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 formulated 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.

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