Content in this issue:

1.     More Franciscan efforts for Peace

2.     News from the Conferences.

3.     Other news: Search for a New Director for the Washington office, resources on water, the new FI Board meets, Canticle of Creatures texts, growing interest by congregations in NGO status at UN.

 

Web page: Check out the latest additions on our web page at: www.ofm-jpic.org and inform other Franciscans about this resource.

 

Quotes:

v       A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world.

v       Many people find themselves in a state of despair these days, and with good reason. Yet we must not let our voices, our No to war and Yes to peace, be silenced. What has happened? The stone that we pushed to the peak is once again at the foot of the mountain. But we must push it back up, even with the knowledge that we can expect it to roll back down again. (Gunter Grass – 1999 winner of Nobel Prize for literature).

 

GG.CC. Article 96 # 2

Since a large part of mankind is still in bondage to need, injustice, and oppression, the friars, along with all people of good will, are to devote themselves to establishing a society of justice, liberation and peace in the Risen Christ . They are to investigate carefully the causes of each situation, and take part in undertakings of charity, justice and international solidarity.

 

More Franciscan efforts against the war:

v       Minister General’s statement on war, “Witness to and announcers of Peace”: for a copy of the text go to: http://www.ofm.org/01eng/news/2003NeO79.html

v       Statement by the English Speaking Conference of Provincials following the invasion of Iraq: They lament “the failure of diplomacy on the part of the United States government…and find no justification for this preventative strike” They further add that it “is an unjust war and waged at a time when all war has become morally unacceptable.” They call on all Franciscans “to make their voices heard on behalf of peace.” For copies of the statement contact Mark Schroeder at: bromarko@worldnet.att.net

v       Assumption Province - Jerry Zawada ofm: on returning from Iraq said that "the killing of innocent people is no way to get our goals accomplished." He was part of a peace delegation. He spent several hours each day at an orphanage for mentally and physically challenged children that is run by the Missionaries of Charity.

v       Santa Barbara, USA: Mark Schroeder, ofm was interviewed on his local public education channel recently, with four "religious leaders" on a half-hour TV show responding to questions on the war in Iraq.

v       El Salvador: the inter-Franciscan commission of the Franciscan Family convoked and coordinated a day of prayer each week for peace which started on March 26, 2003. Each Wednesday a different organization will coordinate the celebration, in an effort to support efforts for peace and be in solidarity with the victims. They also made a call: for a “minute of solidarity” every week which invites all church bells to be rung in unison at 8.30pm on Wednesday nights; to place white flags in houses and places of work calling for dialogue.

v            Hong Kong: William Ng informed the office that the Franciscans have been involved with an interfaith prayer rally (just before the SARS broke out). They were the only catholic group because the diocesan JPIC commission was involved in other issues on the same date. For the past year, the Secular Franciscans have become more and more aware of JPIC issues, possibly because they see the friars doing something. So things are becoming hopeful. William will be going to the US to do an MA later this year. We wish him well.

 

 

 

Solidarity with Colombia: From March 10-14 two brothers from the Sacred Heart Province, USA, (Ed Buren y Moisés Gutiérrez) and one brother from the Holy Name Province (Jud Weisknar) with a layman (Esteban Hesen) visited Franciscan solidarity groups in Colombia. These groups are mostly made up of lay people who wish to live a gospel commitment from a Franciscan perspective, with a clear option to defend life. The network is animated by the inter-Franciscan JPIC commission. The brothers were able to bear witness to the difficult situation that Colombia is experiencing. They also saw first hand the commitment of Franciscans with the victims of violence and with the poorest sectors of the population. For more information contact Fernando Figueredo ofm, JPIC coordinador, berleru@tutopia.com

 

JPIC Conference meeting: The annual JPIC conference commission meeting took place in La Paz Bolivia, March 21-24, 2003. Animators from five of the eight entities participated in one of the best meetings in the last few years, according to the participants themselves. The first day was given over to reports from each entity, including a presentation by Francisco from the Rome office. The principal themes were:

v                 The “Free Trade Agreement for America”, known as ALCA in Spanish, which is expected to come into effect in 2005, unless in the meantime popular opinion develops sufficiently to resist its implementation. This theme will be worked on by all the JPIC commissions of Latin America, as agreed at the Continental meeting in San Luis Rey in November 2002. Many church and civil organizations are profoundly worried by the consequences of these trade agreements on the poor of the South. Judging from the effects of a similar agreement between Mexico, Canada and the United States, called NAFTA, the only beneficiaries are big business, including agribusiness, who dump their subsidized products in the south, often genetically modified, thus forcing ever greater number of poor farmers to migrate from their land to the cities and emmigrate to other countries, as well as literally sowing the seeds of disaster for the future in the original home of Maize. Agriculture is still the principal employer in the Southern hemisphere which is rapidly under threat from these Trade agreements. The brothers agreed to develop formation material to help the brothers understand what ALCA implies and the Franciscan responsibilities in the light of what is expected to happen. Instead of just being against ALCA the emphasis will be on the elaboration of alternative proposals.

v                 Water, a theme which is particularly significant for Bolivia, a country with the highest reserves in Latin America and where, since privatisation, a water multi-national company was forced to flee Cochabamba, after popular revolt brought on by a hike in prices. But the story does not finish there. Bectel, one of the five top US multi-nationals is suing Bolivia, in a secret court of the World Bank, for $25 million for future lost revenue, brought about by the forced closure of their project. In the international year of water, our attention is directed to this vital liquid. Many Human Rights and Church organizations want access to water to be recognized as a Human Right and not a commodity, for sale to the highest bidder. They thus oppose the privatision of water companies. With climate change and environmental destruction, water is becoming progressively scarcer. By 2025 two thirds of the worlds population will have difficulty accessing water. Scarcity and necessity make it a valuable product for those intent on making a profit and many believe the wars of the 21^st centaury will be over water, just as they were over oil in the last one. The commission will distribute the document on water being prepared by the inter-congregational commission of JPIC in Rome, particularly from the perspective of the Canticle of the Creatures.

v                 Inserted Fraternities: the brothers lamented the fact that many provinces are not promoting insertion as a way of life, for those interested and able. The commission agreed to work on the Document on insertion which will gather valuable experiences and insights for future projects. Several of the brothers from this conference are involved in the elaboration of this document.

v                 JPIC and Formation: The brothers agreed to work on a drawing up practical suggestions and specific themes on JPIC for the different stages of initial formation, based on the schema presented to the Secretaries of Formation and Studies in October 2002. They hope to publish it before the end of 2003.

 

South Africa: The JPIC commission is investigating the possibility of setting up an inter-Franciscan JPIC office, with a friar working full time in this ministry.

 

A word of support from Vietnam: Bro. Nicolas ofm, from Con En Parish, sent a word of thanks to the JPIC office “for sending me regularly all messages on issues  of Justice and Peace, especially on what is happening around the world to stop a war in Iraq. That has been really useful for me to enhance the awareness of solidarity for many Christians. I have had deep admiration for your courage and commitment for promoting the spirit of Peace of our Seraphic Father Francis. He concluded by saying that he “ would like to be in union with you (Francisco) and all your collaborators in heart and in prayer during this very hard moment.” Finally, several member congregations of the Franciscan family, including OFM’s and FMM’s wrote to Prime Minister Sharon on the urgent action issue relating to the 60 Christian families in Bethlehem affected by the building of a wall.

JPIC commission meeting: The commission meeting took place 11-13 March, 2003 in Milano Marittima-Cervia. For the ongoing formation of the animators two themes were reflected on: “Has the Earth a future? Questions and answers from scientists”, an excellent presentation given by the director of an environmental NGO in Padova and “40 years since Pacem in Terris”, presented by a professor from Naples University. An important point of discussion related to how to sensitise the Ministers Provincial to JPIC issues before the upcoming General Chapter.

 

JPIC India: Bobby (jpcindia@rediffmail.com) informed the office that he finished giving classes on Globalisation and Franciscan response to a group of 30 brothers and sisters from Franciscan Family.

He met with representatives of the Church of Northern India’s Human Potential development centre. They asked him if the Franciscans could promote a three-months diploma course on Peace and conflict resolution. This time could be extended to one year. Bobby wants to know if any Franciscan Universities would be interested in helping or providing some leads on other organizations interested in supporting.

Finally, the second preparatory meeting for the World Social Forum, 2004 was held on March 21-22, 300 Kilometres away from where Bobby lives. He has established contact with the organizers. He invites Franciscans to think about participating in next years Forum.

West Papua: Theo van den Broek, ofm Director of the Justice and Peace office of the Dioceses of Jayapura and OFM animator sent a 20 page report to the office on their work during 2002. In his concluding remarks Theo asks “whether their activities helped improve the life situation of the Papuans during this year?” He acknowledges that it is hard to know because their efforts do not frequently have an immediate outcome, but they have tried to fulfil their mission in line with their capacities and vision. He concludes that using ‘good ears, ‘solidarity’ and a ‘moved heart’ they are confident that the office will continue to operate. In March and April Theo participates in the Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva as part of the Franciscans International delegation. For copies of his report and statements made in Geneva write to Theo at: sekkp@jayapura.wasantara.net.id

 

 

 

 

Inter-Franciscan JPIC Seminar in Zagreb: Every year the various commissions of Franciscan Family of the South Slav conference meet, with one of them responsible for preparing the ongoing formation theme. This year the theme was on Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, organized by the Institute for Peace, Marcj 14-16 in Samobar. Seventeen brothers and sisters from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina participated. There were three principal presentations during the two day seminar: the tradition of hermitages in the Order presented by Romeo Koščak ofm Cap, novice director; JPIC as central to the Franciscan charism by Francisco O Conaire ofm and the challenges facing the Church in the region, presented by Boze Vuleta, director of the Institute. Listening to the signs of the times, the assembly made an appeal to the general population to support a peace vigil, organized by different peace groups around the world, to pray, fast and to show their feelings against war by placing a lighted candle in their homes. The people were reminded of the recent history of war in the region, when many similar gestures took place for peace, and were asked to show solidarity with the victims of war in Iraq. One of the conclusions of the Seminar was the need to promote deeper communication within religious communities. People need to be helped to communicate. Special attention needs to be given to those adversely suffering the consequences of violence, perhaps in some cases even Post Traumatic Stress syndrome.

Bože Vuleta ofm has returned to work in the Peace Institute after completing a year’s Sabbatical, although he spent most of it recuperating from a back operation. The Institute continues to provided an invaluable service to the Franciscan Family and networks very closely with civil society groups working for peace and reconciliation in the region.

JPIC Commission meeting: On February 24/25 the members of the JPIC commission met in the Checz Republic. All the province representatives were present. Pietr ofm, the unanimously proposed new Conference animator gave a presentation on the Continental and International Council meetings that took place in San Luis Rey, California in 2002. The commission submitted a written presentation to their provincials and asked them to present a report verbally at the next conference meeting of provincials. The response was very positive.

 

 

Search for new Director for Washington Office for Latin America: The O.F.M. Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation—English Speaking Conference has a full-time opening for a Director of the Franciscan Washington Office for Latin America (FWOFLA). This is a joint project of the O.F.M. Franciscan friars in South and North America. FWOFLA is based in Washington D.C. to provide a vital link for friars in Latin America and their constituents to respond to policies and actions by the U.S. government, the World Bank, etc. which directly affect their countries.

The Director of the FWOFLA is a resource person for friars in South and North America to promote communication and advocacy in regards to justice issues in Latin America. If you are interested and\or require a job description write before May 1^st to: Mark Schroeder, O.F.M., JPIC Office, 630 E. 2^nd St., National City CA 91950; (619) 962-0919 or fax (619) 474-4869; or email: bromarko@att.net

 

Religious Coalition for the Cancellation of the Foreign Debt: the members of the organizing committee have asked the JPIC commissions to encourage their members to write to the leaders of the G7 to cancel the Debt.. They have prepared a letter in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. All that is required is for you print out the page, sign the letter and send it to the leaders of the G7 Governments. A list of the names and addresses of the G7 leaders is also available. Letters should be sent in April and the first two weeks of May. Copies of these letters have been sent to the JPIC coordinators of each Conference – who are encouraged to distribute in their conferences. If you wish to write and require a copy of the form letter please contact the coordinator in your conference.

 

Philippines - Franciscan Sister dies in Davao bomb: Reu Galoy ofm, -rigaloy@compass.com.ph - informed the office that Sr. Dulce de Guzman, SFIC, a Board Member of the inter-Franciscan JPIC commission was killed by a bomb in Davao City at the beginning of April. She was a very committed member of the commission. On April 2, the Franciscan Peace Gathering took place with the participation of 150 Franciscans. In this gathering, tribute was paid to Sr. Dulce. She is the first JPIC commission member to die a martyr's death. Reu asks us to remember her and all the members of the JPIC commission in our prayers.

 

Document on Water: This year is the International year of fresh water. The inter-congregational working group on ecological concerns is preparing a booklet, similar in style to the Climate Change booklet produced in 2002. It will be placed on our web page and it will be available in several languages, through the collaborative efforts of many religious around the world. The Vatican JP commission wrote an excellent working paper which was presented at the International Congress on fresh water held in Kyoto in March of this year. This document, and an additional one produced by the Africa Faith and Justice Network, is available on our web page: http://www.ofm-jpic.org/ecology/index.html

 

Earth Day Resources, April 22: The origins of International Earth Day lie in a 1960s protest movement in the USA which demanded a healthy and sustainable environment in response to industrial pollution. The Asian Centre for the Progress of Peoples in order to encourage reflection and the organization of Earth-friendly activities for the occasion, the Asian Centre for the Progress of People, has posted an Action Resource for Earth Day on their web site providing some good resources and ideas in the English language: www.acpp.org

 

Training Resource for Social Justice Education: The Asia Hotline team have also made an excellent resource available in English on their web page. It has a 32 lesson guide to train people in the fundamentals of Social Justice, perhaps with the view of organizing a Social Concerns team in a parish. Go to http://www.acpp.org/ and click on the section “Education and Action”. The link is also on our web page.

 

Texts on the Canticle of Creatures: Acting on a suggestion there will be a section on the office web page for the Canticle of Creatures in different languages. Please send the text in your language to the JPIC office or directly to Jim McIntosh ofm, our web master at: Jim@McIntosh.org Visit the page at: http://www.ofm-jpic.org/ofmjpic/other/canticle.html

 

News on Ed Dunn: Ed has decided, with the Provincial's blessing, to head to Mexico at the end of the summer, with three formation students, as part of an insertion programme. The cancer will continue to be monitored. His cancer is nodules, on both lungs, and not a tumour. Please continue to pray for him, through the intercession of Mons. Romero.

 

The war’s dirty secret: There's a dirty secret no one has told you, and here it is: This war is not about changing Iraq, it's about changing America. Unless you're lucky enough to be an investor in one of the corporations that will win multimillion-dollar contracts to rebuild Iraq, you may be hurting when the cost of the war and a new era of deficit spending put even more of a drag on the economy… The whole idea is to train you to expect less and to feel patriotic about it. (Barbara Waters, Democrat Senator)

 

Congregations Participate in an FI Seminar on the role of NGO’s in the UN: GENEVA, Mar. 25 - Seventeen representatives from international religious congregations, most of whom are international JPIC animators of their congregations based in Rome, attended a seminar organized by Franciscans International on the participation of faith-based NGOs in UN mechanisms (Mar. 18-20). They participated in workshops on the history of Franciscan and Dominican participation at the UN in Geneva, relevant human rights mechanisms and instruments and the challenges and opportunities of the Commission on Human Rights.

For complete info see http://www.franciscansinternational.org/news/article.php?id=107

 

 

Change of Addresses/new appointments:

v       JPIC coordinator, Cono Sur Conference: Manuel Alvarado S., ofm, Recoleta Franciscana (Av.Recoleta 220)  Casilla 53379 Santiago.  02-7372826  091741988, Chile. Email: nemas2000@hotmail.com

 

JPIC Conference meetings:

Web sites:

v       Franciscans International: http://www.franciscansinternational.org/

v      Oxfam campaign for Fair Trade:

v      http://www.maketradefair.com/default.asp (English, Spanish and French).

 

Gearóid Francisco Ó Conaire, OFM

OFM JPIC Office

Via S. Maria Mediatrice 25

00165 Rome, ITALY

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

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