As the 35th anniversary of the naming of Francis as the patron saint of ecology nears on Nov. 29, a friar offers thoughts about the importance of appreciating and caring for God’s creation, describing programs being held at Clemson University, where he is campus minister. Recently, The New York Times announced the death of the New England poet Galway Kinnell. …
Franciscan Action Network Urges Participation in People’s Climate March
WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Action Network is supporting one of its key initiatives, climate change advocacy, by taking a leadership role in the People’s Climate March scheduled in New York City on Sept. 21. FAN leaders are mobilizing with other faith groups to plan and coordinate ideas for next month’s event, according to its July 28 e-letter. Between 250,000 and …
ESC Update: International JPIC Council Meets in Indonesia
The following is a compilation of this month’s news from the website and Facebook page of the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor, composed of provinces from Canada, England, Ireland, Lithuania, Malta and the United States. The OFM International Council for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation held its biannual meeting last month in Jakarta, Indonesia. Joseph Rozansky, OFM, director of the …
Sky the Limit for Earth Day Activities
Nearly 35 years after St. Francis was named the patron saint of ecology, his followers are calling for greater care for creation. Many ministries used Earth Day on April 22 to educate about the effect that even a small change can have on the environment. In Virginia, county, state and federal officials joined friars and partners-in-ministry at St. Francis of …
Order Announces ‘Franciscans for Ecology’ Website
ROME — For decades, people have thought of St. Francis as the patron saint of ecology. It was 35 years ago that he was officially given the title. Now, a website offers resources to help people around the world commemorate the anniversary of the naming of St. Francis as the patron of ecology. The website, Franciscans for Ecology, was launched on …
No to Globalization of Indifference, Yes to Globalization of Solidarity
Indiscriminate mining, with its detrimental impact on both the environment and local peoples, is an emerging JPIC priority among the entire Franciscan family. Extractive mining companies are entering many areas throughout the world with the promise of prosperity for the indigenous people. Instead, the people remain impoverished, with some communities experiencing an increase in strife and violence between those who …
Franciscans International Marks 25 Years as NGO
GENEVA — Franciscans International is marking the 25th anniversary of the organization’s official accreditation as a non-governmental organization with the United Nations and resurrecting its newsletter, Franciscan Voice. “Twenty-five years on, we are proud to uphold the vision of FI’s founders and continue breaking new ground in international advocacy,” said Br. Markus Heinze, OFM, director, in the January 2014 issue of Franciscan …