The ecological crisis that we live in today, deeply marked by climate change, makes us aware and seek concrete ways from our lifestyle to deal with this situation. In the Plenary Council of the Order (PCO), held last year, it was evident that this problem has global scope. At the same time, it valued the proposal and lines of action of the Encyclical, Laudato si’ for the care of the Common Home.
We believe that the care for the environment must be transversal and must involve all people, along with politics, religion and economy. As we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the encounter of St. Francis with Sultan Malik al-Kamil (1219), the JPIC Course 2019 takes into account the ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, because we are convinced that the solution has to come from everyone.
The course began On Monday, February 18 and went on until the 27th at the Pontifical University Antonianum in Rome. We have integrated into the ‘Course of High Formation in Integral Ecology.’ Brothers from different countries have participated from many countries including Japan, Taiwan, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Austria, Poland, Holy Land, Slovakia, United States, Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
In the first part of the course, we listened to the various interventions of the speakers on the figure of St. Francis in the ecumenical and interreligious movement, the beauty of Creation as an invitation of the Encyclical Laudato si’, St. Francis of Assisi in relationship with the Creation and the creatures, the fundamental sources for Islamic ecology, Creation as a free act of God according to John Duns Scotus, and the Spirit of Assisi between history and prophecy.
There will be practical indications for action next week so that JPIC animators could have tools that help them to take the reflection and the concerns to concrete acts through a plan and a project for their Entities.
Br. Jaime Campos F., OFM
JPIC Office – RomeF