Resources

Pray for Peace and Reconciliation In light of the tragic events of January 6 in our nation’s Capitol, The Wheaton Franciscans invite you to join us in prayer for a peaceful transition of power and for healing and reconciliation for all people in our nation. Our Franciscan tradition calls us to reflect on a God of nonviolent and compassionate love. Let us work to cultivate peace in our hearts that we might be a “Presence of peace and reconciliation” in our communities and our nation.Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27) May the [...]

January 1—World Day of Peace 2021 marks the 54th annual World Day of Peace.  The theme is “Good Politics is at the Service of Peace.”  In this year’s address, the Pope Francis appeals to the international community and every individual to foster a “culture of care” by building solidarity, and advancing justice and peace between individuals, communities, peoples and nations through active non-violence. He stresses that there can be no real and lasting peace without a culture of care based on “a common, supportive and inclusive commitment to protecting and promoting the dignity and good of all, a willingness to [...]

December 1—World AIDS Day December 1, 2020 marks the 32nd global World AIDS Day to raise awareness about the continued epidemic affecting over 38 million people currently living with HIV worldwide. In 2019, there were over 1.7 million new cases reported, and over 690,000 deaths.  On this day, we remember all those who have died since the disease was first recognized in 1981.  We honor the loved ones who cared for the dying in the early days of the pandemic, when no treatment was available and where an AIDS diagnosis usually meant swift and certain death.  We are grateful care [...]

November 10—World Science Day for Peace and DevelopmentThe World Science Day for Peace and Development calls attention to the critical role that science plays in helping us to better understand planet Earth, our common home.  This day also honors science’s role in  creating sustainable development through international cooperation, education and implementation for the common good. Unfortunately, the COVID 19 pandemic has demonstrated the devastating human and economic costs of international scientific non-cooperation.  Failure to communicate effectively and in a timely manner about the discovery of a new and deadly corona virus allowed rapid, global spread of the pathogen, over a million [...]

October 1—International Day of Older Persons S Seigfrieda shows S Bea her Miffy creations that she shares with children around the world. International Day of Older Persons is celebrated on October 1st. This day was initiated by the United Nations in 1990 to honor the efforts of the elderly and the value they bring to society. They are the caretakers and custodians of societal traditions.  Although often no longer able to contribute in certain ways due to physical limitations, they often play an essential role in sharing the wisdom of their lived experience, providing a listening ear to younger generations, [...]

September 1—World Day of Prayer for CreationTuesday, September 1st, the World Day of Prayer for Creation, marks the beginning of the 5th annual, world-wide Season of Creation. The season extends through the feast of St Francis, the patron of ecology, on October 4th.  It is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment.  In addition to celebrating the joy of creation, we are called to reflect on our own lives and how we have over-used, abused or neglected to care for creation.  In light of these reflections, we are encouraging awareness-raising [...]

August 6 and 9—World Remembrance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - 75th Anniversary At 8:16 AM, over Hiroshima on August 6 and at 10:58 AM on August 9 over Nagasaki, in 1945, the course of human history changed forever with the dropping of 2 nuclear bombs during World War II.   This year marks the 75th Anniversary of these horrific events.  The overwhelming, destructive power of these weapons of mass destruction instantly obliterated these two cities, killing over 200,000 people, mostly civilians.  Thousands more died in the following months due to burns, radiation sickness and other injuries, compounded by malnutrition and illness.  [...]

July 11—World Population Day July 11th, World Population Day, seeks to raise awareness of issues around world population.  The world’s population has grown from 3 billion in 1960, to 7.1 billion in 2014.  The earth is presently able to provide enough food and water for our present global population, but equitable distribution and access continue to be a challenge.  Climate change due to human activity and armed conflicts continue to make farming and food distribution difficult.  Growing human populations also contribute to the loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation and have led to growing demands for energy.  Even clean renewable [...]