Our charism calls us to be attentive to the signs of the times and contemporary needs, and to respond to the cry of those who are poor. As a congregation, we are committed to working for reconciliation and justice, promoting just social structures and upholding the rights and human dignity of people who are poor and oppressed. In the spirit of St. Francis, we struggle for reconciliation and peace among nations and individuals. We walk humbly on the earth and cherish the goodness of every aspect of creation.

Each of our five provinces works within its own cultural realities to address the issues of peace, justice and the integrity of creation. Examples of how these issues are addressed in our provinces are:

• Implementing peace education programs for children and adults;
• Supporting immigration legislation and just treatment of immigrants;
• Rehabilitating victims of violence and neglect;
• Promoting conscious stewardship of the environment through education;
• Growing organic and herbal gardens;
• Helping children who are victims of violence and abuse;
• Promoting projects for marginalized people, especially women and children;
• Raising consciousness through "socially responsible" investments;
• Fostering equal treatment of employees in the workplace.