Franciscans to observe day of care for creation

“Our cares regard social issues such as food security, the rights of indigenous peoples, violence against women, children's rights," Fr. Mathew recalled.

India (UCAN): 

Franciscans across India will stop for an hour on Sept. 1 for Eucharistic Adoration marking the World Day of Prayer for the care of creation in communion with Pope Francis.

The Association of Franciscan Families of India (AFFI) brings together some 50,000 people including orders of men and women and lay people of the Secular Franciscan Order.

All formation centres, communities, seminaries, convents and parishes run by Franciscan monks in India will spend an hour in Adoration, said a statement by AFFI president Fr. A.J. Mathew.

Fr. Mathew emphasized that the Franciscans in India have a network with a large number of educational, medical and social institutions, and are committed to the Church and in society in order to revitalize the spirit of St. Francis.

“Our cares regard social issues such as food security, the rights of indigenous peoples, violence against women, children's rights," he recalled.

The Coordinator of the AFFI, Fr. Nithiya Sagayam, said "prayer and Eucharistic Adoration will strengthen the bond with the creation of God" and in the 164 provinces where they are present, the Franciscans are committed to spreading the responsibility to "be united with the Lord not only symbolically, but to generate a firm commitment in the preservation of creation".

The AFFI will organize a special workshop on the encyclical Laudato S�’, aimed at drawing concrete action plans for environmental protection in India.

Source: Agenzia Fides