The journey began when the Franciscan Federation inquired about achieving Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) status at the United Nations.  Brother Thomas Grady, OSF, of the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn and I were sent to the United Nations (UN) to make enquiries.

With the help of other Religious NGOs, we got the information we needed, and eventually spread it to the other branches of the Franciscan Family. So, in 1989, the Franciscan Family was recognized as an NGO. Concern for the poor, concern for the environment and peacemaking were the agreed upon mission. In 1995, Franciscans International (F.I.) received Economic and Social Status, Category One (concerned with most of the activities of the UN Economic and Social Council and its subsidiary bodies), which enabled us to have an even greater impact.

Clare and Francis Fostered Gender Equality
Our first challenge was to ensure that the entire Franciscan family members were truly all equal.  For some of the male members of the First Order there were deep-seated historic differences that threatened the concept of family. However, the female members refused to allow those differences to become obstacles to our common mission and charism.  Starting with Brother Kevin Smith and our Sister Jeanne Glisky, we adopted the model of Francis and Clare as our ideal.  We successfully used this model to resist the patriarchal and hierarchical models that some of the men wanted. 

The International Board of Directors, made up of Ministers General of the branches, was gender unbalanced  -- which caused some difficulties over the years.  However the co-Directors steadfastly maintained a gender balance, mutual respect, dedication to the Mission and competence in service.  Franciscans International grew to be well known and widely respected at the United Nations.

I was happy to be a part of it, although I was in the background most of the time. Some of our Sisters, Associates and friends attended events at the UN under the umbrella of F. I.  Sisters Tiziana Longhitano, Francesca Atorino and Mariapia Iammarino (under F.I.’s direction) also had some longer lasting opportunities to experience the U.N. 

Conferences Creating Awareness,
Promoting Change
In 2001, the Co-Directors in New York encouraged me to attend the World Conference against Racism, Xenophobia, Discrimination and all Types of Intolerance held in Durban, South Africa. It was a joy to be part of a group of very dedicated NGO members who came from all the continents of the world. I stayed at a retreat center run by South African laity, which helped me get to know some of the local people – all of whom welcomed us warmly. 

Both before and after the conference, I represented F.I. on an NGO Committee for the Elimination of Racism*. After the Conference we focussed our efforts on overcoming specifically the racism and prejudice due to ignorance. I remember being very moved by St. Dominic’s statement, “All sin is ignorance.” I am convinced that racism is often due to ignorance of the “other.” We educated ourselves and other people about diverse faith traditions and cultures. We also invited speakers and encouraged participants to interact on issues that have divided people; e.g., Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racism, Xenophobia, and Hate Crimes of all sorts.

We adopted ‘best practices’ to educate ourselves about positive ways to overcome the ignorance that causes the problems. During the sacred seasons in the autumn of the year, we invited people of various faith traditions to come together for dialogue and understanding. We worked hard, and inspired each other as well as our participants, at the conferences. We grew in mutual understanding and admiration for the diversity of gifts shared among us and our capacity to work together on mutual goals. 

I enjoyed meeting Franciscans from various parts of the world who visited or worked with us on important Conferences held at the UN Headquarters in New York. I loved being with and learning something about many dedicated laity from around the world.

Facing the World’s Challenges
The issues of Climate Change, Poverty, Social Development…the challenges of discrimination against women and girl children, world hunger and lack of potable (drinkable) water, illiteracy, child soldiers, modern day slavery, the continued presence of devastating diseases in poor areas of the world, refugees, internally displaced people, oppressive regimes and incessant wars made me grateful for what I have -- but deeply concerned about the suffering and deprivation of so many of our brothers and sisters.  At times I was ashamed, and at other times I was proud of the behavior of my native country.   

I learned that I could not solve all the problems of the world.  I am not the Messiah -- and even the Messiah expected others to solve some things! Each generation is challenged to do its part to bring the Good News to the people. Many view the United Nations as weak, but it is the only place for all the nations of the world to come together and try to make our world a more just and peaceful place. We also see weakness in our Church, yet it is an important place where we unite to do tremendous good as we seek to follow the Gospel way of life.

Regardless of these weaknesses, I learned about the many good things the UN does through its various agencies; e.g., UNICEF, UNESCO, and many others.  I learned that the veto power of the five most powerful nations on the Security Council may obstruct peace and justice. There is an effort at present to reform the Council, and Elias Mallon represents the F.I on the Reform Committee. 

Last December, I resigned from F.I. – and they gave me a party and some gifts and an opportunity to speak. In my closing talk to the members of the Board and invited guests, I urged them to be mindful of the original vision.  F.I. must keep the Francis and Clare model so that it will be not be matriarchal, patriarchal nor hierarchal -- nor organized in any other mode that interferes with the model of minority taught and practiced by Francis and Clare.

I am grateful to our Congregation for allowing me to minister at the United Nations for so many years, ‘there is a time for everything’ and now is the time for me to pass this ministry on to younger Franciscans. As I ministered with the help of my dedicated colleagues and God’s grace, may they also minister, using their gifts…as well as Facebook, Twitter and all the resources that their experience and God’s grace have provided… to achieve a peaceful revolution in the Security Council for the benefit of justice, peace and equality throughout the world. 

Pax et Bonum,

Sister Bernadette Sullivan, SFP