On behalf of Franciscans International from its Executive Director, Blair Mattheson TSSF
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We are living in such interesting times and with little access to truthful news/information that is not AI generated, that it is a real challenge to discern the realities for many.
I wanted to send you something that is very real, challenging, and hopefully will help us as Franciscans to be prophetic voices in the wilderness of 2026.
As promised, we took the time to write some notes on COP30 and put them in a booklet, highlighting thoughts, outcomes, and a way of hope into the future. All of us are busy, however we do ask for these links to six different language versions of the COP30 booklet to sent to someone in your order who can share this around your communities, fraternities,
and congregations. That would be great to help share the experience and the challenge which is in front of us all.
https://franciscansinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franciscans_COP30_web_ENG.pdf
What can we do in a world where there is endless war and division? Of course we can pray, and I know we do that. I’d like to share some news of an initiative—see below—taken by some Franciscans in Sri Lanka, including Secular Franciscans and Friars Minor. Perhaps there are examples here of what each of us can do in our local contexts. I’m happy to share in this letter any news of what else we are doing round the world.
We are aware that we cannot stop the war from Sri Lanka. However, we can stay conscious and in solidarity and compassion try to implement some of the following actions. We need to discuss who will take the initiative, who will take the responsibility to commit to implement it and how we are going to get funds when needed.
- Prayer that is visible, structured, and ongoing
Actions
- Monthly “Franciscan Peace Hour” (same day across Sri Lanka)
- Organize interfaith prayer services (invite Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist leaders)
- Hold candlelight vigils on significant days
- Share short reflections from Francis of Assisi and Pope Leo XIV (or current Church teaching if name is symbolic)
The impact is that it will builds spiritual solidarity and quiet public awareness
- Awareness that connects the global issue to Sri Lankan people
Actions:
- Simple parish-level sessions: “What is happening in Gaza/Lebanon/Iran – in human terms”
- Youth discussions: “War, faith, and peace – what can we do?”
- Use testimonies, short videos, real-life stories (not political analysis)
- Host online webinars with speakers from the region if possible
The possible impact will be that it will move people from indifference to empathy
- Interfaith (this can be Sri Lanka’s strong advantage) interreligious dialogue
Actions:
- Organize small dialogue circles (not big conferences)
- Theme: “How our religions teach peace”
- Include Buddhist monks, Muslim imams, Hindu swamis
- Share a joint message of peace for the Middle East
The possible impact would be it will show unity across congregations as well as religions. This can be powerful symbolic witness
- Advocacy (keep it realistic, not political)
Actions:
- Issue a joint SFOS Sri Lanka statement for peace
- Run a social media campaign: “Franciscans for Peace” Weekly posts with quotes and prayers
- Internal formation (this is often ignored)
Before going outward, strengthen members.
Actions:
- Sessions on: Franciscan spirituality of peace and Non-violence and reconciliation
- Reflection on: How we live peace in Sri Lanka (family, parish, society)
Possible Impact: Makes the initiative authentic, not just activity-based