1 JPIC St Francis icon of JPIC Australia’s Presence in the World
2 St Francis Icon of JPIC
3 Saint Francis of Assisi is completely transparent. He leads us directly to the crucified Christ. The person and the message of Saint Francis is vital for the tasks of the 21st Century. Pope Francis knows that the poverello of Assisi is an icon of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation. Saint Francis better than anyone else can speak to all peoples.
4 The Holy Spirit focused Saint Francis on the Crib, the Cross, and the Altar. In this Saint Francis understood that all things are offered to the Father. It is Saint Francis’ witness to JPIC that has welcomed the Franciscan initiative to the United Nations. We must promote the person of Saint Francis and make him accessible to everyone. Our saints are our true heroes! It should not surprise us that the comic book “Francis: Brother of the Universe” is the most read life of Saint Francis.
5 The example of some saints shines down through the ages with an immeasurable power which cannot be extinguished. Saint Francis is one of these. The treasury of St Francis is found in his writings, and legends. They contain the memory, the mind, heart, and soul of the seraphic saint. The Internet unlocks the scholarship of the critical sources for the life of Saint Francis to all of us who seek to know him better, but it is in a spirit of prayer and devotion that we meet him personally and understand his spirit.
6 If the vision of Saint Francis is presented clearly, it will bring unity of purpose to all movements towards universal fraternity. This was the vision of Pope John Paul II in bringing world leaders to pray together in Assisi. This message of brotherhood, calls for respect for the dignity of each person - indeed respect for every creature. We, in Australia, are a multicultural nation where the values of universal fraternity are essential if we are to not only respect others but to even delight in the differences and variety of the people who enrich our lives.
7 The Franciscan message of universal fraternity is a life-giving message for all time. The seraphic torch is passed to us. The message must be heard. Then it will work like a leaven in the midst of the secular world. The good news of Gospel fraternity revitalized by our cooperation with the Holy Spirit will go out to the entire world. It will shape the world. Fraternity will be one of the foundations of universal peace and good – and our Franciscan greeting will be not only be a prayer but a prophecy fulfilled. PAX ET BONUM
8 Presence in the World
9 People: Living the Good News of the Gospel Art 18. 1 & 4 GC Rule 6Admonition VII.I
10 Reaching: out in love Rule 11 Art GC
11 Reaching out National levelProject Adoption was initiated at least 40 years ago by the Secular Franciscans in Australia. Funding supports 2 major projects
12 In 2016, 85 families were supported through the Franciscan Family Apostolate in the Diocese of Irinjalakuda, Kerala India The money was used for urgent necessities including food and drinking water, medical treatment, education of children and house repairs etc
13 2. Alphonsa House is a boarding school for girls with severe disabilities who have been abandoned because of poverty. Over the years money has been used to purchase a bus, medication and specialised educational equipment
14 Reaching out Regional and local fraternities supportAn orphanage in the Philippines run by the Franciscan Sisters of St Anthony The work of the Poor Clares in Bosnia, Croatia and the Philippines The Franciscan Mission in Papua New Guinea The work done by Sr Lourdes, Mana Lou in Timor-Leste The work done by the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus in Brazil Support the Franciscan Missionary of Mary Apostolate in Uganda Financial support for the building of wells in Africa
17 Seeking the poor and downtrodden local fraternities across AustraliaIncludes - Involvement in the work of St Vincent de Paul Vinnies Night Patrol – feeding the homeless David’s Place - feeding and supporting the downtrodden of society Support the work of the Missionaries of Charity sisters by feeding the homeless and destitute including Aboriginal communities Penola House – supports refugee families etc
18 Educating: the children Rule 17 Art.24.1 GC
19 inequality and injusticeNoticing: inequality and injustice Rule 15 Art. 22 GC
22 Wonder: at the gift of HimselfIN THE Wonder: at the gift of Himself Rule 10 Art. 10 GC
23 Order: we are an Order Rule 20 Art. 28 GC
24 Radiating: throughout the world Art. 18 GC
25 Love: one another Rule 13 Admonition. IX.I
26 Doing: The Lord’s Will Rule 7 Art GC
27 St. Francis of Assisi School Newton“ Tau Crosses At the Beginning of Year Mass our Year 7 students received a Franciscan Tau Cross necklace from the Secular Franciscan Order.
28 When I wear the cross I know it is very powerful and it is a symbol for me that has hidden messages in, it was St Francis of Assisi’s favourite thing and it shows that I am a person who loves God. Sarina “You are a great inspiration for us. I am always going to wear it. It reminds me of the time when St Francis healed the man’s leg with the Tau. I know it was a big part of his life so I will make it a big part of mine.” John
29 “Thank you for the Tau. I like it because I’ve learnt a lot about it like it’s the symbol for youth.”Aguil “ I am very grateful to have this gift. This Tau makes me feel one with God. It reminds me that I will have eternal life with God.” Joshua “When I look at the Tau it reminds me of your kindness like what the cross is about. Now I can go around the world and everyone knows I’m Franciscan.” Clare