FRANCISCANS CALL FOR PEACE IN WAKE OF PARIS TRAGEDY
We join our voices to those around the world to express our deepest condolences following horrific acts of terror that took place in Paris yesterday. We continue to yearn and work for a world that is free of vengeance and violence and terror.
We pray for all of those whose lives were lost, all those who have been gravely injured, and those who now bear the burden of grief; for all those who have rushed in to provide assistance and security; and that we might find new ways to give birth to peace from the ashes of terror.
We call upon the spirit and intercession of our founder, St. Francis of Assisi, that we might all become “instruments of peace” and that all people of goodwill can come to see that terror and violence are never the solutions to the problems we face.
May all those whose lives were taken in this tragedy rest in peace, and may everyone – especially the people of Paris – feel the closeness of our Loving God during these days of trial and struggle.
Provincial Ministers of the English Speaking Conference of the Franciscan Order
Rev. Hugh McKenna, OFM
Province of Ireland
President of OFM English Speaking Conference.
Along with 13 other Provincials of the ESC
The English Speaking Conference represents more than 1,600 Franciscan friars living and ministering in the English-speaking countries of the world.