The members of the Inter-Franciscan JPIC Commission called Romans VI met at the JPIC Office of the USG (Union of Superiors General) & UISG (International Union of Superiors General) on February 25, 2020. Sr. Sheila Kinsey, FCJM [hostess], Br. Joseph Blay, OFM Conv., Br. Rufino Lim, OFM, and Sr. Nancy Celaschi, OSF, were present physically. Still, Attilio Galimberti, OFS, took part in online due to the situation of COVID19 in Lombardy. Br. Joel de Jesus, OFM Cap. has joined in the Commission last October but was unable to be present due to his Italian study in Assisi.
The meeting began with a prayer for creation prepared by Sr. Sheila, which was followed by the approval of the minutes of the last meeting on Dec. 16, 2019, and quick updates of each member’s recent activities and plans.
The first item on the list was about renewal and update of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Romans VI and Franciscans International. Br. Markus Heinze, Executive Director of FI, who joined the meeting by Skype, pointed out that the document of MOU was drafted in 2011 and revised in 2015. Romans VI has agreed to begin the process of revision since FI is currently engaged in a 4-year strategic planning process, working under a new charter that was developed in 2019.
Later, Simon Levey from the Grantham Institute at the Imperial College, London, joined us by Skype. Br. Joseph met him at COP25, Madrid, and was very impressed with the leaflet on climate actions and invited him to the meeting. The format was attractive and useful though it needs to be adapted for Romans VI. Simon willingly gave the Commission permission to modify anyway possible. All agreed to have a collaborative relationship between the two groups to raise consciousness on the issue of the climate crisis and ecological conversion.
Finally, the members decided to sign up as sponsors for “Laudato si’ week”, which is on May 18 – 24, promoted by Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM). The logo designed by Br. Joel was approved with some modifications as well.
The next meeting will be on April 28.
Br. Rufino Lim, OFM
Assistant of the JPIC Office, General Curia – Rome