22 March 2014

A message from the Order's JPIC Office

Dear Friends,

Pace e bene.

Greetings from the JPIC OFMCap Office in Rome!  This year is the 35th anniversary of the naming of Saint Francis as Patron of Ecology.  Romans VI (the group of JPIC animators for the Franciscan Family) has considered how best to celebrate this event, especially in the context of the worldwide environmental crisis.  We have prepared a series of resources to help our brothers and sisters throughout the world commemorate this celebration.

We are very happy to announce the creation of a website containing these resources.  It is being launched on March 22nd, World Water Day.  The launch date reminds us that our commitment to work for the Integrity of Creation must be concrete and practical.  Resources are available in various languages, and include a reflection on the celebration, the Pope’s declaration naming Francis the patron of ecology, a Eucharistic celebration, an ecumenical prayer, norms for an interreligious celebration, a Mayan Cross Prayer, Prayers of the Faithful and an article on Franciscan Spirituality.

The address for the website is www.francis35.org .  The date for the commemoration of Francis as Patron of Ecology is November 29.  We invite all of you to prepare events/prayers/gatherings to commemorate this anniversary at times which are convenient for you and your partners.  You should of course include the Franciscan Family in your plans, but also be sure to invite the laity with whom you work and minister, diocesan organizations, ecumenical groups, interreligious groups and all people of goodwill.  Help to promote among all people a spirit of care for creation in the spirit of Francis.  You might want to consider the possibility of linking this celebration with that of the Spirit of Assisi, which occurs every year on the 28th of October.

We hope that these materials will be of use to you.  Please share them as widely as possible.  We ask that you send us a short article about any celebration you might hold in your city or region, along with some photos.  May God bless you in your work to care for the Creation that we share as gift with all of God’s creatures!

Br. Benedict Ayodi OFM Cap
Director, Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation OFMCap