Dear Brothers,

I just spent the last few days in Chicago with members of the whole Franciscan family (minus the Second Order) at a justice and peace workshop sponsored by the Franciscan Action Network (FAN). I always enjoy getting together with Franciscan brothers and sisters but gathering around "Ours to Do". moved me to appreciate the powerful collective voice we bring to the world. As followers of Francis we offer unique values and a vision to share with one another and with all of those with whom we‘re in relationship. During these days we shared what we do, how we do it and how we may do it more Franciscan-like.

On the bus ride from Minneapolis I realized that immigration is one contemporary issue that reflects much of our province‘s history as well as our present ministry. However, as our mission statement says, "We seek to address the changing needs of the Church and the world"... and sometimes those needs haven‘t changed much. Yet certainly the people have—no longer Italian but Hispanic and many other. Our ministries to immigrant peoples in Florida, Texas, West Virginia and occasionally Pennsylvania and Minnesota embody our values of "gentleness, hospitality and service". in concrete and often challenging ways.

How we minister to them as people of justice is really the same question as how we minister to anybody—incorporating our Franciscan values in all we say and do. When we get concrete with those values, put them into practice, then we take on a new challenge. Jesus‘ words and example as well as Francis‘ guide and inspire us, and yet we must take that leap of faith to follow them in our 21 st century worlds. Our Franciscan tradition of stories reminds us that every human being has a sacred story to share and may seek our listening

During the workshop we talked about “Franciscanizing”. our model of acting. As followers of the Poverello we are called to be listeners and experts at relationships. Also, we live in limited space, on the edge, as in our origin. Like Francis, we are always re-imagining ourselves. Finally, we are prophetically pragmatic.

I know I have a long way to go to minister like Francis. Still, it is comforting and inspiring when you,my brothers, and those of our First Order along with the brothers and sisters of religious Second and Third Order communities as well as our Secular Franciscans are walking similar journeys. I urge you to join me in taking action—a phone call, email, or prayer--when FAN and other groups tell us the time is now.

Click for justice and peace efforts from the Conference of Major Superiors of Men

Click for efforts of justice and peace from the Franciscan Action Network

Click for efforts of justice and peace from Franciscans International