On August 31, 2023, Friar Michael LASKY, the General Delegate for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), taught a seminar for the “Percorsi Assisi” Advanced Training School, which took place at the Sacred Convent in Assisi. The topic of the seminar was, “From the Common Table to the Common Good.”
The seminar began by highlighting how we live in a world of political polarization, economic conflicts, and religious zealotry, which are manifested in broken immigration systems, the willful neglect of the suffering, and deliberate acts of racism. The skills needed to bring healing to today’s ills can be found at a Franciscan dining table. Franciscan meals require attentive listening, which fosters civil discourse. This, in turn, leads us to ask courageous questions, which not only counters misinformation, but more importantly works to advance the common good. The interactive seminar invited the participants to taste and savor the possibility of hope for the future. The participants came from all over Italy and Friar Michael was able to spend additional time with them during meals, which furthered the classroom discussion.
Brazil
On July 7-9, 2023, Friar Michael and Friar Erick MARÍN traveled to the novitiate in Cascavel, Brazil, where they spent time with the novices, exploring themes of integrating Franciscan Spirituality and the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition into contemporary JPIC issues.
On July 10-12, Friars Michael and Erick gave a presentation at the 3rd Franciscan Symposium in Brasilia, Brazil. The theme was: “The 800th Anniversary of the Later Rule and Its Reverberations in Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.” The event generated some excellent discussions, both in the lecture hall and during the days that followed. It was also a blessing for Friar Michael to be able to concelebrate Mass at the Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, which was recently raised to the dignity of a Minor Basilica!
Friar Michael LASKY
