Prot. N.1680/2007
Circ. 53/02-08
Roma, May 27, 2007
Feast of Pentecost
Anniversary of the Canonization
of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

To the National Councils of the SFO
To the  SFO International Councilors and YOUFRA

Dearest Brothers and Sisters:

May the Lord give you peace!

On this significant date, in which the Church celebrates the Holy Spirit descending on the Apostles and that coincides with the anniversary of the canonization of our Patron Saint, coming precisely on the feast of Pentecost, May 27, 1235, I am pleased to announce the celebration of the “XII General Chapter and the V Elective Chapter of our Order.” 

It will take place from November 15-22, 2008 and it will be celebrated in Hungary, where we will conclude the two years of celebration of the 8th Centenary of the birth of St. Elizabeth. 

Although it will be reviewed in greater detail at the next meeting of the CIOFS Presidency, I communicate to you, as a way of orientation, that the central theme of the Chapter will be “The Profession of the Secular Franciscan and his sense of belonging to the SFO.” 

I ask you to start to make provisions now to participate at the General Chapter, which, at the most opportune time, the International Councilors will be formally summoned. The Presidency will take into consideration, as in previous Chapters, the participation of “observers” coming from any emerging National Fraternities, following a rotation guideline among the same. Nevertheless, we invite the emerging Fraternities to consider the possibility of participating “officially” at the Chapter, according to that which is provided in Article 4.2. of the Statutes of the International Fraternity.  

In order to prepare and accompany the General Chapter, we send you a  specially prepared prayer and we ask you to send it to all the local Fraternities, to each brother and sister so that we will all feel co-responsible and united through the prayer to the Lord, invoking the gifts of the Spirit and open to his holy work. 

Dear brothers and sisters, this is a beautiful day to renew, assisted by the Holy Spirit, our commitment to the evangelical life so that our lives may manifest and reflect the absolute Lordship of God and, freeing ourselves of so many superfluous things, we may give reality to the new commandment of love, as our St. Elizabeth of Hungary teaches us to be like her, a fountain of light and mercy.

Prayer for the General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order  Most High Glorious God, we praise You for Your presence in the world and for the tremendous gift of our Franciscan vocation.  We beseech You to inspire every brother and sister of the Secular Franciscan Order as we prepare for the upcoming General Chapter in Hungary.   Grant the necessary wisdom to our brothers and sisters who will take part in the Chapter to develop the priorities for the Order for the next six years and to elect those You want to lead and animate us.  Guide and direct us so that we may follow the Gospel and our Rule more closely and be coworkers with You in the rebuilding of the Church and the World.  We ask this through Christ our Lord and through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Francis, St. Clare, and our holy patrons St. Elizabeth and St. Louis.  Amen