We, brothers and sisters of the Secular Franciscan Order and of the Franciscan Youth who have participated in the 12th General Chapter and 5th Elective Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order at Dobogoko, Hungary from the 15th to the 22nd of November 2008, and in communion with our General Assistants, send fraternal greetings and expressions of fraternal love to our brothers and sisters all over the world, and especially to those who are experiencing suffering as a result of war and violence.

The celebration of this Chapter has been a time of grace, blessing, transformation and awareness of our own identity as lived through our fraternal life.  During this Chapter, the Lord has also given us new servants to guide our Order. 

With your International Councillors, we send this message in an effort to convey the spirit of the Chapter.

On November 17th, the two years of celebrations marking the 8th centenary of the birth of Saint Elizabeth was brought to a close with a celebration at the Basilica in Esztergom.  During the Eucharistic celebration, presided by Cardinal Laszlo Paskai and concelebrated with the Major Superiors of the First Order in Hungary, the Conference of General Assistants, and other Franciscan friars, we united ourselves with the brothers and sisters from local fraternities in Hungary, and a number of religious and Franciscans.  May these two years of reflection and prayer continue to inspire us in following our Holy Patroness.

Fundamentally, the Chapter had two themes: Profession of the Secular Franciscan and Sense of Belonging to the Secular Franciscan Order.  Our vocation and mission as Secular Franciscans requires a renewed life-long commitment.

            Within our local fraternities, the privileged place for formation, we begin our journey towards sanctity with the loving support of one another.  We are encouraged to offer our lives in service by responding to the needs of the world and by recognizing the signs of our times.

Franciscan Youth is an important gift to the entire Secular Franciscan Order – they are not only our “future” but also our “present”.  Through our loving accompaniment, we help each other to realize our true Franciscan charism and ongoing conversion.

The priorities of our Order for the next six years are : Formation, Communications, Franciscan Youth, Presence in the World and Emerging Fraternities.  We are all invited to pay special attention to these priorities.  All in positions of responsibility within the Order, at all levels, are asked to acknowledge this message.

Dear brothers and sisters, we are all the light of God.  We must continue to keep our light shining and to witness our Secular Franciscan charism in today’s world.  Wherever we are, may our fraternal love for each other burn brightly in conformity to Christ.

Saint Francis, Saint Claire, Saint Elizabeth and Saint Louis were all passionate lovers of Jesus Christ.   In the same way, may our witness be authentic and visible.  Fear not for we are not alone.  We journey together as we strive to make present the Kingdom of God in our midst, knowing that Jesus is always with us.

In the name of your loving brothers and sisters,

Encarnación del Pozo
Ministre Générale OFS