“We do not know what 2021 will bring, but what each of us and all of us together can do, is to commit to taking care of each other and of creation, our common home.”
it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile”.[52] Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope.”
“55. I invite everyone to renewed hope, for hope “speaks to us of something deeply rooted in every human heart, … of a thirst, an aspiration, a longing for a life of fulfillment, a desire to achieve great things, things that fill our heart and lift our spirit to lofty realities like truth, goodness and beauty, justice and love… Hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities and compensations which limit our horizon, and it can open us up to grand ideals that make life more beautiful and worthwhile”. Let us continue, then, to advance along the paths of hope.”
Culture of Care
Pope’s World Day of Peace message: no peace without a "culture of care" - Vatican News
In his message for the 54th World Day of Peace marked on 1 January, Pope Francis offers the Church’s social doctrine as a "compass" to foster a culture of care for peace in the world. ....“There can be no peace without a culture of care,” ....Read more at Andrew's Blog
From Cries to Dreams - Understanding JPIC
Whenever I feel sad and hopeless and sense that JPIC is not taken seriously enough by
my fellow humans including some Franciscans, I end up sooner or later with these thoughts from Understanding JPIC:
“Perseverance
7.6.a. Sometimes working for JPIC can be difficult and seemingly hopeless because of indifference or even hostility. We must never lose heart or hope: "I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity!” (Pope Francis, 25 July 2013)
9.6. Though JPIC is sometimes difficult we must always remember to persevere: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9).
9.7. A last word from Francis: “Let us begin, brothers, to serve the Lord God, for up until now we have done little or nothing!” (1 Cel 103).”
From Gospel to Life
“Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord.” Ps 4:6
Rule & General Constitutions
Given that OFS Rule invites us to be in the forefront [i.e. to lead] in promoting justice [15]; cultivate peace [17] and move to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship [18]; and given that many, especially youth worldwide, recognise that we face climate change as an urgent and possibly greatest threat to human existence, we must act.
Pope's Prayer Intention for January
Human Fraternity
May the Lord give us the grace to live in full fellowship with our brothers and sisters of other religions, praying for one another, open to all.
In this new year that begins, the Holy Father proposes a new challenge to us: to be more fraternal. “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” Are you willing to cultivate dialogue and give yourself space to get to know others better? Join this initiative and put fraternity into practice. Help spread Pope Francis’ message by sharing this video!
Reflection: The holidays are a time for travel and celebration. Perhaps that means Christmas dinner at grandma’s house or a party […] Read More
We Pray:
Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. We ask for your prayers and intercessions for those enslaved among us. Amen. (Pope Francis, 2018)
Films of the Month
David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
In this unique feature documentary, titled David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, the celebrated naturalist reflects upon both the defining moments of his lifetime and the devastating changes he has seen. Available on Netflix, the film addresses some of the biggest challenges
A Livestream conversation with the Dalai Lama,
Greta Thunberg & Scientists submitted by Hermy Villasenor, ofs and attended by your editorial team
From the destruction of forests to the thawing of permafrost, the effects of human-induced climate change have set into motion self-perpetuating feedback loops that are accelerating global warming. What can be done to slow down this threat before it’s too late?
The Mind & Life Institute is honored to host a special free livestream event with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and leading scientists to explore steps for addressing this urgent set of challenges...
Read More... Click the link above to see the video
In the COVID crisis, the beloved shepherd of over one billion Catholics saw the cruelty and inequity of our society exposed more vividly than ever before. He also saw, in the resilience, generosity, and creativity of so many people, the means to rescue our society, our economy, and our planet. In direct, powerful prose, Pope Francis urges us not to let the pain be in vain.
He begins Let Us Dream by exploring what this crisis can teach us about how to handle upheaval of any kind in our own lives and the world at large. With unprecedented candor, he reveals how three crises in his own life changed him dramatically for the better...
...Read More
Chalice
ABOUT CHALICE
Chalice is a Catholic international aid charity focused on child, family, and community development. We work closely with lay people, religious missionaries, and local communities to provide care for the many children and families caught in the dehumanizing grip of poverty.
Since its inception, Chalice has been restoring hope and dignity to people in developing countries through our sponsorship program. Children and elders are selected for sponsorship based on need and family circumstances, regardless of race, age, ability, gender, or religion.
Chalice has been named one of the top 100 Canadian charities in MacLean's 2020 Best Charities list. Chalice Canada tied for second place overall, and ranked first in international charities with a 97.5% out of 100% rating.
Chemins Franciscains est un membre régulier de l’AMECO, une association de médias catholiques et œcuméniques qui regroupe plus de 70 revues publiées au Québec. Il propose un nouvel art de vivre inspiré de Claire et François d’Assise au cœur des défis actuels de la famille humaine.
Editors: Andrew Conradi, ofs, Laudato Si' Animator, Global Catholic Climate Movement
George Guimond, ofs, RFEC Dir of JPIC
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