Dear sisters and brothers,

Peace and every good to all of you! I am sure you already know that Dakar hosted the World Social Forum from February 6 to February 11. I took part in this forum with the Justice and Peace Group of our large International Franciscan Family whose members came from every continent.

This event nurtured my hope to see a better world and it is a great pleasure for me to share my experience . . .  

WSF Banner

A large box is carried, symbolizing: “Coffin of the dying world”

Brother Frank, OFM, from Togo, and Brother Jo, OFM

Our Cardinal, Archbishop of Dakar Adrien Sarr, presided at the opening Liturgy.  Then in the afternoon, the participants marched with banners that were decorated in various slogans and logos.  It was a gathering where the entire world laid out its pains, worries, challenges, perspectives, and hopes. The solidarity enlivened us and gave us audacity and courage to denounce the injustices, the inequitable systems of management in the poorest countries, environmental deterioration, wars and all the other innumerable plagues that harm human dignity.

Brothers Peter, OFM (Sudan), Ettore, OFM, (Italy), Jo, OFM, (U.S. - missioned in Kenya), Sister M. Augustine, SFP

Franciscan International on the Forum’s site

FI members

Promoting Justice, Human Rights and Reverence

At this forum we wanted to tell the world leaders that “another world is possible.” We reflected together and shared different opinions on world issues. We supported solutions that can promote just and equitable investments for the subsistence of our countries.  With a deep sense of respect for every person created and beloved by God, we wanted to raise awareness and to inform people of their rights and duties, while honoring signed commitments and agreements.

This forum had a positive effect on me. It contributed to my formation and made me aware of many things which our government does not often unveil. The most important and beneficial work was to raise awareness and inform every person about the direction of the world. Which world do we live in? Which world do we want today and for the future generations?

Reducing poverty and hunger

University of Dakar, the site of the WSF

Gorée  - praying at the house of slaves

Our Franciscans International group concluded its stay in Senegal with a visit to the island of Gorée, where we prayed and asked forgiveness for everything that has been experienced between the walls of the house of the slaves. (Thousands of Africans were brought here and were loaded onto ships bound for the New World.)

We hoped unanimously that this world event – the World Social Forum -- which took place in our country, could influence our governments and encourage them to positively change all systems that make the community of life function.

Sister Marie Augustine Ndione, SFP