EUROPE/ITALIA - Franciscans organize “Third Chapter of the Poor”

Bari (Agenzia Fides) - “In a changing world, there are always poor,” is the theme for the reflections that will be made during the “Third Chapter for the Poor,” an event organized by the Franciscan Friars Minor of Pulia and Molise and by young adult members from Franciscan Youth. It is a formative event that will take place April 11-14, focusing on social interest topics. The event is supported, among others, by the Provincial Municipality of Bari and the Franciscan Third Order and will be attended by representatives from Pax Christi, “One World,” The Pope John XXIII Community, and the Policoro Project.
The event has been planned in response to the need to inform and form the youth on the current dilemmas, speaking their language and bringing them to take up their commitment within society. The name of the initiative, “Chapter of the Poor,” is an effort to reflect the Franciscan charism (as they are its organizers) and to invite people to reflect on the word “poverty” that can be a freely chosen virtue (as in the case of Saint Francis). The Chapter is an effort to analyze poverty in its many characteristics, e.g. just distribution of wealth, not wasting, temperance... and to show that it can become a “slavery” when it becomes misery and injustice. The Chapter will also make an overview of the many new forms of poverty that exist in modern society.
The event will begin April 11, in the parish of Saint Paul in Bari with an introduction on “Lifestyles.” Later, there will be talks on “Devious behavior among minors,” “The dangerous situation of youth workers,” and “Immigration and emigration.” The concluding remarks will be given by Father Antonio Dell’Olio (National Councilor of Pax Christi), with the theme: “How is the Church responding to poverty in a southern region that is changing?”.
“We would like to reflect on how we can build a society that is founded on respect for diversity, integration, and sharing experiences,” the organizers of the event explained, “encouraging others to understand that one’s personal decisions are where the active participation in building a better society for all begins.” The “Chapter of the Poor” is an opportunity for formation and sharing on themes that especially interest the youth. It is geared towards youth who are already on the road to deepening their faith, but also to those who are perhaps simply interested in helping others or in being volunteers in the social sphere. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/4/2008; righe 31, parole 409)