Franciscan Solidarity Experience

Franciscan Solidarity Experience in Belem, Para January 17 to February 1, 2009: Forty-four Franciscans from four continents and fourteen countries gathered in Belem, Para in Brazil to pray, to share the situations in our countries, to network and to determine future actions together. Click here to see map of Belem, Para.

It was exciting to feel our common bonds in the midst of such diversity. Simultaneous translations kept the dynamics alive as we each heard the messages in our respective languages-- English, Portuguese and Spanish. Indeed the spirit was present amongst us strengthening our bonds of solidarity as Franciscans.

Song, music and dance enlivened our days and enhanced the sharing of our diverse cultures. Stories of poverty and environmental destructions were common although the circumstances varied for us. We felt the pain of abject destitution and the consequences of environmental degradation.

Franciscans shared advocacy efforts: addressing our governmental concerns, engaging in marches, and creating alternative lifestyle arrangements to envision that another world is possible. Hope was alive. We analyzed our situation in a global context and felt the need to create viable bonds for networking amongst us. In our diversity we found unity to do this. A letter drafted by the participants in the Franciscan Solidarity Experience.