Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together

December 4, 2019 - Originally posted in St Francis of Assisi Fraternity, PEI, newsletter
As 2019 draws to a close, we take some time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions to guide us in the coming year. In this context, it may be worthwhile to reflect on the document signed on February 4, 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad
Al-Tayyeb in Abu Dhabi on “Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together”. It is most significant that this inaugural encounter between Pope Francis and Ahmed el-Tayed occurred on the 800th anniversary of the encounter between Saint Francis and Sultan al-Kamil.

In its introduction, the document “invites all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together so that it may serve as a guide for future generations to advance a culture of mutual respect in the awareness of the great divine grace that makes all human beings brothers and sisters.” Having reflected on the level of poverty, conflict and suffering in different parts of the world, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam assert that “believers are called to express this human fraternity by safeguarding creation and the entire universe and supporting all persons, especially the poorest and those most in need.

As Franciscan sisters and brothers, may we all take some time to assess our efforts in building fraternity in favor of a more peaceful world for all generations to come.

                                           (Download the full text of the document) (6 pages)

St Francis of Assisi, PEI, JPIC Committee 

December 1, 2019

​Justice,
​Peace and
Care of Creation
At the November fraternity meeting, the JPIC team introduced the first five of the 10 Ecological Commandments (Part 1). We are all aware of the Ten Commandments given by God through Moses. The commandments on a whole can be considered as a set of guiding principles relating to ethics and worship. It is interesting to note that, in the Bible, God included creation, setting the stage with the story of creation. ​The JPIC team invites the fraternity to look at our responsibility toward God’s sacred creation in the light of the ten ecological commandments, and ethical principles based on our Franciscan understanding of the Gospel way of life.
 
First Five Ecological Commandments
1. You shall have the God of sharing, the God of protecting the planet for future generations and the God of wise choices. Their opposites are greed, stealing from those who come after us and destroying the dignity of creatures.  
2. You shall honor all of God’s creation, the Earth and all its beings. You shall find ways of living that reflect the goodness and integrity of creation.  
3. You shall keep the Sabbath holy by using the Sabbath Day as an opportunity to look back on our week, as an opportunity to restore hope, as a time to share with the poor and an awareness that nothing really belongs to any individual.  
4. Honor Father and Mother God by being conscious of all they do, of all they have created for us. Honor Mother God with awareness I have come from Mother Earth and I will return to Mother Earth.  
5. You shall not kill the Earth with asking it to accept excessive waste. You shall try to monitor your waste cart and educate yourself where this waste is originating.

Poverty in Canada

November 5, 2019 - CCCB
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), through the Commission for Justice and Peace, is releasing a statement entitled Poverty in Canada: Ensuring Safe, Secure and Affordable Housing in anticipation of the Third World Day of the Poor to be held on 17 November 2019. Poverty is a serious issue not only in developing countries, but also in Canada. The statement presents a brief overview of poverty in Canada today, with a focus on the current housing crisis, and provides a short list of some key Catholic organizations engaged in the alleviation of poverty in our country. Through this statement, the Catholic Bishops of Canada call for collaboration between charitable organizations, all levels of government, and dioceses/eparchies, as well as local parishes, to support individuals who are in need.
Download the booklet
This could be a resource for ongoing formation in fraternity - FVC

St Francis of Assisi, PEI, JPIC Committee Message

October 6, 2019

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation
From the St. Francis of Assisi JPIC Team, October, 2019
 
Hatred Can Be Transformed by Love
(excerpts from an article by Kathy Taormina OFS,
Queen of Peace Regional Spiritual Assistant, USA)
  
I woke up this morning thinking about my world.
  • A person doesn’t wake up one morning with a hatred of a person, a place, a political agenda, a race, a gender, or a religion that is so all-consuming that they feel compelled to do something about it. We frequently read the newspaper or turn on the news and see situations where multitudes of unsuspecting people are killed.
  • A person who kills a group of students, a gathering of concert goers, a nightclub full of people, or a religious congregation didn’t wake up one morning and decide to kill but sadly, that is exactly what they sometimes do.
  • This is a hatred presented and learned. Day after day, year after year, they learn by hearing and seeing those around them judging others with their warped sense of superiority. Bad mouthing others, protesting other’s rights and freedoms, mudslinging politicians, bullies who are allowed to continue to bully, and even gossiping about others have a share in this learning to hate.
 
What part do we “own” in this hatred? As people of this world, as Christians, as Catholics, and as Franciscans, what should our response be?
As Franciscans we profess that we “with a gentle and courteous spirit accept all people as a gift of the Lord and as an image of Christ,” (Article 13) and that we must “seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon.” (Article 19).
 
For Reflection and Action for the Next Month
  • How many times in our lives do we hear disparaging or hateful discussions or gossiping? Do we kindly offer a way to end these discussions? We can change the subject or bravely point out the need to steer away from judgmental attitudes toward each other.
  • We need to be teachers of love, teachers of acceptance of our brothers and sisters, teachers of forgiveness, and teachers of justice and peace. As Franciscans, we are called to love today, tomorrow and forever.
  • We can help transform hatred into love by our actions.​

Take a Vow of Nonviolence

September 30, 2019

Season of Caring for Creation - Prayer for the season

Inspired by the Laudato Si’ encyclical, and following the example of other Christian denominations and the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines, the Global Catholic Climate Movement recently introduced people to the Season of Creation and urged them to celebrate it worldwide. The Season of Creation is designated from September 1st (designated this year by Pope Francis as World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to October 4th (St. Francis Feast Day.)

​Franciscan Action Network Action Commissioner, Carolyn Townes, OFS is National Chair, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, U.S. Secular Franciscan Order. She developed the "Franciscan Season of Creation" resource listed below as a prayer inspired by St. Francis for use during the Season of Creation. With quotes from the Canticle of Creatures as well as reflections from many diverse sources, it is a beautiful prayer guide for hosting vigils through the remainder of the season.


​This is a program which could be easily used in fraternity for ongoing formation - FVC
franciscan_season_of_caring_for_creation.pdf
File Size: 316 kb
File Type: pdf
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LAUDATO SI’ REFLECTION & Sr.Stang - February 2019

February 17, 2019 - GCCM
This resource is developed monthly by GCCM, as an input for personal reflection or for group reflection in Laudato Si’ Circles
Sister Dorothy Stang SNDdeN • Martyr, 1931-2005
This Laudato Si’ Reflection is dedicated to the life and memory of Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN, “Martyr of the Amazon.” Sr. Dorothy spent over 30 years working as a missionary among the rural farmers and peasants in Amazon Brazil. She struggled tirelessly for land reform and human rights, amidst death threats from wealthy ranchers. On February 12, 2005 while walking on the road she was approached by two gunmen. She pulled out her Bible and began reading from the Beatitudes, ending with the phrase “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.”  After some moments of hesitation, the gunmen fired six shots, killing Sr. Dorothy.       View a video of her story (30 min.)
      Use for fraternity reflection      Download the Reflection

WHY JPIC? - A Resource Book for JPIC Committees

Franciscan Spirituality – Prayer & Action: Spirituality often has the connotation of being solely concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. If we remain in a meditative prayerful state without some accompanying actions, it is difficult to achieve personal growth or transformation in our efforts to become more spiritual.

The lives of Jesus and Francis are examples of prayerful figures who shared a solidarity with the marginalized of society and who confronted the civil and religious authorities by denouncing injustice. Francis is often described as the saint who is most like Jesus. To follow in their footsteps is the essence of Franciscan Spirituality.

The duality of Franciscan Spirituality is comprised of Prayer and Action. To focus exclusively on Prayer is like trying to stand on one leg. You can do it for a little while but then you realize that you need the other leg (Action) to attain a stable Spirituality. JPIC is the Action part of Franciscan Spirituality.

             Read More: DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCE BOOK - a tool for any fraternity
                               compiled by Michael Cassidy, ofs, St Francis of Assisi Fraternity, PEI

Course - The Slavery of the XXI Century New Threats to the Human Dignity

November 1, 2018
The annual JPIC Course is organized by the JPIC Office at the General Curia of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), in partnership with the Pontifical University Antonianum, Rome. We have offered this course for eleven years, with a special focus on the training of new JPIC promoters in the Order.

​
2017 JPIC Course
November 10, 2017 - the Carmelite NGO

Curriculum on Laudato Si': Laudato Si' can change the world

The Carmelite NGO presents the Curriculum on Laudato Si', which teaches high school students around the world the wisdom of Pope Francis' earth-care Encyclical. The Curriculum is for grades 9-12, with an adult Study Guide for college classes and study groups. Do you know of a school that may be interested in this...please share.
​
There is also an Adult study Guide available.
Sept 3, 2017

​A Franciscan Prayer Service
to celebrate the Season of Creation 

 From September 1 to October 4
Here is a Canadianised Season of Creation prayer service; an update of one produced last year. It includes some reflections from a practical guide aimed for the Canadian situation by the Canadian Bishops (1 September 2017) to help us engage more deeply with the challenge of Laudato Si'. The reflections, questions and resources for action, are under the headings See, Learn, Pray, Act. I find them very good and will definitively use them. I hope you will too!
- Andrew Conradi ofs, National JPIC Animator

ORIENTATIONS FOR THE CREATION AND ANIMATION OF A COMMISSION FOR JUSTICE, PEACE, AND INTEGRITY OF CREATION AND INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE

This is a tool prepared by the CIOFS Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation and Interreligious Dialogue to give OFS members a basic introduction to JPIC issues, a start to commit themselves in JPIC. For those who wish to go deeper in JPIC knowledge go to Understanding JPIC prepare by our own Andrew Conradi, National JPIC Animator.
To download the document click
​ the box to the right >>>>>
3._jpic_handbook-english_revised.pdf
File Size: 912 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

"The Franciscan Journey" JPIC Supplements 


The Franciscan Journey (Updated version 2010) by Lester Bach, OFM Cap.
JPIC supplements by Andrew Conradi, ofs (JPIC National Animator), 2016

Introduction to Integrating JPIC into Initial Formation
​The Franciscan Journey (Updated version 2010) by Lester Bach, OFM Cap does include JPIC material but not as in depth as a growing awareness in the Franciscan Family believe should be the case; especially in light of Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home (2015) which The Franciscan Journey pre-dates.
JPIC supplements contain additional material from Understanding JPIC by Andrew Conradi, ofs (National JPIC Animator) to integrate JPIC into Franciscan Journey at particular relevant places/times in formation. JPIC supplements aim to enrich our understanding of JPIC, Franciscan vision and values and their central place in the Franciscan charism and spirituality.
A supplement is usually 1-7 pages long and its use, although entirely optional at the discretion of the formator, is strongly encouraged. One fraternity’s experience with a couple of the earlier supplements lead formators to say they are useful and at the very least should be assigned as additional reading.
Click on a Chapter below to open pdf copy of the supplement.
You will then have the option to save it to your desktop or a folder of your choice.
Franciscan Journey - Chapter 1       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 2       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 3 

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 4       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 5       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 6    

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 7       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 8       Franciscan Journey - Chapter 9    

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 10     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 11      Franciscan Journey - Chapter 12

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 13     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 14     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 15  

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 16     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 17     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 18   

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 19     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 20     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 21  

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 22     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 23     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 24

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 25     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 26     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 27  

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 28     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 29     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 30  

Franciscan Journey - Chapter 31     Franciscan Journey - Chapter 32

Understanding JPIC, A Primer for Formation and Animation

by Andrew Conradi, ofs, National JPIC Animator, National Fraternity of Canada, Ordo Franciscanus Sæcularis (Secular Franciscan Order)

       Another world is needed. Together it is possible!

A series of 7 articles on the 2016 World Social Forum held in Montreal
World Social Forum (WSF), Aug 8 to 14th, 2016, Montreal
by Andrew Conradi, ofs
Articles will deal with mining, climate, agriculture and finally what we can do to help bring about the necessary changes. They are for a general audience but you may remember to emphasize the Franciscan background and links to Laudato Si'. These could be another way to bring JPIC formation into fraternity meetings.
wsf_1_lifestyle_values.docx
File Size: 127 kb
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wsf_5_ls_action_1.docx
File Size: 30 kb
File Type: docx
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wsf_2_mining.docx
File Size: 809 kb
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wsf_6_ls_action_2.docx
File Size: 434 kb
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wsf_3_climate.docx
File Size: 84 kb
File Type: docx
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wsf_4_agroecology.docx
File Size: 124 kb
File Type: docx
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wsf_7_ls_action_3.docx
File Size: 158 kb
File Type: docx
Download File
In addition here is a short video about the
Development and Peace Experience at the WSF (2.52 mins.) 

12 months of Franciscan Peace

Let there be Peace on earth and let it begin with me!
Please Contact Us to let Sherrill know how you and your fraternity get on.
Adapted from the 12 Weeks of Franciscan Peace by Carolyn D. Townes, ofs. Sherrill Guimond, ofs, Treasurer, Eastern Canada Region, has provided twelve one-page documents for JPIC use in monthly fraternity meetings. Each month focuses on one specific PEACE building block as follows:
  1. Prayer
  2. Empathy
  3. Listening
  4. Compassion
  5. Evangelical Love
  6. Mindfulness
  7. Humility
  8. Poverty
  9. Kindness
  10. Silence
  11. Conversion
  12. Peace
Each page includes a connection to the previous month, a short explanation of the month's theme, a Psalm fragment, a Reflection Question and a prayer for the Month. Download the 12-month pack here.
View Carolyn's' Peace Video. Using St. Francis' prayer sung by Robert Kochis, this video introduces the 5 Peace Principles: Prayer, Empathy, Active Listening, Compassion and Agapé (Evangelical Love)..

St. Louis and his public commitment as a Christian

Picture
St. Louis, patron of the OFS, 800th anniversary
Materials for on-going formation to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Louis, King of France and Patron of the OFS have been posted on the International Fraternity (CIOFS) web site.

The aim is to post eight "Monthly Dossiers" each with a different theme, inspiring us to live our baptism in our time, reflecting the great example of this Saint. Dossiers 2, 5, 7 & 8 are of particular JPIC interest.

JPIC Overview Presentation

A big "Thank You" to Andrew Conradi, our National JPIC Animator who has prepared an overview of JPIC in the form of a presentation which can be used in our fraternities. From understanding JPIC to a fuller explanation of the three main steps for integrating JPIC in to our daily lives (See, Judge, Act) and the important place of prayer, this presentation will provide food for thought for your fraternity meetings.

From Gospel to Life - How the Gospel supports OFS Rules

The St Francis Fraternity, Vancouver, B.C., Our Lady of the Angels Region, has kindly provided us with a presentation entitled

​ "A Reflection, From Gospel to Life, How the Gospel Supports OFS Rules 15,18 and 19 (JPIC)."

JPIC Meeting Suggestion

What should our fraternity do? prepared by Andrew Conradi, our National JPIC Animator, is the title of this meeting plan to consider JPIC in our monthly fraternity meetings. Through prayer, some writings of St. Francis and St. Clare, the Rule and our constitutions, this meeting outline could help to kick-start JPIC in your fraternity and is certainly helpful in regular conversion / commitment to JPIC issues.

JPIC in Fraternity - Some tips

Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation - Some Tips on Organizing JPIC in your Fraternity comes from the JPIC Committee of St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity, Cornwall, PEI. This document was compiled from the JPIC animators' experience and shares tips for starting and organizing JPIC in fraternity.
Authors from left to right: Michael Cassidy, Marion Marshall, Louise Larkin, Doug Hagen
TRANSLATE THIS PAGE

Living out Laudati Si'

A Commentary and Practical Resource for Canadian Catholics
Published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

" … Indigenous teachings parallel the encyclical of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis praises the attitude and way of life of Saint Francis of Assisi (see Laudato Si’, nos. 10–12). In his Canticle of the Sun, Saint Francis uses descriptive family concepts such as Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brothers Wind and Air, Sister Water, Brother Fire, Sister Mother Earth and Sister Death. Similarly, Indigenous people speak of Mother Earth, Grandmother Moon, Father Sky and Grandfather Sun."

This is another excellent option for fraternities looking to introduce JPIC and Laudato Si' to their fraternities through ongoing formation.
​    Download the ​pdf file below. 
living_out_laudato_si_en.pdf
File Size: 139 kb
File Type: pdf
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Peace Prayer

 Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
     where there is hatred, let me sow love;
     when there is injury, pardon;
     where there is doubt, faith;
     where there is despair, hope;
     where there is darkness, light;
     and where there is sadness, joy.
    Grant that I may not so much seek
     to be consoled as to console;
     to be understood, as to understand,
     to be loved as to love;
     for it is in giving that we receive,
     it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
     and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.