India, March 12, 2015: Observing the Year of Consecrated Life, the Indian Franciscans pledged to work to end violence against women, educate the poor and help migrants.

The renewal of commitment came after a special seminar on “Franciscan consecrated life” at the Center for spiritual retreats in Velankanni, according to Fr. Nithiya Sagayam OFM Cap, national coordinator of the Association of Franciscan Families of India (AFFI).

AFFI is the network of 53 Franciscan religious congregations present in 163 provinces throughout India.

The seminar saw Franciscans renewing their commitment in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare to serve among marginalized people, particularly in the slums and rural areas.

The plan provides specific commitments to help stop violence against women, to provide education to poor children, assistance, development and welfare for immigrants.

The plan will be carried out through the involvement of the Secular Franciscan and laity Order.

Franciscan network has mobilized help for victims of earthquakes in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

But they want to “show special attention towards the victims of injustice and human rights violations, in their effort to create a just and peaceful society,” said Fr. Sagayam.

- agenzia fides