“A new economy, inspired by Francis of Assisi, today can and must be an economy that is friendly to the earth and an economy of peace. It is about transforming an economy that kills into an economy of life, in all its dimensions.”
(Pope Francis, Assisi, 24 September 2022)
Assisi became this unique space, which brought together 1,000 young people from 120 countries, who found in Pope Francis' call a sign of hope to connect dreams, struggles and sustainable economic projects, starting from the peripheries, and assume a global pact against capitalist destruction, weaving a new economy, committed to the cries of the earth and of all peoples.
Voices echoed in the Lyrick Theater, in Saint Maria degli Angeli, to denounce the crimes committed to the peripheral populations and give visibility to the projects and the faces that are building the economy of Francis, in several countries of the world. These voices set us in motion. Our territorial tents have widened to welcome the diversities that flourished at the meeting, and to transform Assisi into a space where we believe that everything is possible to achieve to reach the Promised Land.
The Brazilian Articulation showed, from the name Clare, that we need to value: women, the territory, the native peoples, the poor, the quilombolas, grassroots ecclesiastical communities, social movements, family farming and so many other community organizations that prioritize proximity finance, with investment in cooperation, promoting local productive initiatives, public procurement organized by the State and decentralization of government budgets. Here is our announcement and our fight!
Assis became that space where it was possible to weave dreams and ideals of life, based on good living. The motivation and involvement with these causes and sustainable economic projects found in the words of Pope Francis a comfort, a hope, a positive energy transmitted by him. An 85-year-old “Little Lord”, in fragile health, but with a brilliant mind and a pure and welcoming heart, putting his trust in us. Sharing the same space with him caused me great joy and emotion, a grace received in the 180th anniversary of our Congregation and a gift of Perpetual Vows.
By calling us to the sacred land of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, the Pope allowed us to experience at the root the mystique that moves our economic proposal and the spirit that brings us together as a Brazilian Articulation. It seemed like a dream, several times the tears rolled down my face, for feeling loved and wanted by God, who allowed me to step into sacred territories, of saints who preceded us their prophetic voices in different contexts of the time.
I am grateful to God Providence, the Congregation, the ABEFC (Brazilian Articulation for the Economy of Francis and Clara) who provided me with such an expressive experience of gifts and charism, full of the presence of God and such beautiful people. And this, in the year in which I prepare for my definitive YES. Interesting that I said goodbye to Italy with the audience of Pope Francis, in St. Peter's Square. His message came to meet my current moment: “It is only possible to make discernment, starting from prayer”. I embraced the experiences of Assisi and Rome and moved forward with the commitment to continue implementing the Economy of Francis and Clare, witnessing to God's love and Christian hope where life is threatened.
Sr. Elis Alberta Ribeiro dos Santos