NEWSLETTER OF THE FRANCISCAN FEDERATION OF THE SISTERS AND BROTHERS OF THE UNITED STATES
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To heal the divisions and injustices of our world Pope Francis calls for a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach at all levels: personal, social, political, economic, no matter the issue. January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in which we raise awareness of this modern day slavery and motivate action and advocacy. So how can we respond to the invitations of this encyclical as applied to this issue?
The encyclical’s call is to expand our hearts and vision, to recognize that we are all connected, and to respond to needs in love and solidarity. Human trafficking seeks to break those bonds of connection, treating those trafficked as mere commodities for one’s profit and/or pleasure. To be long-term, solutions must be multi-layered and not done piecemeal, as Pope Francis reminds us.
There is much being done in this country and around the world on this issue, and there is still so much more to do. As a small example of this multi-layered approach of education, direct service and policy that Pope Francis calls for in this encyclical, I offer what is happening in Iowa in regard to addressing human trafficking.
Several coalitions of religious congregations and non-profits have formed across the state to become educated on human trafficking, especially as it occurs in Iowa, and in turn to raise awareness in the general public. These collaborations are on the micro and macro levels — both the local and state. The Tri-State Coalition on Human Trafficking has sponsored a pertinent documentary at the local film festival as well as initiated training for hotel staff in the area on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking. The Siouxland Coalition has such efforts as well as providing direct service to victims of trafficking by opening a safe shelter where they can rest, restore and heal. The many coalitions across the state banded together to advocate at the state level for Iowa House File 2259, a law which says that hotels and motels that fail to provide human trafficking training to their staff cannot accept public funds for stays, events or state-related functions. This was signed into Iowa law on June 29, 2020.
There is so much to unpack in this important encyclical, giving guidance to us in creating a more just and peaceful world. It is inspirational, practical and prophetic. Like Pope Francis, I too believe that the world hungers for the way of St. Francis of Assisi. The encyclical ends with a prayer that states in part, “. . . inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter, dialogue, justice and peace. . . May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the earth . . . and thus forge bonds of unity, common projects, and shared dreams.” The world so desperately needs this kind of social friendship!
To further explore the encyclical, download a free study guide here. For more information about taking action against human trafficking click here.
(Image: Brother Sun by Piero Casentini, Sanctuary of San Damiano, Assisi, Italy)
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“Franciscan Federation Moving Forward”
ZOOM Sessions
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Plan now to attend four Zoom sessions to meet some of the conversation partners who will join us for VIRTUAL AFC, June 11-14. Co-sponsored by the Commission of Regions and the Commission of Charism Services, executive leaders of six other National Franciscan Organizations will be interviewed in the first three sessions. The focus will be their current work and challenges and the mutual commitment we share to keeping the “voices of Francis and Clare” in the public square. The fourth session will introduce us to members of the Emergent Group, persons who are newly vowed or associate members of Franciscan Congregations and other Franciscan hearted persons who share a passion for the Franciscan charism and its proclamation IN THIS HOUR.
Dates: THIRD THURSDAYs of January, February, March and April, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 18, Apr. 15
Time: 1-2 pm Pacific, 2-3 pm Mountain, 3-4 pm Central and 4-5 pm Eastern
Dr. Bryan Froehle, our Conference Facilitator, offers a word of insight about what will precede the June Conference: “The next six months, culminating in the Virtual Franciscan Federation Conference June 11-14, 2021, will be a time for critical discovery, dreaming, and designing, so that the destiny of a flourishing Franciscan Movement in the USA in 2030 (and beyond) be fully realized.”
The zoom sessions will help us prepare for one of the most ever consequential AFCs. Join us!
To register, click here. Register by Jan. 20.
The same link will be used for all four sessions. Please consider participating in all four zoom sessions. The sessions will be recorded and available for viewing on our website.
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Nix Committed to the ECPAT-USA Code of Conduct
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If you have been to one of our ‘in person’ Annual Federation Conferences, no doubt you have met women in red sweaters who really care about how things are ‘moving along.’ They are the Nix associates who help us plan our hotel arrangements, our presenters’ times, our meals, our meetings, and all the lights, cameras, and actions that make up our usual times together. As we plan our virtual Conference for June 11-14, 2021, they are still at our side to make sure all goes smoothly! But, did you know…?
Nix Conference & Meeting Management is committed to the ECPAT-USA Meeting Planners Code of Conduct to combat commercial exploitation of children (CSEC). Our friends stand firm in their resolve to protect all children and unite with others in the industry to bring awareness to the issue of domestic minor sexual exploitation. As a socially responsible company, Nix utilizes its professional resources in the travel and tourism industry to create awareness of domestic minor trafficking of children. Please join them, in these practical ways, in the fight against CSEC in hotels.
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NEW Opportunities & Resources
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Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity of Sacred Heart Province announce the next cycle of its Sisters of St. Francis – Sacred Heart Charitable Fund. We invite applications for a grant from the Fund for the charitable works of Franciscan women religious communities in the United States. Click here to learn more.
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A free webinar about Saint Marianne is being offered. It will tell how she dealt with treating Leprosy in the 1800s and what can we learn from her example. Next Saturday on January 16, 2021, from 10 -11:3am Hawaii time (which is 3 to 4:30 pm Est time in New York State)
Click here to learn more and to pre-register.
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SAVE the DATE
for the Zoom meeting on racism with Jason Miller from FAN.
Monday, February 22, 2021 at 7:30 PM Eastern Time.
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The Franciscan Federation promotes exploration and study of Franciscan Evangelical Life and its implications for these times and for our world. (Vision Statement)
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Copyright © 2021 Newsletter of the Franciscan Federation of the Sisters and Brothers of the Third Order Regular of the United States, All rights reserved.
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