Franciscan Values

I believe that all of the Franciscan values should be important. All though, I feel that

showing compassion for one another is by far the most meaningful value that one should practice

throughout life. I feel that this one value encompasses all of the other values in one way or another.

By serving and caring for the poor and oppressed people of the world, we are helping them to

see that they are not alone in their troubles. It helps to show them that they are worthy of respect and

dignity. By caring for people that do not have the means to care for themselves we are creating a caring

Community, because when people are given a helping hand when it is needed they are more likely to do

the same for someone else.

By working for justice in all aspects of life, not just legal justice, you naturally become a peace

maker. Justice can take many forms. It can be making sure women and minorities are treated equally

in the work place. It can be making sure that children are raised in a safe and loving environment. It is

not just making sure that things are fair or just in the legal sense. Justice is also about resolving

differences between people, be it religious, political or any of the other perceived differences that we

have as humans. Justice also involves healing and reconciliation between the victims and perpetrators

of crimes so that they can both return to being productive members of society.

Taking responsible social action is directly tied to a reverence for all of creation. Social

Responsibility is so important, yet is rarely practiced these days. Not only by our businesses or our

political leaders but also individuals. It is easy to criticize the big business that creates a toxic waste

dump or the government agency that allows poorly tested drugs out into the market place, but we are

just as guilty as individuals by becoming a consumer society. We no longer repair things that don’t