Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation

The friars are to live in this world as promoters of justice and as messengers and agents of peace, overcoming evil and doing good. The friars shall proclaim peace by word and cherish it so deep in their hearts that no one is stirred to anger or scandal, but rather that everyone is called back to peace, meekness and kindness through them.  (General Constitutions, Article 68)

Following closely in the footsteps of Saint Francis, the friars are to maintain a reverent attitude towards nature, threatened from all sides today, in such a way that they may restore it completely to its condition of brother and to its role of usefulness to all mankind for the glory of God the Creator.  (General Constitutions, Article 71)

GOAL:   TO SUPPORT AND AFFIRM AND SERVE THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE SACRED HEART PROVINCE, ONE RELATIONSHIP AT A TIME [ First Meeting April 23-24, ]

By means of:

  • being open to deepening authentic relationships among us as Brothers
  • being a model for others of good communication, open-mindedness and inclusivity
  • inviting friars to reflect and share personal experiences of transformation in their lives
  • being willing to listen with respect to each other’s experiences and perspectives, seeking ways to affirm each other
  • helping to create a climate of Peace in the SHP
  • encouraging the movement from “surface” Peace to Inner Peace
  • emphasizing the power of relationships over projects

A recent project of the SHP JPIC Commission is to invite friars to reflect on their personal experinces of JPIC in Educating, Serving, Advocating, and Empowering others to be JPIC Animators which are then published in the SHP ATP.  We appreciate the partnership with the ATP.

04

At a time when the COVID-19 virus has disproportionately attacked people of color, we have witnessed the killing of Mr. George Floyd and the protests, sometimes violent, which have occurred in our cities in its aftermath. Our hearts go out to all affected.

Even though, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, we decry violence and desire peace, we stand in solidarity with our outraged African American brothers and sisters who demand an end to the deadly violence of racism. We cannot be indifferent when their God-given dignity is violated.

As people of faith, we not only condemn the systemic racism that has led to these events, but we also re-dedicate ourselves to ending racial injustice in our Provinces, in our Church, and in our nation and creating that space where Dr. Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community will flourish.

David Gaa,OFM
Provincial Minister
Saint Barbara Province of Franciscans

James Gannon, OFM
Provincial Minister
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province of Franciscans

Kevin Mullen, OFM
Provincial Minister
Holy Name Province of Franciscans

Thomas Nairn, OFM
Provincial Minister
Sacred Heart Province of Franciscans

Jack Clark Robinson, OFM
Provincial Minister
Our Lady of Guadalupe Province of Franciscans

Mark Soehner, OFM
Provincial Minister
Saint John the Baptist Province of Franciscans

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Canticle of the Creatures
by Fr. Jerry Bleem, O.F.M.