In mid-April, FAN members and Franciscan-hearted people gained a perspective on  the fifth Franciscan Solidarity Experience and the World Social Forum. Held in Belem, Para in Brazil this past winter, forty-four Franciscans from four continents and fifteen countries came together to pray, to share country experiences and to determine future networking possibilities. FAN Action Commissioners Friar Pio Jackson, OFM, and Sr. Sheila Kinsey, OSF, not only enjoyed these enriching days but brought their experience to others in April via an innovative webinar – a combination of internet presentation and telephone conference call. 

The theme of the World Social Forum, Another World Is Possible, focused on ecology but naturally included human rights, development and peace-building strategies. Pio and Sheila offered an enthusiastic narrative of meaningful experiences with a powerpoint presentation (here available as a PDF) that included many wonderful pictures.  The presentation offered a summary of the final statement (PDF) produced by the Solidarity Experience as a whole, and provided helpful resources and websites allowing those interested to continue to learn.

Sr. Sheila and Pio are energized about sharing these experiences and fostering international relationships for FAN, something the network members see as a natural part of their efforts at social and spiritual transformation.

“I am very enthusiastic about sharing the inspiring social justice stories of our Franciscans in Latin America,” Sr. Sheila said.