Some updates on Vossenack:

¯       There are 90 friars registered for the Congress. Any other province or Custody wishing to participate should inform the office immediately. All participants should send the requested information to facilitate direct communication between the office and each participant.

¯       The mobile phone contact number in Germany for the conference is: 0049-171-9351156. Please call if you have any difficulties on arrival. Specific details will be forwarded later.

¯       If you need a visa please send the relevant passport details soliciting a letter from the office.

¯      The animation committee will meet in Vossenack from June 19-21 to continue with the preparation of the congress.

 

 

¯      India: Bobby has informed us that he is back from a tribal missions where he spent holy week with a Belgian friend Ð Annie Drese. She is a photographer twice awarded the European prize. She came back to life after cancer and now wants to dedicate herself to the tribal people in India ( because 20 years ago her life was saved from a scorpion sting by a tribal lady in Rajasthan.) Some of the brothers, along with Annie, formulated a  project to gather the memories of the Oraon tribals, documenting their stories, songs, rituals, and symbols, so that they are not lost in the fast aggressive changes due to globalisation, and to reanimate their energy to resist the oppressive forces with tribal communitarian values. Annie lives by the earnings she gets by translations she does in Louvain University. Her husband works in Brazil as a UN volunteer with a little daughter. She gives her talents as
photographer, writer, and cultural animator. Could we hope to get some
support from somewhere for this kind of venture? We have worked out
our budget to be Rs.400,000.00 (approximately 10,000$.) Any ideas?

¯      Prayers: Please remember BobbyÕs father in your prayers as he has been diagnosed with cancer.

¯      Newsletter: the Indian JPIC commission published a newsletter in March. This bulletin could be published for JPIC issues of the Franciscan Family in the future.

¯      Friar Cheely Prasad Rao was born on 19^th October 1960, at Somavarapadu, a village belonging to the parish of Denduluru, of the diocese of Eluru. He is the youngest of the three children. After his high school studies at Denduluru, Prasad began his Franciscan formation at Palmaner in 1979. He made his Solemn Profession on 4^th October 1988, and was ordained a priest on 11^th April 1991.

While he was a young religious himself, he had a strong desire to work for the cause of the poor and especially of the Dalits. He attended a 3-month course on Social Analysis at ISI, Bangalore, joined with the Salesians in Guntur and worked among the Dalits from December 1991 till May 1992. Prasad was a member of the OFM Core Group for Social Action from 1992, and a member of the JPIC Council from 1997.

 

Conference meeting: JPIC Coordinators from Philippines, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong will meet for the conference meeting from June 8-13, 2000 in Manila. A conference coordinator will be elected. The brothers are preparing for the Vossenack meeting and reflecting on the conclusions of the International Council meeting of September 1997.

 

¯      Romero: Archbishop Oscar Romero was among those honoured by Pope John Paul II during a ceremony for thousands of 20th century Christian martyrs at Rome's Colosseum in May. The ceremony honoured Catholics, Orthodox Christians and Protestants who were victims of persecution or who died in the service of their faith. A report sponsored by the United Nations said Romero, an outspoken critic of human rights abuses by El Salvador's then right-wing government, was slain by rightist gunmen. Should you wish to promote a campaign of signatures, supporting his cause for beatification please send the names, and signatures with the name of the country to the JPIC office or to CIPAX, Via Ostiense, 152 - 00154 Roma. To date 100,000 signatures have been collected in 102 countries supported by Caritas International.

 

¯      Cincinnati: News of updates for John the Baptist ProvincesÕ JPIC Office web pages: You can visit this site by going to: www.franciscan.org ... and clicking on "working for peace" to find our new JPIC web pages. 

They offer news on: military aid to Colombia, a call for a moratorium of executions (chaired by Sr. Helen Prejean), news on the Hunger Relief Act, the NORPAC boycott begun by the farm workers union PCUN in Oregon (which boycott is supported by our Franciscan English-Speaking Conference JPIC Council) and new resources and links to various web pages.

¯      Ireland: Michael Martin ofm reports, Irish JPIC commission, that there are many serious justice issues in Ireland at the moment; Asylum Seekers, Political scandals and of course the Peace Process.  A major issue is the present fantasy about wealth and the Celtic tiger. The reality is that there still is a very poor excluded part of the population who have very little voice.
At the next meeting on June 19 a representative will be named to take part in Vossenack.

 

 

¯       Franciscan Family Colombia: three ofm brothers were elected to the new board of the Franciscan family. They are Bro. Benjam’n Soto-Santa Fe, President, Bro Luis Enrique Pati–o-San Pablo, secretary and Bro. Joaqu’n Echeverry, treasurer. Other branches of the family are also represented and the first meeting took place on May 15^th in order to coordinate activities along with the Justice and Peace commission,.

¯      Information on Colombia: for information on what the President of the Human Rights Commission of the United nations says on Colombia go to: www.unhchr.ch 

 

Environmental Conference: From May 4 to the 7 the second environmental conference organized by the European Episcopal Conference took place in Bad Honnef (Bonn). The European Friars Minor were invited to participate. P Lorenzo Reinero representing P. Tecle ofm (secretary of UFME) participated. The theme was ÒCreation Spirituality and Environmental Policies.Ó For more information contact Bro. Lorenzo at: frapek@libero.it

 

 

Recognition of mistakes and petition for Pardon: On the occasion of the 500 anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese and the first friars in Brazil the conference of Friars Minor asked for pardon from the poor of Brazil in a public letter published in Olinda in April. The franciscan family will celebrate 500 years of presence this July in Olinda where the first franciscans arrived. They reaffirmed their commitment to defend life and promote hope and to work in harmony with the churchÕs evangelical project. They reaffirmed their preferential option for the poor and excluded, especially the landless, homeless, unemployed and those without access to health and basic necessities. Finally, as instruments of peace and good they committed themselves to respect and defend all creatures.

 

¯      Violence in Zimbabwe: At a recent meeting the friars in Zimbabwe committed themselves to gather the people for prayer for peace and justice. The Custos commented that Ò It may not seem like a lot but in this context it is a clear message against the intimidation that is taking place. As believers we must also believe that to pray is to do something. It helps overcome the sense of powerlessness that is so strong.Ó
The brothers also agreed to send on facts about violence to the Amani Trust, a Catholic justice organisation working out of Bulawayo. It publishes statements on what is happening in the country. The Amani Trust can be contacted at amanimat@telconet.co.zw    The director is Shari Eppel.

¯      Things still continue very tense; as the election dates draws closer (24,25 June) the level of intimidation and violence increases. While the international media gives its attention to the farm invasions and the killing of white farmers most of the violence is taking place in the townships and rural areas. Some 23 have died. In one of the Missions, the teachers fled returning only at night. They heard that the ZanuPF youth were coming 'to visit.' Word has gone out that teachers are supporting the opposition MDC party and so schools are being visited systematically. In some places teachers have been beaten severely and women teachers raped. It is hard to see how the elections can ever be fair.

¯      Conference meeting conclusions: JPIC coordinators from South Africa, Togo and the Vice-Province of St. Francis met in Nairobi from May 9-12. They drafted statutes for study by the JPIC commissions of the Sub-Saharan entities, in order to present a final draft at the Ministers meeting in February 2001. Each entity agreed to promote a study of the JPIC Handbook during the first six months of 2001. Whenever possible, this study will be coordinated with other commissions. To facilitate communication the commission suggests English and French language courses be organized in Africa. The JPIC commission has requested an annual meeting. In October 2000 the United Nations is organizing a Congress on Racism in South Africa. Issues like tribalism, regionalism and xenophobia are lived and experienced in Africa. The commission suggest Racism be assumed as a theme by the entities of Africa and the conclusions shared at this International Conference. The next JPIC conference meeting could take place in South Africa in October 2000 followed by participation in the International meeting. Finally, the commission encourages the conference to become affiliated with the African European faith and Justice network. There are 40 congregations affiliated already. They all have work in Africa. As part of their evangelisation they try to influence social, economic and agricultural policies of the European Union towards Africa. They have an office in Brussels and coordinate programmes in favour of Africa. More information can be obtained on their web-page: AEFJN 

FRANCISCANÕS MEA CULPA The members of the Council of the Franciscan Communities in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, as well as various Franciscan communities, present in Makarska (12.-17. 05. 2000.), asked for GodÕs and the peopleÕs forgiveness. They asked forgiveness for insufficient solidarity and efforts in alleviating so much pain. They mentioned the hungry, workers, believers and unbelievers, religious superiors, victims of false Christianity, false patriotism and nationalism. They also asked forgiveness from women, victims of so much discrimination. They expressed regret for not speaking out when it would hve been appropriate. They asked for GodÕs grace to fulfil their mission as peacemakers, close to the most needy in the world. Copies of the full text is available in Italian and English at the

office.

 

Louis Bohte from Netherlands, in a paper delivered in Brussels, contributed ideas for the European Charter intended to improve and guarantee the rights of peoples in the European Union. He expressed concern for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees living in Europe.

 

 

¯      International Recognition for JPIC work: The JPIC International Council of the Order received an award for itÕs work. An inscribed silver plate was presented to Paolo Maiello, ofm, representing the council at a ceremony in Taormina, Sicily on the 27^th of May. The Foundation Ò Antonio LabisiÓ choose the JPIC commissions of the Order for special recognition because of the commitment of many brothers to overcoming social and cultural problems in their respective nations. Prizes have previously been awarded to distinguished organizations and individuals for their work in favour of the less fortunate of our societies.

¯      Franciscan Urgent Action Network: All Franciscans and friends of St. Francis are invited to join and support calls for solidarity on a regular basis. For more information go too: http://www.wtu.edu/info/fuan/

¯      Refugee survey: The tabulation and conclusion of the refugee survey have been completed and will be presented to the General Definitory at their July session. The conclusions and some recommendations will be translated and published. Some further recommendations may be added following the Barcelona meeting of friars working with refugees and asylum seekers in Europe, in early July. A special word of thanks is due to Pat Hudson ofm, Ireland, for helping in the tabulation and organization of the data.

¯      French OFM JPIC Resource-book: The COPEF is buying copies of the French Manuel for their Friars from Editions Franciscaines. So far 500 copies will be distributed by the Editions Franciscaines.  COPEF decided the total amount of copies to be printed. The Editions franciscaines will not place this book in their catalogue. It is an internal service done to the COPEF.

¯      JPIC and initial formation: In an open letter to the Formation Secretaries of the conferences Jose Carballo ofm, Secretary of Formation and Studies encourages formators to examine the question of JPIC in initial formation. This process may help the reflection on JPIC and initial formation in the International JPIC congress in Vossenack. The letter is as follows: ÒAs you are by now informed, the JPIC office of the General Curia is organizing an international congress. The Congress will take place in Germany. I enclose a copy of the programme. Among the themes that will be reflected is Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation in initial and ongoing formation. This is a vital theme for those of us in formation. For this reason, I am asking that you send your reflections to the JPIC office of the Curia or to the office of the Secretariat. How do we form candidates in Justice and Peace, such an important dimension of our life? Your collaboration will be important.Ó

¯      Franciscans International and JPIC Brazil commission: 25-28 April, FI Geneva worked with representatives of the Brazilian NGO community to present a Civil Society's Report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Each country by signing the international covenants (e.g.. Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; International Convention on the Rights of the Child) agrees to submit every five years to the UN a detailed report on the conditions of that particular country in terms of the topics of that specific covenant or convention. In 1992 Brazil signed the Covenant on ESC Rights but did not submit its reports in 1992 and 1999. This past year more than 2000 Brazilian NGOs throughout 17 states (out of 26 states) worked for 8 months to produce an civil society report that was presented to members of the UN Committee for ESC Rights on 27 April in Geneva. The strategy for the visit and presentation was worked out earlier this year when representatives of FIAN met with the Geneva staff and during John Quigley's visit with the coordination team of the NGO consortium in Brasilia in March. The visit of the 5 Brazilians (a member of Congress, a delegate of the Attorney General, friar Rodrigo de Castro Peret and coordinators of the NGO network) took the ESC Committee members and the Brazilian diplomatic mission by surprise. The Committee members were impressed by the thoroughness of the civilian report and promised to treat it seriously. The Brazilian government promised to submit its official report as soon as possible. FI met with Mrs. Mary Robinson to brief her on the Civil Society Report before her visit to Brazil on 15 May. Copies of the report are available from FI in Geneva or the JPIC Rome office.

¯      FI Geneva is discussing with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a number of governments and international NGOs the organization of a second Seminar on the Right to Development (RTD). For forty years within the diplomatic community there has been a resistance to merging the two sets of human rights described in the two separate international covenants: the Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and the Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Many of the human rights mechanisms of the UN are designed to protect and promote civil and political rights (freedom of speech, freedom from torture, right to a fair trial, etc.) and there has been a strong protest among poorer and developing countries calling for the protection and promotion of their basic economic, social and cultural rights (health care, housing, education, etc.). A growing number of countries see the human right to development as an overarching right that covers both sets of rights in the two covenants and could be used as a bridge between the two covenants. Wealthier countries are suspicious that it may be a "Trojan Horse" that will be used to force them into paying large sums of money to corrupt governments of underdeveloped countries in the name of "development." For example, the United States insists that there are economic, social and cultural "opportunities" but not "rights." Some poorer countries see the RTD as a key to economic equality in a new social order. FI is trying to set a climate where states and civil society can discuss the RTD in an informal yet productive manner.

¯       Interesting web-sites: One of the best siteÕs for Justice and Peace on the web is: http://www.oneworld.org/

Bread for the world: www.bread.org ; Prayer site: http://www.jesuit.ie/prayer/

¯      Update on email addresses: Claud Maseau: franciscains.orleans1@libertysurf.fr or at:Mazeau.claude@liberty surf. fr (a mistaken address was given in the May Contact)

Gearoid Francisco î Conaire, OFM

Via S. Maria Mediatrice 25

00165 Rome, ITALY

E-mail: pax@ofm.org Web: http://www.ofm.org/

Tel: (+39-06) 6849-1218       Fax: (+39-06) 6849-1266