The American continent is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Long periods of drought alternating with heavy rains and hurricanes are affecting millions of people. This is especially the case in the so-called “Dry Corridor,” where water scarcity and food insecurity have triggered large population displacements.
Originally from El Salvador, Fray René Flores OFM works in Panama on issues related to human mobility and defends the rights of the displaced throughout the region. Let’s talk about what inspires his work, as well as the roots of his commitment to social justice.
Please introduce yourself and explain your work.
I am a Salvadoran brother who was appointed by the Franciscan Province of Central America responsible for the JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) office in Panama. I am also a member of the Advocacy Committee of the Franciscan Network for Migrants, where I work in defense of human and environmental rights. This includes accompanying migrants who cross the Darién Gap between Colombia and Panama, or the Paso Canoas between Panama and Costa Rica. To do this, we are collaborating with the Clamor Network, whose objective is to strengthen church organizations that welcome, protect, promote, and integrate people in situations of migration, displacement, refuge, and victims of trafficking, throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
What inspired you to start working on these issues and how does it relate to your vocation as a Franciscan brother?
I grew up in El Salvador in the eighties and nineties, in the context of the civil war. At that time, many felt the call to serve and change the reality of the country, but this came at a price. Many priests, such as Monsignor Óscar Romero or Cosme Spessotto, were assassinated for their commitment to help the most vulnerable and to ask for peace. It was also the case of friars assassinated during the civil war in Guatemala and the Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua. I began my journey as a Franciscan friar in this turbulent context, which challenged and inspired me to get involved in social justice.
What is the main challenge now?
A big challenge that I see is the danger of apathy leading to indifference. It is the risk of not wanting to get involved or organize the social transformation because the system has already exhausted you and you think that nothing can be done.
What is your proudest achievement and what inspires you?
The feeling of being with people who are walking towards social transformation, who believe in Jesus Christ, and who at the same time are inspired to work for a more just and equitable society. Walking with faith is what most inspires me to continue and knowing that the Franciscan path fits very well in this journey with the people.
What is your main objective?
Strengthen the organization and formation processes of the people with whom I work and for whom I work, not only the peasants, but also the entire Church. My goal is to be able to influence the Panamanian people so that they get involved with other organizations and other pastoral workers in a transformation process for a better defense of life and creation.
How do you see the difference between charitable work and human rights work, and how do you think they complement each other?
I like the expression of Pope Francis who says that the highest form of charity is politics. Indeed, a good political decision can reach and benefit many people. But the term “charity” usually stops at assistance and aid. Regarding the defense of human rights, I believe that it is better to talk about caring for the dignity and integrity of life. It is seeking that every human being and every living creature can exist in this common home, which is achieved through work for human rights.
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Taken from:
The Franciscans at the forefront in the defense of human rights: Brother René Flores OFM. (2023, July 17). Franciscans International (ES). https://franciscansinternational.org/es/los-franciscanos-a-la-cabeza-en-la-defensa-de-los-derechos-humanos-hermano-rene-flores-ofm/