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Hungary, November 21, 2009 To the brothers and sisters of the SFO in the Democratic Republic of Congo “Mindful that they are bearers of peace, which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon” (Rule 19) Dear Brothers and Sisters: May the Lord give you peace! The scenes and news of violence, destruction, consistent atrocities, looting, desertion and distress from the Democratic Republic of Congo are terrifying and regard us all. For this reason the Secular Franciscans attending the General Chapter of our Order, together with our General Assistants and brothers and sisters of the National Fraternity of Hungary, wish to send a message of love to you and all the people in the DRC struck by these painful events which destroy the peace in your country, especially in the northern region of Kiwu. We sincerely share your grief and understand, with regret, that our brother Honoré Prosper, your International Counsellor cannot be with us. Regardless of its reasons, war always causes more victims amongst the innocent than the belligerent forces. Its effects, especially on children and families, are always irreversible. Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are writing to let you know that you have our complete solidarity and that we share your suffering in these terrible moments. According to our spirituality, the Franciscan Family of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and each and every Secular Franciscan, must be an instrument of peace, reconciliation and mercy in these circumstances and, as sons of Saint Francis, worthy witnesses of the Bible. To reach lasting peace it is not simply a question of laying down the war hatchet, but also of burying feelings of hate and revenge between brothers and sisters in the same country. Rest assured of our prayers, love and fraternal compassion. Encarnación del Pozo General Minister

Hungary, November 21, 2009

To the brothers and sisters of the SFO
in the Democratic Republic of Congo

“Mindful that they are bearers of peace, which must be built up unceasingly, they should seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon” (Rule 19)

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

May the Lord give you peace!

The scenes and news of violence, destruction, consistent atrocities, looting, desertion and distress from the Democratic Republic of Congo are terrifying and regard us all.

For this reason the Secular Franciscans attending the General Chapter of our Order, together with our General Assistants and brothers and sisters of the National Fraternity of Hungary, wish to send a message of love to you and all the people in the DRC struck by these painful events which destroy the peace in your country, especially in the northern region of Kiwu. We sincerely share your grief and understand, with regret, that our brother Honoré Prosper, your International Counsellor cannot be with us.

Regardless of its reasons, war always causes more victims amongst the innocent than the belligerent forces. Its effects, especially on children and families, are always irreversible.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, we are writing to let you know that you have our complete solidarity and that we share your suffering in these terrible moments. According to our spirituality, the Franciscan Family of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and each and every Secular Franciscan, must be an instrument of peace, reconciliation and mercy in these circumstances and, as sons of Saint Francis, worthy witnesses of the Bible. To reach lasting peace it is not simply a question of laying down the war hatchet, but also of burying feelings of hate and revenge between brothers and sisters in the same country.

Rest assured of our prayers, love and fraternal compassion.

Encarnación del Pozo
General Minister