The Continental Meeting of African JPIC Animators was held in Rwanda

The JPIC (Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation) Animators from both English-speaking and French-speaking African Conferences gathered in Kivumu, Rwanda, from 22nd to 26th September 2026. Attendees included the Definitor General for Africa, Br. Siphelele Gwanisheni, representatives from the Secretariat for Formation and Studies, the Secretariat for Mission and Evangelization, a delegate from the Franciscan Network, and other guests.

The meeting began with the celebration of the Holy Mass, presided over by Br. Hermenegilde Birushe, OFM, Custos of the “Our Lady of Kibeho” Custody, which hosted the gathering. In his opening remarks, Br. Hermenegilde warmly welcomed the friars and reminded participants that JPIC’s mission is more relevant in Africa today than ever before. This sentiment was echoed by the Minister General in his letter, which stated: “We live in a wounded world, and our vocation is to be healers, repairing with love what has been broken.”

Br. Shipelele reflected on the theme “St. Francis of Assisi: A Beacon of Peace and Harmony Among All Creatures in Africa.” He emphasized that JPIC requires being prophetic and creative in their mission. To achieve this, he stressed the need to strengthen collaboration and communication by working as a cohesive team, especially since Africa remains deeply wounded by war and urgently requires peace.

Guided by the wisdom of the Church and the exemplary life of St. Francis, reports from all attending Entities were presented, highlighting key achievements as well as ongoing challenges. Friars across the region have been actively engaged in numerous initiatives, including serving migrants and refugees in vulnerable situations; implementing environmental initiatives to care for Mother Earth; advancing human empowerment programs for youth and students; raising a peaceful voice against violence and regional conflicts; developing strategic efforts to alleviate poverty; offering fraternal dialogue to address and tackle insecurity. Participants recognized that becoming promoters of justice and peace, alongside serving as guardians of creation, is a direct call to implement the Franciscan Order’s core commitments. 

Communication and collaboration were other critical topics thoroughly discussed during the meeting. Br. Daniel Rodriguez Blanco, OFM, shared strategies on how to build organizational bridges between the JPIC Office and the Secretariats of Formation and Studies, as well as Mission and Evangelization. Following this, Br. Edson Nhatuve, OFM, Vice-Secretary General for Formation and Studies, highlighted that Franciscan formation must emphasize Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation from its very beginning. He reminded participants of how St. Francis lived out these values through the kissing of the leper, a powerful testament to charity, mercy, and forgiveness. 

Additionally, Br. Francisco Gomez, OFM, Secretary General for Missions and Evangelization, who participated virtually, guided the participants through the Ratio Evangelizationis. He urged a collective awareness that JPIC activities are at the absolute frontline of the Franciscan mission. Consequently, collaboration is essential for Franciscan ministry to bear lasting fruit; it is only by moving forward together that the mission can truly flourish. 

Later, Sr. Mary W. Sebastian, LSSJ, offered another vital perspective on collaboration by sharing the work of the Franciscan Network in Africa. She explained that a network is defined by its members, their connections, and the flow of information or support between them. These interactions strengthen both the individuals and the group as a whole, fostering growth and resilience.

The participants discussed three distinct levels of challenges facing JPIC: global and societal challenges common across Africa presented by Mr. Rusine Alexis, Franciscan continental challenges presented by Br. Evodio João, OFM, and the specific challenges faced by JPIC animators presented by Br. Daniel Blanco, OFM. In general, the key systemic challenges identified include: a weak response to addressing severe poverty; an unstable social and political climate across many regions; the massive issue of migration, both within and outside of the continent; a severe shortage of funding for local and regional programs; violent competition over the control of mineral resources; a lack of continuity in leadership and ongoing projects; an overload of responsibilities placed on individual friars.

These stark realities call for a deeply renewed commitment and institutional unity to ensure that JPIC remains a living, prophetic mission rather than a dormant structure. For this reason, all agreed to make a statement.

Following three days of intense and fruitful work, the journey culminated in a trip to the Kabgayi Genocide Memorial and the Kibeho Shrine of Our Lady of the Word. At the memorial site, participants laid a wreath to honor the victims of the genocide. This experience served as a profound and sobering reminder that peace is of the utmost importance. Following this, the visit to the Kibeho Shrine, renowned as a center of prayer and reflection, offered everyone a moment of spiritual grace and renewal. Additionally, time spent at the Bible Center allowed the participants to deepen their encounter with the Word of God, illuminating the path they had walked together during the meeting. The entire pilgrimage concluded with a solemn closing Mass celebrated in thanksgiving for the blessings of our gathering and the inspiration drawn from Kibeho.

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