The General Office for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), in collaboration with the Pontifical University Antonianum (PUA) in Rome, will hold the annual International JPIC Course from the 18th to the 24th of May 2026. This course is a key training opportunity for strengthening the Franciscan mission in today’s world.
The course, primarily aimed at new JPIC facilitators within the Order and the Franciscan Family, takes place within a particularly significant commemorative context: the celebration of the last two Franciscan centenaries, that of the Canticle of the Creatures and that of the Death or Passing of St. Francis of Assisi. Both events are deeply connected by the verse added by Francis himself to his Canticle: “Praised be You, my Lord, through our sister bodily death.”
Under the title “From the Canticle of the Creatures to the Easter of St Francis of Assisi,” the 2026 International JPIC Course seeks to offer a contemporary and engaged reading of the great challenges of our time, in light of Franciscan spirituality and the Gospel.
In his letter of invitation, the Minister General of the Order emphasises that these centenaries “have inspired many reflections that now form part of our social life and our mission,” and presents the course as a privileged opportunity to continue deepening this formative and pastoral path.
Formation for Action in Justice, Peace, and Care for Creation
The Annual JPIC Course provides perspectives for analysis and action on socio-environmental justice and peace, intended for an audience that will apply the theoretical and practical content in their outreach work and in the specific tasks entrusted to them in their fraternities, Provinces, and local contexts.
In line with the guidelines approved at the last JPIC International Council (Assisi, 2025), the course is structured around three main lines of action:
An Integrated and Experiential Structure
The training program is organised into four main parts:
The first offers an updated perspective on the global and local challenges related to human mobility, armed conflict, and the socio-environmental crisis.
The second part proposes a philosophical, theological, and Franciscan interpretation of the Paschal Mystery of Jesus and St. Francis as the foundation of the Christian commitment to justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
The third section presents concrete, positive experiences of Franciscan fraternities already working in these areas across different regions of the world. Within this framework, a visit to Assisi is also planned, including a tour of the Porziuncola and the tomb of St. Francis, sites of particular significance in the context of the centenary.
Finally, throughout the course, participatory planning tools will be offered, using a synodal approach, aimed at generating processes of change, influence, and impact through JPIC animation.
An open invitation to the Franciscan Family
The Minister General expressly encourages participation in this course, “particularly for those who are beginning this service,” and invites members of the Franciscan Family, lay people, and young people to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen the shared commitment to living the Gospel today through a shared mission.
The 2026 International JPIC Course will have simultaneous translation into English, Italian, and Spanish.
For more information, contact the JPIC General Office at pax@ofm.org.
