NEWS
NATIONAL FRATERNITY
SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER
OF THE UNITED STATES
CONTACT: Bob Stronach, OFS, stronach@kateriregion.org, 315-796-9468,
or Mary Stronach, OFS, stronach@kateriregion.org, 315-796-9284
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2014
Secular Franciscans Declare Solidarity with Immigrant Brothers/Sisters
DALLAS – The national body of the U.S. Secular Franciscan Order declared its “solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters” in a statement unanimously adopted at its annual gathering, held Oct. 21-26 in Dallas, TX.
Citing Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput's insight that “the more we encourage and support the integrity of families, the healthier society becomes,” the national body said: “We lament that immigrants live in fear of a dysfunctional system which often leads to the forced break-up of loving families.”
The body, consisting of some 50 leaders representing 13,000 Secular Franciscans across the U.S., said that Secular Franciscans “are called by our Rule of Life to cultivate the well-being of the family through our Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life.”
The leaders said they were inspired by the words and actions of Tucson Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, this year's recipient of their Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Award.
“We accept the challenge from Bishop Kicanas that we seek ways to stand in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters, through prayer, personal action, and support for comprehensive immigration reform.”
The Secular Franciscan Order is an order of single, married and ordained Catholics who profess to bring the Gospel to life in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.