On the occasion of the national celebrations for the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi (1226-2026), the Mofraeventi Emilia RomagnaThird Sector organization and organizer of the Franciscan Festival, announces the opening of applications for the International Award “Francis, builder of peace”an initiative carried out under the patronage of National Committee responsible for the celebrations which is offering a contribution of 20,000 euros to finance excellent projects in the field of international cooperation and active citizenship.
The inspiration is rooted in history: it was August 15, 1222 when Francis of Assisi, in a crowded Piazza Maggiore, uttered words capable of extinguishing centuries-old enmities and today, eight centuries later, that same square is preparing to once again become the beating heart of a spirituality that takes to the streets to mend apparently incurable social rifts. The Award was created to honor this legacy by rewarding those who embody the Franciscan “minority” and act on the peripheries of the world, paying particular attention to the involvement of the new generations: the announcement requires in fact that young people under 35 are active subjects and drivers of change, not simply passive beneficiaries, and that the projects have been operational for at least twelve months to demonstrate a solidity that goes beyond temporary enthusiasm. The areas of intervention range from dialogue in conflict situations to fraternal cooperation between peoples, including the pillar of interreligious dialogue and the promotion of solidarity as a rejection of war.
Participation, open to natural persons, associations and informal groups also through reporting of third-party projects, expires May 20, 2026 and requires filling out the form at the link: https://www.festivalfrancescano.it/premio-francesco-costruttore-di-pace/
While the awards ceremony will be the key event of the next Franciscan Festival, scheduled in Bologna from 24 to 27 September 2026standing as a concrete sign of hope in an era marked by profound global fragmentation.
