A welcome message from the Board of Directors of Franciscans International:
Franciscans International is an international non-governmental organisation advocating at the United Nations for the promotion, protection, and respect of human rights, social rights, and environmental justice. 
Feast of Saint Francis, 2018
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On behalf of the Franciscans International team I wish you a Happy Feast of Saint Francis!

Today, I have a special request for you. In about ten days an important treaty will be discussed at the United Nations to better protect people’s lives from violations by transnational corporations and other business enterprises. On this occasion, we are organizing a panel discussion at the United Nations with Bishops from different regions of the world to bring the people’s voice to the attention of decision makers.

May I ask you to support our efforts with your prayer through the coming nine days? If you like you can use the prayer below that I wrote inspired by the St. Francis Prayer.

Do not hesitate to contact us should you wish to know more about this treaty process.
 
Fraternally,

Markus Heinze, OFM
Executive Director
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
        Lord, make me an advocate of all those who are discriminated and excluded.

Where people are discriminated because of their race,
        Let me advocate for fraternity;
Where people are disadvantaged or persecuted because of their religion,
        Let me advocate for religious freedom;
Where people are discriminated because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,
        Let me advocate for equality and their dignity;
Where people are treated as slaves,
        Let me advocate for their freedom;
Where people are migrating and seeking refuge,
        Let me advocate for their protection and security;
Where people are evicted from their land and home,
        Let me advocate for compensation;
Where people exploit the resources of the earth for their private interest,
        Let me advocate for justice and solidarity;
Where our mother Earth is damaged and polluted,
        Let me advocate for the protection and respect of Creation,
Where peoples and nations fight against each other,
        Let me advocate for Peace and Reconciliation.

Because it is You, who is present in our Sisters and Brothers.
It is you, who gave us an inalienable dignity as your creatures.
Together with Jesus our Lord and Brother we pray to you: 
Your Kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.