About Us
Our Vision
A global community in which
- the dignity of every person is respected,
- resources are shared equitably,
- the environment is sustained,
- and nations and peoples live in peace.
Our mission is to advocate at the United Nations for human dignity and environmental justice, using a rights-based approach.
Our ‘Strategic Orientations from 2021 onward’ detail how we work towards achieving our vision and mission.
Our Impact
Franciscans International addresses the root causes of injustices by bringing cases of discrimination and violence committed against individuals and groups living on the margins to the attention of the international community.
We work to influence UN decisions and standard-setting processes. To make a unique contribution, we rely on:
- Our strong ties with Franciscans and their civil society allies who work at the grassroots with marginalized communities.
- A professional staff and over 30-year expertise in bringing testimonies to the UN, where we translate these into effective strategic interventions to hold States and other actors accountable for policies and practices that are harming human rights.
“Bringing the voices of people in our communities to the United Nations gives them hope – they feel they are not alone in their fight.”
Using a rights-based approach, we advocate at the UN for the protection of human dignity and environmental justice in order to:
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Bring attention to underreported or urgent situations – when people suffer from harmful policies and actions, we expose these to protect victims, combat impunity, and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
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Hold governments accountable and demand changes in policies and practices – we use the UN legal and political framework to prompt States to justify their actions and change their policies and practices to improve the lives of affected communities.
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Strengthen the work of Franciscans and other partners at the grassroots – we help to build capacity at the grassroots and foster connections between allies so that they can join forces in their struggle for justice.
Our Impact
Franciscans International addresses the root causes of injustices by bringing cases of discrimination and violence committed against individuals and groups living on the margins to the attention of the international community.
We work to influence UN decisions and standard-setting processes. To make a unique contribution, we rely on:
- Our strong ties with Franciscans and their civil society allies who work at the grassroots with marginalized communities.
- A professional staff and over 30-year expertise in bringing testimonies to the UN, where we translate these into effective strategic interventions to hold States and other actors accountable for policies and practices that are harming human rights.
Using a rights-based approach, we advocate at the UN for the protection of human dignity and environmental justice in order to:
-
Bring attention to underreported or urgent situations – when people suffer from harmful policies and actions, we expose these to protect victims, combat impunity, and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
-
Hold governments accountable and demand changes in policies and practices – we use the UN legal and political framework to prompt States to justify their actions and change their policies and practices to improve the lives of affected communities.
-
Strengthen the work of Franciscans and other partners at the grassroots – we help to build capacity at the grassroots and foster connections between allies so that they can join forces in their struggle for justice.
“Bringing the voices of people in our communities to the United Nations gives them hope – they feel they are not alone in their fight.”
How We Work
Franciscans International is a bridge between the grassroots and decision makers at the United Nations.
With our support, the concerns of Franciscans and the people they work with are brought to the attention of the international community. Together, we then use the outcomes at the UN to influence and change international and national laws and policies.
Franciscans International is a bridge between the grassroots and decision makers at the United Nations.
Understanding the problem
The cornerstone of our work is reliable and verified information. Driven by the needs of Franciscans working at the grassroots, together we collect and assess testimonies of alleged human rights violations and abuses. We also analyze the underlying causes and gaps that allow them to occur.
We strengthen the capacity of Franciscans and their partners to document these situations. We also support them to develop strategies and build alliances to address the problems they face. To further reinforce our joint work, FI conducts regular country visits and undertakes direct research if needed.
Franciscans International conducts regular country visits and undertakes direct research if needed.
Translating and amplifying
Our core expertise is to translate information from the grassroots into legal and political interventions that prompt diplomats and UN experts to act. With offices in Geneva and New York, we host Franciscans and other partners to directly engage with key decision makers.
Thanks to our General Consultative Status we can directly intervene during UN deliberations, including those of its human rights mechanisms. Often, we join forces with other organizations and coalitions working toward the same goals.
Building on advocacy outcomes
We analyze resolutions, reports, and recommendations by UN bodies and experts to determine how they can be best used to influence governments to bring about positive change in their practices, policies, and laws. Together with our partners, we update our strategies for long-term action. Oftentimes, this will include going back to the UN to try and further strengthen its position.
Follow-up on UN decisions
Our work is not a one-way street to Geneva and New York. We translate decisions of the international community back into concrete strategies with Franciscans and their partners.
We then help them to build strong networks with local allies and authorities to follow-up on relevant UN decisions and make sure that these can translate into concrete changes.
Through our workshops and publications, we also help to make UN decisions understandable and actionable for Franciscans and others standing up for human rights.
Our work is not a one-way street to Geneva and New York. We translate decisions of the international community back into concrete strategies with Franciscans and their partners.
Networks and coalitions
FI works closely with other civil society and faith-based organizations, through both formal and informal collaborations. Among others, we are part of the following global networks and coalitions:
- Child Rights Connect
- Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group (GeCCco)
- Geneva Interfaith Forum on Environment, Climate Change and Human Rights (GIF)
- Global Coalition of Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements, and Local Communities for the Universal Recognition of the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment
- Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (ILC)
- Laudato Si’ Action Platform
- International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies (CIDSE) – observer
- International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net)
- NGO Major Group
- NGO Working Group on the Security Council
- NGO Mining Working Group
- Treaty Alliance
How We Work
Franciscans International is a bridge between the grassroots and decision makers at the United Nations.
With our support, the concerns of Franciscans and the people they work with are brought to the attention of the international community. Together, we then use the outcomes at the UN to influence and change international and national laws and policies.
Understanding the problem
The cornerstone of our work is reliable and verified information. Driven by the needs of Franciscans working at the grassroots, together we collect and assess testimonies of alleged human rights violations and abuses. We also analyze the underlying causes and gaps that allow them to occur.
We strengthen the capacity of Franciscans and their partners to document these situations. We also support them to develop strategies and build alliances to address the problems they face. To further reinforce our joint work, FI conducts regular country visits and undertakes direct research if needed.
Translating and amplifying
Our core expertise is to translate information from the grassroots into legal and political interventions that prompt diplomats and UN experts to act. With offices in Geneva and New York, we host Franciscans and other partners to directly engage with key decision makers.
Thanks to our General Consultative Status we can directly intervene during UN deliberations, including those of its human rights mechanisms. Often, we join forces with other organizations and coalitions working toward the same goals.
Building on advocacy outcomes
We analyze resolutions, reports, and recommendations by UN bodies and experts to determine how they can be best used to influence governments to bring about positive change in their practices, policies, and laws. Together with our partners, we update our strategies for long-term action. Oftentimes, this will include going back to the UN to try and further strengthen its position.
Follow-up on UN decisions
Our work is not a one-way street to Geneva and New York. We translate decisions of the international community back into concrete strategies with Franciscans and their partners.
We then help them to build strong networks with local allies and authorities to follow-up on relevant UN decisions and make sure that these can translate into concrete changes.
Through our workshops and publications, we also help to make UN decisions understandable and actionable for Franciscans and others standing up for human rights.
Networks and coalitions
FI works closely with other civil society and faith-based organizations, through both formal and informal collaborations. Among others, we are part of the following global networks and coalitions:
- Child Rights Connect
- Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group (GeCCco)
- Geneva Interfaith Forum on Environment, Climate Change and Human Rights (GIF)
- Global Coalition of Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements, and Local Communities for the Universal Recognition of the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment
- Interfaith Liaison Committee to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (ILC)
- Laudato Si’ Action Platform
- International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies (CIDSE) – observer
- International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net)
- NGO Major Group
- NGO Working Group on the Security Council
- NGO Mining Working Group
- Treaty Alliance
Franciscans International is a bridge between the grassroots and decision makers at the United Nations.
Franciscans International conducts regular country visits and undertakes direct research if needed.
Our work is not a one-way street to Geneva and New York. We translate decisions of the international community back into concrete strategies with Franciscans and their partners.
-
Blair Matheson TSSF
Executive Director
Executive Director
Blair is a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St Francis, serving in a variety of capacities, more recently as the Minister Provincial for the Province of the Pacific.
His experience with non-governmental organizations over four decades includes working alongside disadvantaged people across Central America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Blair was a member of the International Board of Directors of Franciscans International for three years before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2024. He enjoys hiking and walking in the outdoors.
-
Budi Tjahjono
International Advocacy Director
International Advocacy Director
With over two decades of experience at both the United Nations and at the grassroots, Budi’s engagement as a human rights advocate includes work for academic institutions, social movements, and non-governmental organizations on three continents. He has contributed in several reports and articles on the impacts of climate change and natural resources exploitation on human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, and human rights situation in some countries in Asia-Pacific. Budi joined Franciscans International in 2011.
-
Cédric Chatelanat
Institutional Development Manager
Institutional Development Manager
Cédric’s expertise in project management and organization management mainly stem from his time at CODAP, a youth-led human rights resource center.
He jointly ran capacity-building programs and follow-up advocacy activities in Geneva, francophone Africa, Eastern Europe, and Canada.
Cédric joined Franciscans International in 2017.
-
Cynthia Bringollet
Project Management and Communications Associate
Project Management and Communications Associate
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Cynthia interned for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Operations and Advocacy Division. She also worked for the FIFDH on human rights violations, including gender-based violence, environmental justice, and freedom of expression.
She holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Geneva and is fluent in English and French. Cynthia joined Franciscans International in 2023.
-
James Donegan OFMCap
Liaison Officer
Liaison Officer
Prior to becoming a Capuchin friar, Brother James worked as a software engineer for a major technology company.
After entering Religious Life, he studied Theology and Social Work, after which he spent a total of six years as a missionary in Central America. From there, Brother James was assigned to the Capuchin General Curia in Rome, working in the area of financing and economic stability for the Order’s newer and growing circumscriptions, particularly in Africa and Asia. He holds degrees from St. Michael’s College, the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and Boston College.
Brother James previously served as a member of the International Board of Directors and joined Franciscans International as Liason Officer in New York in 2024.
-
Marya Farah
Representative at the UN in New York
Representative at the UN in New York
Marya is a lawyer with experience working on a range of issues including business and human rights, forcible transfer and refugees, and accountability.
She previously worked with Al-Haq in the occupied Palestinian territory and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Geneva and Cairo, amongst other organizations. She holds Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy degrees.
Marya began working at Franciscans International in 2019.
-
Thomas Kleinveld
Communications Officer
Communications Officer
Thomas is an all-round communications professional with experience covering the intersection between media and civil society.
Previously, he worked on emergency protection services for human rights defenders and citizen engagement projects in Uganda.
As a freelance journalist his portfolio included outlets in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Thomas joined Franciscans International in 2018.
-
Gyan Kothari
Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator
Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator
Gyan has experience in UN human rights advocacy at the international and national level. Prior to joining Franciscans International, he represented the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) in Geneva. He has previously worked with the Working Group on Human Rights in India and the UN, based in New Delhi. Gyan also has experience working on housing and land rights issues, having worked with Ekta Parishad, a social movement based in India.
Gyan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations and geography from University College Dublin and a master’s degree in international law, human rights law and development studies from the University of Warwick. He speaks English, French, German and Hindi.
Gyan joined Franciscans International in 2024.
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Eunan McMullan OFM
Europe Program Coordinator
Europe Program Coordinator
Before joining the Friars Minor in 2004, Brother Eunan had a 20-year career working as a barrister in Belfast, where he practiced both criminal and civil law. He then worked for over a decade as an employed barrister in the field of discrimination law with the Fair Employment Commission – later the Equality Commission – managing a team of lawyers and leaving the latter as their Advocate. He then joined the Office of the Police Ombudsman in 2001 as Director of Legal Services and was responsible for the successful defense of the Office in several high-profile cases.
At the request of his superiors, he remained enrolled as a barrister after joining the Friar Minors, giving legal advice on a variety of matters. His interest in human rights as a friar continued: Brother Eunan collaborated with FI in their first report on Italy’s human rights review and through his activities as an animator for his Province in the area of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.
Brother Eunan joined Franciscans International as a member of staff in 2023.
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Panuga Pulenthiran
Africa Program Coordinator
Africa Program Coordinator
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Panuga worked with Minority Rights Group to support international advocacy work on specific projects. She has previously worked with several French organizations, including the Observatoire Pharos and Coexister, a youth-led faith-based organization, on issues of non-discrimination and equality.
Panuga interned with United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the French National Human Rights Commission (CNCDH), the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (Sri Lanka) and the European Parliament.
She holds a dual-bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Sorbonne, and a master’s in human rights and humanitarian action from Sciences Po Paris. She is fluent in English, French, and Tamil.
Panuga joined Franciscans International in 2024.
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Olivia Solari Yrigoyen
Americas Program Coordinator
Americas Program Coordinator
Olivia holds a master’s degree (LL.M) in international human rights and humanitarian law from the University of Essex and a master’s degree in international public management from Sciences Po Paris.
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Olivia worked at various civil society organizations. These roles included Legal Officer at Child Rights Connect and Program Officer at the CCPR-Centre. She has also worked with the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.
She is a human rights advocate, mom, marathon runner, and amateur chef.
Olivia joined Franciscans International in 2024.
-
Blair Matheson TSSF
Executive Director
Executive Director
Blair is a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St Francis, serving in a variety of capacities, more recently as the Minister Provincial for the Province of the Pacific.
His experience with non-governmental organizations over four decades includes working alongside disadvantaged people across Central America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Blair was a member of the International Board of Directors of Franciscans International for three years before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2024. He enjoys hiking and walking in the outdoors.
-
Cédric Chatelanat
Institutional Development Manager
Institutional Development Manager
Cédric’s expertise in project management and organization management mainly stem from his time at CODAP, a youth-led human rights resource center.
He jointly ran capacity-building programs and follow-up advocacy activities in Geneva, francophone Africa, Eastern Europe, and Canada.
Cédric joined Franciscans International in 2017.
-
James Donegan OFMCap
Liaison Officer
Liaison Officer
Prior to becoming a Capuchin friar, Brother James worked as a software engineer for a major technology company.
After entering Religious Life, he studied Theology and Social Work, after which he spent a total of six years as a missionary in Central America. From there, Brother James was assigned to the Capuchin General Curia in Rome, working in the area of financing and economic stability for the Order’s newer and growing circumscriptions, particularly in Africa and Asia. He holds degrees from St. Michael’s College, the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, and Boston College.
Brother James previously served as a member of the International Board of Directors and joined Franciscans International as Liason Officer in New York in 2024.
-
Thomas Kleinveld
Communications Officer
Communications Officer
Thomas is an all-round communications professional with experience covering the intersection between media and civil society.
Previously, he worked on emergency protection services for human rights defenders and citizen engagement projects in Uganda.
As a freelance journalist his portfolio included outlets in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Thomas joined Franciscans International in 2018.
-
Eunan McMullan OFM
Europe Program Coordinator
Europe Program Coordinator
Before joining the Friars Minor in 2004, Brother Eunan had a 20-year career working as a barrister in Belfast, where he practiced both criminal and civil law. He then worked for over a decade as an employed barrister in the field of discrimination law with the Fair Employment Commission – later the Equality Commission – managing a team of lawyers and leaving the latter as their Advocate. He then joined the Office of the Police Ombudsman in 2001 as Director of Legal Services and was responsible for the successful defense of the Office in several high-profile cases.
At the request of his superiors, he remained enrolled as a barrister after joining the Friar Minors, giving legal advice on a variety of matters. His interest in human rights as a friar continued: Brother Eunan collaborated with FI in their first report on Italy’s human rights review and through his activities as an animator for his Province in the area of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.
Brother Eunan joined Franciscans International as a member of staff in 2023.
-
Olivia Solari Yrigoyen
Americas Program Coordinator
Americas Program Coordinator
Olivia holds a master’s degree (LL.M) in international human rights and humanitarian law from the University of Essex and a master’s degree in international public management from Sciences Po Paris.
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Olivia worked at various civil society organizations. These roles included Legal Officer at Child Rights Connect and Program Officer at the CCPR-Centre. She has also worked with the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.
She is a human rights advocate, mom, marathon runner, and amateur chef.
Olivia joined Franciscans International in 2024.
-
Budi Tjahjono
International Advocacy Director
International Advocacy Director
With over two decades of experience at both the United Nations and at the grassroots, Budi’s engagement as a human rights advocate includes work for academic institutions, social movements, and non-governmental organizations on three continents. He has contributed in several reports and articles on the impacts of climate change and natural resources exploitation on human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, and human rights situation in some countries in Asia-Pacific. Budi joined Franciscans International in 2011.
-
Cynthia Bringollet
Project Management and Communications Associate
Project Management and Communications Associate
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Cynthia interned for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Operations and Advocacy Division. She also worked for the FIFDH on human rights violations, including gender-based violence, environmental justice, and freedom of expression.
She holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of Geneva and is fluent in English and French. Cynthia joined Franciscans International in 2023.
-
Marya Farah
Representative at the UN in New York
Representative at the UN in New York
Marya is a lawyer with experience working on a range of issues including business and human rights, forcible transfer and refugees, and accountability.
She previously worked with Al-Haq in the occupied Palestinian territory and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Geneva and Cairo, amongst other organizations. She holds Juris Doctor and Master of Public Policy degrees.
Marya began working at Franciscans International in 2019.
-
Gyan Kothari
Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator
Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator
Gyan has experience in UN human rights advocacy at the international and national level. Prior to joining Franciscans International, he represented the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFoD) in Geneva. He has previously worked with the Working Group on Human Rights in India and the UN, based in New Delhi. Gyan also has experience working on housing and land rights issues, having worked with Ekta Parishad, a social movement based in India.
Gyan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations and geography from University College Dublin and a master’s degree in international law, human rights law and development studies from the University of Warwick. He speaks English, French, German and Hindi.
Gyan joined Franciscans International in 2024.
-
Panuga Pulenthiran
Africa Program Coordinator
Africa Program Coordinator
Prior to joining Franciscans International, Panuga worked with Minority Rights Group to support international advocacy work on specific projects. She has previously worked with several French organizations, including the Observatoire Pharos and Coexister, a youth-led faith-based organization, on issues of non-discrimination and equality.
Panuga interned with United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the French National Human Rights Commission (CNCDH), the International Centre for Ethnic Studies (Sri Lanka) and the European Parliament.
She holds a dual-bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Sorbonne, and a master’s in human rights and humanitarian action from Sciences Po Paris. She is fluent in English, French, and Tamil.
Panuga joined Franciscans International in 2024.
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Michael Perry OFM
Order of Friars Minor
Order of Friars Minor
Brother Michael is former Minister General and liaison between the CFF and FI. He also worked for the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ conference as a foreign policy advisor, and at Catholic Relief Services in peacebuilding. He completed doctoral studies in religious anthropology and taught at the Scolasticat Jean XXIII in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the former Washington Theological Union in the United States.
In January 2023, Brother Michael assumed the role of director of an initiative taking up the themes of Pope Francis’s encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti - promoting the common good, social friendship, human solidarity, and environmental justice at Siena College (Albany, New York, United States).
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Vicente Imhof OFMConv
Order of Friars Minor Conventual
Order of Friars Minor Conventual
Brother Vicente joined the German Conventual Franciscan Friars in 1982 after finishing his philosophical and theological studies. He spent a short time providing pastoral service to the Latin community in New York before moving to Peru, where he has lived for the past 33 years.
Currently, he splits his time working as a parochial vicar and as a member of the ‘Red Kawsay – Consecrated Life for a Society without Human Trafficking’. Through this initiative, Brother Vicente represents civil society in a regional network against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Together with a group of religious men and women, he provides workshops for survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence.
Brother Vicente is also a member of “Pastoral de Movilidad Humana” on the border between Peru and Bolivia, where his commitments involve coordinating care for vulnerable migrants with Peruvian authorities and international institutions including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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Benedict Ayodi OFMCap
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Brother Benedict is a Capuchin friar who has long worked to mobilize his sisters and brothers on social and environmental justice issues.
After his ordination, he worked as a regional coordinator for the Damietta Peace Initiative, a grassroots project in Eastern Africa to promote justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, and care for the environment. He also served six years as the director of the Capuchin’s international office for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation in Rome. Brother Benedict has been a long-standing supporter of the Laudato Si’ Movement, where he was both a member of the steering committee and a programs manager for Africa.
He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from the New School University in New York and is completing a PhD student in Organizational Development. He currently also supports the work of the Parliament of World Religion by serving on its trustee board.
Brother Benedict was an IBD member between 2011 and 2017 and worked as Outreach Officer for Franciscans International before taking up his current position.
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José Eduardo Jazo Tarín TOR
Third Order Regular
Third Order Regular
Brother Eduardo’s vocation began in Mexico City, where he was part of the Franciscan Youth. He has held various ministries, including parish vicar, vocation promoter, and secretary of the Vice-Province of St. Mary of Guadalupe in Mexico.
Brother Eduardo currently serves in the United States as the pastor of St. Francis on the Brazos in the Diocese of Austin, with particular care for the many migrants in his community.
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Charity Lydia Katongo Nkandu SFMA
International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular
International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular
Sister Charity represents the International Franciscan Conference of the Sisters and Brothers of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis.
Originally from Zambia, she served as a local Superior for 13 years and worked on various projects supporting vulnerable children and physically challenged young women.
Since 1999, she has been involved with Franciscans International as a liaison.
Sister Charity currently serves as the Vice-Director of the SFMA Mission Secretariat in Assisi. Inspired by her own experiences, she also ministered to migrants and refugees in Caltanissetta, building bridges between them and the local communities.
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Carolyn D. Townes OFS
Secular Franciscan Order
Secular Franciscan Order
Carolyn is a spiritual life and leadership coach and a loss to life mindset strategist, where she uses faith-based principles to provide spiritual and emotional wellness to women moving from the pain of grief and loss to a new life of purpose and peace.
Her passion and mission is to help them go from a place of tragedy and trauma to a place of peace and joy.
Since professing as a Secular Franciscan in 2000, Carolyn has served in several leadership roles on the local, regional, national, and international levels.
She is currently the National Animator for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) for the Secular Franciscan Order.
Carolyn weaves songs, stories and Franciscan joy into her talks, retreats, and days of reflection.
A native New Yorker, she currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina and is full-time caregiver to her mother.
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Christopher John SSF
Society of Saint Francis
Society of Saint Francis
Brother Christopher is an Anglican Franciscan friar in the Society of St Francis. Born in New Zealand, he worked as a librarian before joining the friars in Auckland in 1983. He spent a few years at the SSF Hermitage in New South Wales, and then 16 years in South Korea. He now lives again at the NSW hermitage. He currently serves as Minister General and so is frequently away visiting his brothers around the world.
He has a Masters in Franciscan Studies from the former Franciscan International Study Centre in Canterbury (United Kingdom) and a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Otago in Dunedin (New Zealand).
-
Blair Matheson TSSF
Executive Director
Executive Director
Blair is a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St Francis, serving in a variety of capacities, more recently as the Minister Provincial for the Province of the Pacific.
His experience with non-governmental organizations over four decades includes working alongside disadvantaged people across Central America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Blair was a member of the International Board of Directors of Franciscans International for three years before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2024. He enjoys hiking and walking in the outdoors.
-
Michael Perry OFM
Order of Friars Minor
Order of Friars Minor
Brother Michael is former Minister General and liaison between the CFF and FI. He also worked for the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ conference as a foreign policy advisor, and at Catholic Relief Services in peacebuilding. He completed doctoral studies in religious anthropology and taught at the Scolasticat Jean XXIII in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the former Washington Theological Union in the United States.
In January 2023, Brother Michael assumed the role of director of an initiative taking up the themes of Pope Francis’s encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti - promoting the common good, social friendship, human solidarity, and environmental justice at Siena College (Albany, New York, United States).
-
Benedict Ayodi OFMCap
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Brother Benedict is a Capuchin friar who has long worked to mobilize his sisters and brothers on social and environmental justice issues.
After his ordination, he worked as a regional coordinator for the Damietta Peace Initiative, a grassroots project in Eastern Africa to promote justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, and care for the environment. He also served six years as the director of the Capuchin’s international office for Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation in Rome. Brother Benedict has been a long-standing supporter of the Laudato Si’ Movement, where he was both a member of the steering committee and a programs manager for Africa.
He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs from the New School University in New York and is completing a PhD student in Organizational Development. He currently also supports the work of the Parliament of World Religion by serving on its trustee board.
Brother Benedict was an IBD member between 2011 and 2017 and worked as Outreach Officer for Franciscans International before taking up his current position.
-
Charity Lydia Katongo Nkandu SFMA
International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular
International Franciscan Conference of the Third Order Regular
Sister Charity represents the International Franciscan Conference of the Sisters and Brothers of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis.
Originally from Zambia, she served as a local Superior for 13 years and worked on various projects supporting vulnerable children and physically challenged young women.
Since 1999, she has been involved with Franciscans International as a liaison.
Sister Charity currently serves as the Vice-Director of the SFMA Mission Secretariat in Assisi. Inspired by her own experiences, she also ministered to migrants and refugees in Caltanissetta, building bridges between them and the local communities.
-
Christopher John SSF
Society of Saint Francis
Society of Saint Francis
Brother Christopher is an Anglican Franciscan friar in the Society of St Francis. Born in New Zealand, he worked as a librarian before joining the friars in Auckland in 1983. He spent a few years at the SSF Hermitage in New South Wales, and then 16 years in South Korea. He now lives again at the NSW hermitage. He currently serves as Minister General and so is frequently away visiting his brothers around the world.
He has a Masters in Franciscan Studies from the former Franciscan International Study Centre in Canterbury (United Kingdom) and a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Otago in Dunedin (New Zealand).
-
Vicente Imhof OFMConv
Order of Friars Minor Conventual
Order of Friars Minor Conventual
Brother Vicente joined the German Conventual Franciscan Friars in 1982 after finishing his philosophical and theological studies. He spent a short time providing pastoral service to the Latin community in New York before moving to Peru, where he has lived for the past 33 years.
Currently, he splits his time working as a parochial vicar and as a member of the ‘Red Kawsay – Consecrated Life for a Society without Human Trafficking’. Through this initiative, Brother Vicente represents civil society in a regional network against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Together with a group of religious men and women, he provides workshops for survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence.
Brother Vicente is also a member of “Pastoral de Movilidad Humana” on the border between Peru and Bolivia, where his commitments involve coordinating care for vulnerable migrants with Peruvian authorities and international institutions including the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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José Eduardo Jazo Tarín TOR
Third Order Regular
Third Order Regular
Brother Eduardo’s vocation began in Mexico City, where he was part of the Franciscan Youth. He has held various ministries, including parish vicar, vocation promoter, and secretary of the Vice-Province of St. Mary of Guadalupe in Mexico.
Brother Eduardo currently serves in the United States as the pastor of St. Francis on the Brazos in the Diocese of Austin, with particular care for the many migrants in his community.
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Carolyn D. Townes OFS
Secular Franciscan Order
Secular Franciscan Order
Carolyn is a spiritual life and leadership coach and a loss to life mindset strategist, where she uses faith-based principles to provide spiritual and emotional wellness to women moving from the pain of grief and loss to a new life of purpose and peace.
Her passion and mission is to help them go from a place of tragedy and trauma to a place of peace and joy.
Since professing as a Secular Franciscan in 2000, Carolyn has served in several leadership roles on the local, regional, national, and international levels.
She is currently the National Animator for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) for the Secular Franciscan Order.
Carolyn weaves songs, stories and Franciscan joy into her talks, retreats, and days of reflection.
A native New Yorker, she currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina and is full-time caregiver to her mother.
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Blair Matheson TSSF
Executive Director
Executive Director
Blair is a professed member of the Third Order, Society of St Francis, serving in a variety of capacities, more recently as the Minister Provincial for the Province of the Pacific.
His experience with non-governmental organizations over four decades includes working alongside disadvantaged people across Central America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Blair was a member of the International Board of Directors of Franciscans International for three years before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2024. He enjoys hiking and walking in the outdoors.