how inseparable the bond is between concern for nature, justice for the poor, commitment to society, and interior peace. ... Today, however, we have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

The Pope's encyclical was published today. You can download it here in .pdf

For the official presentation of this important document, addressing different audiences, please see this video from the Vatican.

The 184-page document is creating quite a stir around the world. It will take time to read, digest, fully understand and appreciate the importance of this long-awaited, well-researched and well-written document. We wish you blessed reading, guided by the love of the triune God. You can also download the 8-page Press Guide here.

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Laudato sii

6/8/2015

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Personal preparation for the encyclical: 3 prayers:

It is widely reported that Pope Francis' much expected encyclical on the environment is due to be published on the 18 June 2015 with the title "Laudato sii", reminding us of "The Canticle of Creatures".

In preparation for this anticipated encyclical, Development & Peace has posted an adaptation of CAFOD's Question & Answer document which we urge you to download and read. It will help with answering questions you may have or get as well as manage expectations about the upcoming encyclical the bishops will receive from His Holiness, the Pope.

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FI Annual Report

Laudato si' - Fr. Robert Barron's initial perspective

Peace, justice and the preservation of creation are three absolutely interconnected themes - Laudato si'

Laudato sii

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