JPIC Links Annual Conference 2026
Hope is in our nature: Love, resilience and hope in our relationship with the natural world
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The JPIC Links Annual Conference 2026 will take place 8–10 May 2026, in person at Wistaston Hall Retreat Centre, 89 Broughton Lane, Crewe CW2 8JS, and also online via Zoom.
The conference is open to Religious, Associates, Third Order Members and friends and will explore the theme “Hope is in our nature” (Love, resilience and hope in our relationship with the natural world).
The programme runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime, with both residential and non-residential options available (see attendance form for details).
Cost
Residential: £200
Day only: £30.00
Non-refundable deposit: £40
The full amount must be paid by 10 April 2026, and there will be no refunds after this date.
Those who are unable to attend in person are warmly welcome to join via Zoom (free of charge).
Mary Colwell is an award-winning author, producer and campaigner for nature. She is Director of the charity Curlew Action and Chair of the Curlew Recovery Partnership England. Mary was a producer for the BBC Natural History Unit, making wildlife documentaries for both TV and radio. The author of many nature-promoting books, she has spearheaded the campaign for a GCSE in Natural History in England.
All bookings and queries should be directed to:
David Richardson – jpiclinks@gmail.com
Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG6 6LH.
Further information can be found at: www.jpiclinks.com
Walking Pilgrimage for Peace – Year of St Francis of Assisi
An invitation to mark the Year of St Francis of Assisi through walking pilgrimages for peace across England, Wales and beyond.
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St Francis of Assisi was a pilgrim who undertook significant journeys to Rome and Santiago de Compostela and attempted to travel to the Holy Land. He embodies the pilgrim spirit of humility, love for nature, peace-building through encounter with others, and the search for God.
In today’s troubled times, a walking pilgrimage for peace offers a meaningful way to mark this anniversary year. Pilgrims are encouraged to walk the Way of St Francis in Italy from Florence to La Verna, Assisi and Rome. Alternatively, individuals or groups might walk to a church dedicated to St Francis of Assisi in England or Wales.
For example, in the Diocese of Clifton, a group pilgrimage is planned for the Feast Day, with two routes of 10 and 6 miles respectively, beginning at Clifton Cathedral and the Franciscan church in Clevedon, converging at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea.
Details of 48 Catholic churches dedicated to St Francis of Assisi and Franciscan communities in England and Wales can be found on the project website: https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk/churches-of-st-francis-of-assisi
Those aware of other churches or communities are invited to make contact. News of any Franciscan-related walking pilgrimages being planned would also be welcomed.
This initiative will be among the matters discussed at the Project’s Spring Gathering in London on 21 March 2026: https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk/spring-walking-pilgrimage-gathering
All who are interested in walking pilgrimage are warmly invited to take part and to share details within their communities and congregations.
Further information about the project can be found at: https://www.pilgrimways.org.uk/
The project is led by Phil McCarthy, Project Lead for Hearts in Search of God.
Upcoming JPIC Conferences – 2025 & 2026
Two inspiring JPIC conferences are coming up – join in London this October and save the date for Crewe next May.
JPIC (Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation) has announced two conferences taking place in 2025 and 2026. The first, JPIC Linking Day: “Changing Futures – Transforming Global Finance for Development”, will take place on Saturday 11th October 2025 at the FCJ Spirituality Centre, London (with the option to join online). Speakers from CAFOD and Results UK will address the urgent need for economic transformation in pursuit of global justice.
Looking further ahead, the JPIC-Links Annual Conference is scheduled for 8th–10th May 2026 at Wistaston Hall Retreat Centre in Crewe, led by environmentalist and author Mary Colwell. This gathering, also available both in person and on Zoom, will focus on an environmental theme.
Building Hope for People & Planet : JPIC September meeting
Building hope for people and planet
Listening to the voice of creation
Led by Ellen Teague
Saturday 24th September 2022
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Concluding with a Eucharist at 4.00pm
This will be a hybrid conference, on zoom and in person: at FCJ Spirituality Centre, Saint Aloysius Convent, 32 Phoenix Rd, London NW1 1TA
Ellen Teague is a London-based freelance Catholic journalist who writes and campaigns on Justice, Peace and Ecology issues. She has been a member of the JPIC team of the Columban Missionary Society in Britain for three decades and edits their newsletter, Vocation for Justice.
She also writes regularly for The Tablet, Messenger of St. Anthony International Edition and Redemptorist Publications, collaborating closely with organisations involved in the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales (NJPN). She is a member of the NJPN Environment Working Group and regularly speaks at diocesan days in England on Laudato Si’.
Queries: Margaret Healy: margarethealyssl@gmail.com
All are welcome – Please bring family and friends
(Voluntary contribution of £10 (payable at the door)
For those on zoom a donation would be welcome
Tea and coffee provided (please bring your own lunch)