March 2009

• The Season of Lent appropriately brought harsh reminders of the war and violence that exists in our world, as a timetable for withdrawal of troops from Iraq was proposed by the Obama Administration.
• We also joined in solidarity with the Jewish and Muslim peoples as the JPIC Office commended Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s message to allow humanitarian aid to the troubled area of Gaza.  Peace in the Middle East remains tenuous despite the various resolutions promoted to resolve this situation from peaceful talks, ceasefire agreements to a two-state solution. Franciscans International maintains a presence in Jerusalem and we continue to support their efforts with our prayers.