C I O F S LIST

From the CIOFS Presidency

News from the world

The CIOFS Presidency met in Rome from April 28 to May 4, 1995. We were all there, except for the representative of the Franciscan Youth, Inmaculada Sainz, who was busy with preparations for her wedding. We are delighted at this happy event and we, of the CIOFS Bulletin and in the name of all its readers wish all the best for Inmaculada and her husband!

Important decisions were made at the meeting. The Statutes of the "Conference of the Franciscan Family" were approved, that is the new body that shall be made up of the 4 Ministers General of the First Order and TOR, the Minister General of the SFO and the President of the TOR International Franciscan Conference, until a representative of the Second Order shall be included. The purpose of the Conference is to be a sign and instrument of unity, of communion and reciprocal activity in the Franciscan Family on an international level as has already be done on a national level in various countries.

The questionnaires of the "census" that arrived after the last meeting of the Presidency have been examined and it became clear which National Fraternities must be confirmed and recognised. Many countries haven't yet replied: however, the Presidency gathered enough information during the pastoral and fraternal visits and National Chapters as well as from correspondence exchanged. It has been possible therefore to complete the evaluation of all the existing situations and to send to the respective National Councils the decrees of confirmation or establishment of a National Fraternity where the qualifications exist.

Upon proposal of the YOUFRA Commission a document for animators of YOUFRA-Fraternities has been examined and approved regarding:
- general definition of the identity of Franciscan Youth on the basis of the conclusions of the General Chapter in Mexico;
- orientation and suggestions for animation and formation;
- unification of the criteria for the task of animation.

The document which shall be distributed as soon as it has been translated into the various languages, contains 3 annexes: a brief outline for a formation program, a sample of liturgical texts to be used for the rites of Admission and Profession, and a model of Statute to be adapted to the concrete situations of each country.

A study - carried on for some time - was concluded to make effective the proposal of the General Constitutions to the local Fraternities to open up to "those who, without belonging to the SFO, wish to share its experiences and activities" (cf. art.103). The Presidency is interpreting this as "those who would like to associate with the SFO without becoming a professed member", permitting us to open up to people who are fond of St. Francis and of his inspired form of secular life.

Finally, the guidelines to be followed by the Presidency in regard to specific situations such as the Italian and Lebanese National Fraternities, were decided.

Then the Presidency developed the preparatory work for the General Chapter to take place next year.

Applying art. 5 of the FIOFS Statute, the means of election and number of International Councillors representing the Franciscan Youth, was decided.

It was also decided that the National Councils should begin preparatory work to develop ideas about the characteristics to be looked for in the new leaders on the international level, so that the most suitable people shall be elected to guide the SFO in the near future.

Everything that the Presidency has decided in regard to the preparation for the Chapter shall be subject of circular letter.

Other matters were discussed amply, but they need to be discussed again and thought over. Here is a summary of the single points to which we shall come back in due time:
1. a Vademecum for secular leaders and Assistants/Spiritual Animators of the local fraternity;
2. responsibility of the SFO for active participation in renewal and activation of "Franciscans International";
3. the informative and formative lines to be spread in the SFO in order to create an ecumenical conscience;
4. orientation of the National Councils for the establishment of "personal fraternities" (cf. Const. art. 28.3 and 60).

The General Chapters of Friars Minor Conventuals and of TOR have taken place in June and have elected Fr. Agostino Gardin and Fr. Bonaventura Midili their respective Minister General. We welcome Fr. Gardin and Fr. Midili among us and thank Fr. Serrini and Fr. Angulo Quilis for the attention and the love they always have shown towards the SFO.

From 21 to 26 February 1995 the National Elective Chapter of Argentina has been celebrated presided by the Councillor of the Presidency Alicia Gallardo, delegate of the Minister General, at the presence of P. Kevin Schindler-McGraw, OFMConv., General Assistant SFO. On the occasion also the fraternal and pastoral visit has been made.
Marta de Luna was confirmed as National Minister.

The National Elective Chapter of the Dominican Republic took place from 11 to 12 March 1995, presided by the Minister General, Emanuela De Nunzio, at the presence of P. Carl Schäfer OFM, General Assistant SFO. On the occasion also the fraternal and pastoral visit has been made.
Maria Idalia de Jesús was confirmed as National Minister.

From 18 to 20 March 1995 the National Elective Chapter of Colombia was presided by the General Minister and P. Carl Schäfer, OFM, General Assistant SFO, was present. On the occasion also the fraternal and pastoral visit has been made.
Maria Teresa Michelena has been elected National Minister.

The National Elective Chapter of Oceania was celebrated from 11 to 14 May 1995, presided by the General Minister and at the presence of P. Ben Brevoort, OFMCap, General Assistant SFO, who also effected the pastoral and fraternal visit.
Richard See has been confirmed as National Minister.

Please take note that the Italian Conference of Capuchin Provincial Ministers has moved to: Via Pomponia Grecina 31, 00145 Roma.

The following National Fraternities have received the decree of confirmation: Austria, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Flanders, France, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, Portorico, South-Africa, Slovenia, Vietnam, Zambia.

The following National Fraternities have been recognised in conformity to art. 65.1 and 2 of the General Constitutions: Lithuania, Slovakia, Uruguay, Czech Republic, Hungary.