On 17th January, the Franciscan family gathered at the Franciscan Family Centre, Lang’ata – Nairobi, for a Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Animators Meeting. The meeting brought together JPIC animators from various Franciscan congregations, alongside members of our JPIC office, in a spirit of collaboration and shared mission.
Purpose of the Meeting
The meeting aimed to revive and strengthen the JPIC animators’ network across all Franciscan congregations. A key focus was to explore strategies for ongoing formation, ensuring that JPIC animators are well-equipped to serve in their congregations, communities, and institutions.
This gathering was particularly timely, coming just weeks before the launch of the Lenten Campaign and as Kenya prepares for the next general election. These developments highlighted the urgent need for well-formed JPIC animators who can promote peace, guide communities through the Lenten reflections, and contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts during a critical national period.
Opening Remarks: Rooted in Franciscan Charism
The meeting officially opened with remarks from our Director, Sr. Mary Wangari Sebastian, LSSJ, who emphasized the importance of Franciscan unity in championing justice, peace, and care for creation. She reminded participants that JPIC is deeply rooted in the Franciscan charism, inspired by our Seraphic Father St. Francis of Assisi—a true model of peace.
Sr. Mary recalled the historic encounter of St. Francis with the Sultan during the Crusades, an act that embodied dialogue, courage, and nonviolence, offering a powerful example for JPIC animators in today’s world.
Franciscan Core Values Guiding JPIC Ministry
In her presentation, Sr. Mary highlighted the Franciscan core values that serve as guiding tools for all JPIC animators:
- Prayer – Connecting us with our Creator and helping us appreciate the beauty and sacredness of creation.
- Justice – Defending the dignity and rights of the poor and the marginalized.
- Peace – Promoting reconciliation, dialogue, and nonviolence at all levels of society.
- Integrity of Creation – Caring for and protecting God’s creation.
These values, she noted, guide animators in promoting the Mission of Christ—bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming liberty to captives, and offering healing and freedom. JPIC animators are therefore called to embody this mandate in the realities of today’s world.
Formation and Advocacy for Stronger Impact
Mr. Steeven Kezamutima offered valuable insights on the importance of ongoing formation for JPIC animators. He emphasized that continuous training will help animators build a strong and credible advocacy voice within their congregations, communities, and wider society.
Group Discussions and Shared Experiences
During the group discussion sessions, animators shared experiences of justice and injustice witnessed in their communities and workplaces. They reflected on practical ways to ensure that JPIC becomes an integral part of the life and service of their congregations and fraternities. Participants also explored creative ways of inspiring others to actively engage in JPIC initiatives. The group discussions aimed to reflect on the following questions.
1. How can JPIC (Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation) become part of the life and service of our congregation and fraternities?
Key Actions:
- Ground everything in prayer – nurture spirituality as the foundation of justice and peace.
- Encourage open dialogue – create safe spaces for sharing ideas and listening without judgment.
- Form reconciliation teams – promote healing and unity in times of conflict.
- Foster fraternity and kindness – build relationships rooted in respect and friendship.
- Serve as mediators – help resolve disputes fairly and peacefully.
- Be the voice of the voiceless – advocate for marginalized and vulnerable members.
- Practice active listening – give space for others to speak and feel heard.
- Lead by example – embody justice and peace in daily actions as role models.
2. How do we inspire our brothers and sisters to embrace justice and peace?
Key Actions:
- Show genuine concern – care for one another’s wellbeing.
- Be role models – live out values of fairness, compassion, and integrity.
- Stay active and engaged – participate in community life with commitment.
- Promote fairness through daily actions – let justice be visible in ordinary choices.
- Encourage sharing and inclusivity – embrace diversity and strengthen unity.
3. What issues of justice and peace must we address in our communities?
Key Challenges:
- Abuse of power – misuse of authority in leadership or family life.
- Lack of dialogue – breakdown in communication within communities.
- Misuse of community resources – treating common goods as personal property.
- Overemphasis on individuals – unhealthy focus on one person instead of collective responsibility.
- Misunderstandings and conflicts – unresolved tensions among members.
- Mistreatment of children by parents – neglect, abuse, or lack of care.
- Victimisation and favoritism – unfair treatment and exclusion.
- Disputes over property – conflicts arising from ownership and inheritance.
- Need for peacebuilding – fostering reconciliation and harmony.
- Human trafficking – protecting human dignity against exploitation.
- Environmental justice (e.g., Stop EACOP) – resisting harmful projects that threaten creation.
Moving Forward Together
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment and enthusiasm among the animators to work together in promoting justice, peace, and care for creation. As the Franciscan family prepares for the Lenten season and faces upcoming national challenges, the role of JPIC animators remains vital in nurturing hope, peace, and transformation in our communities.
About the Author
