In the framework of the Eighth Centenary of the Canticle of Creatures, twenty-four Franciscan Friars from various European countries (Germany, Slovakia, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Morocco, and the Holy Land) gathered from 7 to 11 October in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina, to participate in the VIII European Continental Meeting on Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), with the aim of strengthening the service of the Order of Friars Minor in this matters.
For five days, the participants shared the challenges, achievements, and obstacles encountered, as well as significant experiences and some of the good practices in their Provinces and Custodies regarding the promotion of these values. The meeting also focused on analyzing and systematizing the actions taken and highlighting the commitment of JPIC facilitators to issues such as migration and refugees, the pursuit of peace, and integral ecology.
This meeting “in the heart of Bosnia, is not just an administrative act; it is a sign and confirmation that the spirit of St. Francis lives on today, especially where it is most needed: amongst those who suffer injustice, amongst a people yearning for peace, and in a creation that suffers from our negligence,” said Br. Zdravko Dadić, Minister of the Province of the Holy Cross of Bosnia-Herzegovina, in his welcoming remarks.
Why is this meeting important?
To strengthen animation: The friars had the opportunity to meet, share their challenges, and celebrate their achievements, creating a synergy for working together.
To inspire action: By sharing concrete experiences, the friars inspired each other to continue working with creativity and passion in their Entities.
To align efforts: The meeting made it possible to align the efforts of the friars throughout Europe, ensuring coordinated and effective work, especially regarding peace.
To celebrate Franciscan spirituality: In commemorating the eighth Centenary of the Canticle of Creatures, the friars reaffirmed their commitment to Franciscan spirituality and their call to follow the intuitions of St. Francis of Assisi, the first JPIC animator, contained in the Canticle of Creatures.
What were the main topics addressed?
Migration and Refugees: The friars discussed the current situation of migration in Europe, noting a worrying increase in rejection of migrants and refugees, but also highlighting the evangelical actions promoted on their behalf by the Franciscan Family and ecclesial and civil organizations.
Peacebuilding: The friars learned about the peace process in Bosnia and expressed concern about the wars and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, particularly the current situation in Gaza.
Integral Ecology: The participants reflected on the climate and environmental crisis and Europe’s historical responsibility in this regard. At the same time, they rediscovered the beauty and challenge of building up human and global brotherhood as one of the most genuine intuitions of St Francis of Assisi, expressed in his Canticle.
The JPIC animators pledged to continue strengthening the Mediterranean Franciscan Network in the three areas of attention: migrants and refugees; dialogue/peace; and youth. At the same time, they agreed to create a Peace Commission to work toward ending violence, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of peace.
At the end of the meeting, Br. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, Director of the JPIC General Office, thanked and encouraged the participants to “live with hope this service of animation that we provide to the friars in our organizations, whose main challenge is to help them realize that JPIC is part of our way of life.”
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