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Franciscans International, a voice at the United Nations making human rights work for people in extreme poverty
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OFM JPIC is the General Office for justice, peace and integrity of creation

The story of frei Luiz, friar and bishop in North-east Brazil

June 8, 2022 - OFM JPIC
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When I started the first fast in 2005, I was not yet known. At first, many thought I was crazy, but then the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) leadership came out in my favour. Then there was a division between those who supported our struggle and those who were against the struggle”. These are the words of Bishop Luiz Flávio Cappio, Brazilian Franciscan bishop of the Barra diocese, who hit the front pages of Brazilian newspapers and the world in 2005 and 2007 with two hunger strikes in protest against the Brazilian government’s project to divert the São Francisco River.   Read more...

Holy Spirit Province Easter 2022

April 17, 2022
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Let Us Dare to Be Reborn!
Happy Easter!
 
This year, all that is happening on a global level leads us to turn to the Resurrected Christ to ask him for healing and peace. The war in Ukraine, the upheaval of a sixth wave of COVID-19, economic uncertainty… these are just a few examples of distressing situations before which we may feel powerless.      See the newsletter

Resilience: Death does not have the last word, life prevails

April 14, 2022 - Franciscans International
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"The crosses that our peoples carry on their backs and that bend their bodies, these crosses have made spirituality an expression of life and resilience, towering like a tree – not one of death, but of life. A tree that awakens, blooms, and produces juicy fruits. It is the wives, daughters, and mothers of those that came before us who weave and raise this cross of resilience as a sign of life."
 

- Brother Juan Rendón OFM
Dear sisters and brothers, dear friends,

This card, titled “Resilience: Death does not have the last word, life prevails” was painted for Franciscans International by Brother Juan Rendón OFM from Colombia.

On behalf of Franciscans International I wish you a blessed Easter!

Fraternally,

Markus Heinze OFM
Executive Director

Easter Greetings from the Minister General

April 12, 2022 - OFM Conventual
Dear Brothers:
                It is Easter, when Christ breaks the chains of death and rises triumphant from the grave (cf. Exultet). It is the Passover of the Lord; it is the ultimate truth of creation. The Risen One has the power to shed light on the contradictions and woes within us and to overcome the great abysses  
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 that cut through our history today.
                Indeed, the world seems to keep giving space to situations inspired by evil; situations whose impact strikes first and hardest at the weakest people: the subjugated peoples, the people whose nations are pushed into war by the ambitions of some powerful invader, the people who are forced into emigration and exile, the people who suffer from the proliferation of ethnic and civil wars, often fomented by arms dealers, the people affected by corrupt leadership, the people whose countries are economically and culturally dominated by others, the children deprived of their future, the people whom others regard as “useless,” the defenseless who are slaughtered without mercy, and so on.
                                                                       Read the full letter

​Br. Massimo Fusarelli: I would like to renew our solidarity with our brothers in Ukraine with this letter

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The Minister General wrote:
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Rome, 25 March 2022
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord


Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May the Lord give you peace!
We continue to follow with pain and anguish the events that have engulfed Ukraine. The world of information provides us with constant updates on the evolution of events. Still, we receive first-hand news from our brothers and sisters who live in that land, tormented by a conflict that Pope Francis described as inhuman and sacrilegious. From them, we hear of the suffering of the population and the great efforts being made to alleviate it. Our friars in Ukraine have all remained in the same places where they live. They are close to the people, especially the elderly and the sick, who cannot escape. They share their fate with serenity, and until today, thank God, they have not suffered any physical or material consequences from the conflict...

                           Read the full one page letter


OFM in Ukraine and Poland

 March 13, 2022 - From Friar Ed Debono, OFM Conv.

I am forwarding these photos of the effort to help the Ukranians in Ukraine and Poland.  You might want to share them with your apostolates/friaries.
Shalom
Jude Winkler

It is heart warming to see how the friars and lay volunteers come together to help in such difficult times. FVC                         Click on photos to enlarge

Conventual Franciscan Federations United in Prayer

March 13, 2022 - Friars Minor Conventual
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The General Delegate for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Friar Michael J. LASKY, invites all of the Conventual Franciscan Federations to pray together for peace, especially for our confreres living in Ukraine and in the countries that are taking in refugees.
While our brothers in Ukraine remain with their people, and our brothers in different countries are taking in and caring for refugees, we, as sons of St. Francis of Assisi, want to cry out to the Lord with one voice! Let our voice cry out to the Lord in the recitation of Psalm 17: “Hear, Lord, my plea for justice; pay heed to my cry!”                   ... Learn More

OFM JPIC Newsletter "Contact" for 2021

December 29, 2021 - General Curia - OFM

"Fraternal greetings from the JPIC Office of the General Curia! We present to you the recent edition of the “Contact” Newsletter that allows us to get connected and informed of the initiatives to promote and experience the values of JPIC."
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DOWNLOAD

​A Merry Christmas from Franciscans International

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Dear Sisters and Brothers, dear friends, 
Three sages meet each other on the way to Bethlehem. They come from different directions, but they are united by the star that shows them the way and by the desire to meet the newborn king of the Jews.

Later in history, the sages are interpreted as kings who represent the three then-known parts of the world. Understood in this manner, all of humanity is on the way to search for the newborn king.

In this collage, the three sages represent the people of our time who see themselves facing three global crises: Climate, Migration, and Corona. They are people on the way to seek a path out of the crises.

Which star do we follow? What moves us? What motivates us?

The Christmas message of the newborn king gives us a hope that motivates us and lets us proceed on our way. The message is that God himself has become a human being in Jesus; The good news is that God is also present in our time and amid all crises. It is a hope that grants us strength and stamina to meet challenges creatively. 

Our wish is that all of you receive this hope this Christmas.

Markus Heinze OFM
Executive Director


​JPIC News - latest news from JPIC OFM

November 1, 2021 - OFM JPIC News
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The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is grateful to share some updated information on the next steps in the journey.
                                                   Download the Newsletter

JPIC News - latest news from JPIC OFM

September 27, 2021 - OFM​
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Pope Francis calls on Catholics to join Season of Creation
The first step in that path is participating in the Season of Creation, the annual celebration of prayer and action for our common home. As Christians make up more than 25 percent of the world’s population, they truly have the potential to change their communities and the world for good during the next five weeks.         Learn more...                        See the Newsletter

​Becoming a Laudato Si’ Animator

August 29, 2021 - OFM
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We invite you to take the Laudato Si’ Animators’ Course, which is free and open to everyone regardless of your academic degree.       Learn more...

CONTACT - Urgent Appeal for Myanmar

March 30, 2021
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DOWNLOAD THE NEWSLETTER
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OFM-EAC Solidarity Statement on Myanmar Political Crisis
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. We are with them in calling for the release of the democratically elected officials of government, of activists, and of the youth. We stand with them in their bid to defend human dignity and human rights.   ...READ MORE

​ Social Justice and the Stations of the Cross Confirmation

March 17, 2021
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Social Justice and the Stations of the Cross
A virtual Lenten reflection

Join Franciscans International for a reflection inspired by
contributions from Franciscans across the world. 
 
When: 19 March 2021, Time:
10am (New York / EST)
If you would like to take part,
please register at
https://bit.ly/FI19March
You will then receive a link that you can use to join the event.


OFM JPIC News

Christmas Celebrations in the Spirit of JPIC
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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...

​                                              READ MORE NEWSLETTER

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Read about the Fifth anniversary of Laudato Si' and the Laudato Si' Revolution Campaign and more

Download the newsletter

JPIC News - “RESPECT THE DIVINE GOOD IN THE CREATION”

July 28, 2020
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'  Read more...
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WE ARE CALLED TO A RADICAL CHOICE TO LIVE OUR FRANCISCAN CHARISM AUTHENTICALLY

Download the Newsletter​
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CONTACT - June - July 2020

July 8, 2020
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Featuring:​​ ​Inauguration of the Laudato Si’ Revolution campaign
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July 8, 2020
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Quote: I need to just sit with being uncomfortable and also realize that is ok if I make other white people uncomfortable. The truth is that I have benefited and continue to benefit from white privilege. This is really hard for me to admit.   Read more....
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OFM JPIC News - a focus on the pandemic

May 20, 2020
The pandemic that is threatening our communities is an opportunity for us to rediscover ourselves as Humanity.
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Franciscans International - 30 years at the United Nations

May 8, 2020
Michael Perry, General Minister of the Order of Friars Minor, explains what inspired the Franciscan Family to establish a presence at the United Nations thirty years ago. ....READ MORE

      Download their 30 Years at the United Nations booklet that gives a history of their work.

JPIC News

The General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation |OFM
April 19, 2020​
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Get Ready for Laudato Si’ Revolution

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.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the promulgation of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. Heeding Pope Francis’s call to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, we read the signs of the times and recognize the gravity and urgency of the moral drama unfolding right before our eyes. The life-support system of our fragile planet is at the point of collapse... Read More
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                          See the Newsletter

Franciscans International Spring 2020 Newsletter

April 7, 2020
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Dear Sisters and Brothers,
 
The global efforts to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus have affected all of us, and Franciscans International has been no exception. On 13 March, the UN Human Rights Council suspended its 43rd session until further notice and other upcoming meetings at the United Nations have been postponed. Meanwhile, the current travel restrictions will likely affect the ability of our grassroots partners to join us in Geneva and New York.
 
Nevertheless, respect and realization of human rights will be essential in combatting the Covid-19 crisis. Access to water, decent housing, and an inclusive approach that considers the rights of populations already disadvantaged and marginalized like migrants – all priorities for Franciscans International – will be key to success. Regardless of these challenging circumstances we will continue our work to make Franciscan values heard at the UN, now and in the future.
 
With our best wishes,


Markus Heinze OFM
Executive Director 

Read their Spring 2020 Newsletter


Franciscans International - Annual Report 2018

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Download the new Annual Report - English​
Téléchargez le nouveau Rapport Annuel - Français
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Justice and Peace: the International Council of the Order of Friars Minor in Jerusalem

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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”.            READ MORE...

JPIC News
The General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation |

​OFM

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The 30th Anniversary celebration of Franciscans International
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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).                             READ MORE

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December 21, 2018 - ​Jesus as Refuge
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Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear friends,
 
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that the Holy Family itself found safety in Egypt after fleeing the threat of Herold the Great. Today, their experiences are shared by over 68 million people who have been displaced worldwide, often seeking safety from violence and poverty.
 
While the Holy Family found refuge, those that remained suffered greatly. Today, migrants and refugees take great risks as they traverse borders and seas. They do so to escape a fate much worse. Many of their friends and families are unable, or unwilling, to leave their homes.
 
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, let us not only welcome our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters, but also work toward making the world a safer place for all.
 
On behalf of Franciscans International,

Markus Heinze, OFM
Executive Director

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Dear Brothers and Sisters, dear friends,
 
70 years ago, following the horrors of the second world war, members of the newly founded United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then, its 30 articles have laid the foundation for international treaties, human rights instruments, and other laws.
 
While being a unique document, the Declaration enshrined values that were already core beliefs for many. 800 years ago, in his Letter to the Rulers of the People, St. Francis called on the powerful to respect human dignity, creation, and be unwavering in their commitment to peace. Following this long Franciscan tradition, Franciscans International advocates on behalf of victims of human rights abuses, to ensure that their voices are heard by today’s leaders at the United Nations.
 
2019 will mark Franciscans International’s 30th anniversary, and throughout the year we will be organizing a number of events to celebrate our achievements and reflect on the many challenges we still face. We invite you to actively take part in this campaign.
 
We will keep you informed about our activities and opportunities to be involved in or learn more about Franciscans International. For now, you can join us and support our work by:
  • Keeping us in your prayers: Dedicate a prayer to the victims of human rights violations that are supported by Franciscans International.
  • Staying in touch: We are grateful that you have subscribed to our newsletter. If you’re interested in learning more about our work, consider following us on Facebook and Twitter.
  • Spreading the word: Tell a friend about the work of Franciscans International.
 
Fraternally,
Joseph Rozansky, OFM                                       Markus Heinze, OFM
Board of Directors – President                               Executive Director

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JPIC NEWSLETTER: CONTACT (07-09.2018)
Posted on October 8, 2018 in Contact, JPIC, News

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Dear brothers and sisters, fraternal greetings of peace!
As we celebrate the feast of St. Francis with joy, we greet you from our JPIC Office of the General Curia. We present the third issue of this year’s JPIC newsletter, «CONTACT».
You are invited to read and share our «CONTACT» Newsletter, which allows us to be connected and to know the various initiatives around JPIC values within the Order’s entities.
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Download the English – CONTACT

Peace and all Good.
JPIC Office

Human Rights and Extreme Poverty

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News from Franciscans International
March 24, 2016 
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FI's International Board of Directors President, Doug Clorey ofs, meets Pope Francis
SPEAKING UP FOR THE VOICELESS IN OUR WORLD
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