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 JUSTICE
ISSUES
Throughout the years, the Sisters have been involved in justice issues and
those affecting our ability to minister. We have been active as volunteers in prison
ministry and advocacy issues, such as:
- domestic abuse
- rights of women and children
- death penalty
- HIV/AIDS
- health issues
- pro-life
- needs of the hungry
- defense and economic issues
- human rights
- environment
Global Concerns Statement
We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Savannah, Missouri, are committed to justice
and the preservation of all life by assisting the poor, the oppressed, and the spiritually
wounded people of this earth. Our patron, St. Francis, had a genuine and deep respect for
the integrity of creation and invited all creation to give honor and praise to the Lord.
This we wish to do by our loving concern for the betterment of Mother Earth in a way that
preserves and cares for her resources.
The Canticle Window
Located in our Chapel, this window contains the images referred to  in the "Canticle of Praise," composed by St.
Francis: "Be praised, my Lord, through all You have made...my Brother Sun...Sister
Moon and the Stars...Brother Wind and Air...Sister Water...Sister Earth, our Mother...and
finally, Sister Death..."
These various elements are depicted through a combination of image and
color: the greens and browns, symbolic of earth; the purple and blacks, of sorrow,
sadness, and death.
A Spirituality of Nonviolence and Peacemaking
We are aware of how deeply violence pervades our culture. As Franciscans we are
called to be peacemakers in a chaotic world, witnessing to the Franciscan spirituality of
nonviolence in attitude and action. Directed by the Gospel challenge to practice the works
of mercy and to be carry the compassion of Christ to our world, we accompany the poor and
those on the margins of society. We are advocates for peace, even when threatened by
violence or war.
A Spirituality of Nonviolence - The Death Penalty
As violence pervades our culture, we believe we are called to live nonviolence in
attitude and action. In our last chapter meeting, our province forumulated and approved a
corporate stance against the Death Penalty. Directed by the Gospel, challenge to practice
the works of mercy and called as Franciscans to be persons of compassion, we accompany the
poor and those on the margins of society. Therefore, several of our Sisters have reached
out to those in prison and on death row.
Corporate Stance Against the Death Penalty
"Recognizing that the Gospel of Christ calls us to affirm the sacredness of all life
and God's unconditional love for all people, we, the Sisters of St. Francis of Savannah,
Missouri, take a corporate stance against the death penalty. Proclaiming God's love for
both victim and criminal, we seek to build the kingdom of God and to be visible signs of
reconciliation in the midst of a violent and broken world."
For more information, you may visit the Franciscans International.
Straight from the Heart...
by Sister Audrey Locke, O.S.F.Just a little over a year ago, I was faced
with a challenge to act on my word. After prayerful deliberation, I made the decision to
step out in faith and take a path that I had never expected to go in my life time. It was
a journey that would be by far one of the most challenging of my life, a real test of who
I say I am.
On July 6, 2000, I accompanied two of my religious sisters, Sisters Christine and
Kathleen, on a trip to the Potosi Correctional Center in southeast Missouri. Potosi is
approximately a six to seven hour drive from our home here in Savannah, Missouri.
continued... |
Mose Young
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