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
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The Second Annual Meeting of the JPIC Animation Committee of the OFM Order
A Merry Christmas from Franciscans International!December 22, 2022 -
"Peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased”
This crib was designed by Br. Roger Brunorio OFM from Brazil in the context of the encyclical "Laudato Si’". In the background we see texts of the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew covered with bloodstains. The background represents the parched earth, and only a few of the plants are still green and full of lifeblood. God becomes man in Jesus Christ, he enters our world in a fainting child. In the midst of the experience of death and violence, God speaks his word, a word that calls the peacemakers children of God. On behalf of Franciscans International I wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. Markus Heinze OFM Executive Director Opportunities and challenges for JPIC in the Order
The fourth day of work of the International Council of JPIC was marked by reflection and analysis. During the morning, Br. Cesar Külkamp, OFM, General Definitor for Latin America, presented a synthesis of the Plenary Council of the Order of 2018 and the General Chapter 2021 regarding JPIC. Read more
Minister General’s letter for the Sixth World Day of the Poor
“to make an examination of conscience, both personal and communitarian, and ask ourselves whether the poverty of Jesus Christ is our faithful companion in life” Read more
Happy Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi!
Dear Sisters and Brothers, dear friends,
Happy Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi! This painting by Brother Laurentius Englisch OFM shows the beauty of creation as expressed in the canticle. Looking into our actual world we can get an impression that humanity is in process of destroying all this beauty; not respecting the inherent dignity given by God our Creator, which we as humans share with all creatures. As Pope Francis reminds us in his encyclicals: care for creation and for those who are excluded and discriminated against, goes hand in hand. Encouraged by Saint Francis’ life and his fraternal relation with all creatures, we are called to follow his path to bring the good news to all world. Therefore, we Franciscans engage at the United Nations to ensure the protection of everyone’s dignity and our common home. Together with many other ‘people of good will’ we worked hard so that the United Nations recognized the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. We thank you for all your continued support of our common mission. On behalf of our International Board of Directors and all our team members, I wish you a blessed and happy Feast of Saint Francis Fraternally, Markus Heinze OFM Executive Director Changes in the Order’s JPIC General OfficeSeptember 12, 2022
We are happy to announce that the Office has a new director who will begin his animation service on September 1st of this year.
We were struck with Fr. Jaime's parting words, “I leave with the strong conviction that the values of JPIC are the values of the Kingdom preached by Jesus of Nazareth.” Read more Happy Feast of St Clare - FIAugust 10, 2022 - FI
Image courtesy of Sister María de Jesús Centeno Padilla O.S.C.Cap
Dear sisters and brothers,
Saint Clare of Assisi understood vocation to be a gift from God and urged fellow believers not to underestimate its importance. In her testament, she wrote: "Among the other gifts that we have received and do daily receive from our benefactor, the Father of mercies, and for which we must express the deepest thanks to the glorious Father of Christ, there is our vocation, for which, all the more by the way of its being more perfect and greater, do we owe the greatest thanks to Him. Therefore, the Apostle [writes]: "Know your vocation'" (2-4). As we celebrate the feast of Saint Clare, let us value our vocation and our mission of service to the vulnerable - especially those suffering due to extreme poverty, disregard of their human rights, conflict, war, and for the victims of climate change. Happy Feast of Saint Clare! Markus Heinze OFM Executive Director The story of frei Luiz, friar and bishop in North-east BrazilJune 8, 2022 - OFM JPIC
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 2022April 17, 2022
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 prevailsApril 14, 2022 - Franciscans International
"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
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
The Minister General wrote:
"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
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 2021December 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." 
A Merry Christmas from Franciscans International
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 OFMNovember 1, 2021 - OFM JPIC News
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 OFMSeptember 27, 2021 - OFM
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
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 MyanmarMarch 30, 2021
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
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 NewsChristmas Celebrations in the Spirit of JPIC
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 
JPIC News - “RESPECT THE DIVINE GOOD IN THE CREATION”July 28, 2020
CONTACT - June - July 2020July 8, 2020
July 8, 2020
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....
OFM JPIC News - a focus on the pandemicMay 20, 2020
The pandemic that is threatening our communities is an opportunity for us to rediscover ourselves as Humanity. 
Franciscans International - 30 years at the United NationsMay 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 NewsThe General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation |OFM
April 19, 2020
Franciscans International Spring 2020 NewsletterApril 7, 2020
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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Justice and Peace: the International Council of the Order of Friars Minor in Jerusalem
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...
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
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The 30th Anniversary celebration of Franciscans International
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
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
December 21, 2018 - Jesus as Refuge
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
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
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:
Fraternally,
Joseph Rozansky, OFM Markus Heinze, OFM
Board of Directors – President Executive Director
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
JPIC NEWSLETTER: CONTACT (07-09.2018)
Posted on October 8, 2018 in Contact, JPIC, News
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.
Download the English – CONTACT
Peace and all Good.
JPIC Office
Posted on October 8, 2018 in Contact, JPIC, News
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.
Download the English – CONTACT
Peace and all Good.
JPIC Office
Human Rights and Extreme Poverty
News from Franciscans International March 24, 2016 |
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FI's International Board of Directors President, Doug Clorey ofs, meets Pope Francis