SFO International Council - Weekly edition
Volume: 6 - N. 4 - 2000 - January - IV
From: Koinonia, 1999, N. 4
Chapter 1 of the Constitutions was not substantially changed. The Constitutions reflect on and give sufficiently clear explanation (following the Rule), to the place of the S.F.O. in the Franciscan Family, with its secular dimension of the Franciscan charism. The Rule and Constitutions stress that "a vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order is a specific calling which gives form to the life and apostolic action of its members." (Art.2.1)[1 Thus no one is permitted to enter the S.F.O. "who is already bound by a perpetual commitment to another religious family or to an institute of the consecrated life."[2 (Art.2.1.)
Indirectly it seeks to strengthen the maturity of its members in dealing with other movements in the church because their evangelical calling is a specific vocation. The problem is not found in the relationship between the Franciscan secular brothers and sisters and those of other movements, except in the "secular Franciscan identity" of each member of the S.F.O. If this identity is solid, the relationship is fruitful for both the S.F.O.. and other groups. But it must be added for those who seem to live more in and for another church group, multiple commitments can not be made in their spiritual life and in mission. [3
Towards a more significant presence in the Church and in Society
Christifideles Laici states "the ecclesial position of the lay faithful is defined by its Christian newness and characterized by its secular nature."[4 The mission urged by the General Constitutions has as its objective a more significant presence of the S.F.O. in the church and society. I am using three fundamental aspects to point out this significance: life in fraternity, formation, and the mission.
We are all convinced of the relevance of our brother Francis, considered today by clergy and laity to be a man of the second millennium, with his spirituality of relationship (communion), of fraternity (brotherhood), of respect, of dialog, etc. It is certain though that the rich spirituality of the S.F.O. is not so well known, nor is its presence in the church and society very significant.
The Franciscan secular vocation is a calling to live the Gospel in fraternity in the world. From this point the objective of the organizational structure, of communion and the sharing of goods, is to grow towards this goal.
It seems appropriate to mention here some aspects of life in fraternity of the S.F.O. which, with modifications made in the General Chapter, can be improved.
Following the Rule, animation and guidance of a Fraternity at any level is not personal (of the Minister or President) but rather, collegial (by the Council with the Minister): "On various levels, each fraternity is animated and guided by a council and minister (or president)."[5 This makes broader communication and coordination possible, as much in local fraternities as in the regional and national levels which share common interests and identity among themselves because of their own circumstances. Only shared responsibility can improve the service of animation and guidance of a fraternity. (Cfr. Art. 31.1; 61.3; 65.3; 69.2).
With the goal of not harming animation and guidance of fraternities at the various levels, and recognizing that all brothers and sisters are necessary (but not indispensable), some changes in emphasis are important and were adapted. This was suggested by real experience, like the change which says "An outgoing Minister can not be elected Vice-Minister." (Art.79.2).
Also, with the goal of avoiding the temptation to "nepotism" or letting family relationshps become obstacles to true service and animation of the fraternity, the Chapter has seen it opportune to approve this change: "husbands and wives, parents and children, blood brothers and sisters can not be elected to different offices in the same council." (Art.20.1).
c. The witness of fraternal life
Fraternal life must be a witness to the concrete realities of life. The life-giving space of the secular Franciscan fraternity is not in the sacristy, nor in the church as a place where the Christian community meets, but in the world itself. It is certain that fraternal life can not be significant without a rich spiritual life lived in the world, because that is where the great Franciscan cloister is found.[6 This requires on our part that we pay attention to the signs of the times and what they indicate for the fraternity and thus to its members: "the S.F.O. will prefer therefore, commitment of the Fraternities to service in the world and in a special way to life in society." (Art.28.2)
A sense of relationship (communion) and of subsidiarity among fraternities, respecting and promoting the vitality of the Councils "is essential to the relationships among fraternities for orderly collaboration among them, and for the unity of the S.F.O." (Art.29.1).
There is a new text, contained in article 84.6. The Council of a higher level has a great responsibility for animation and guidance of the fraternities of a lower level, when it is apparent that the life of those fraternities is in danger from misconduct by a Minister or by a Council. From its responsibility of communion and subsidiarity it can arrange a Fraternal Visit to the concerned Council and eventually request a Pastoral Visit. After charitably and prudently evaluating the situation in the Fraternity concerned, it can decide to take "appropriate action, including the possible removal of the Council or those leaders involved." (Art.84.6)
A sign of maturity in fraternities and of each Franciscan secular is their cooperation in economic responsibilities. Accepting the tasks involved in this area of finances, they must also be firmly aware of and willing to go beyond their own financial participation in the fraternity, to help other brothers and sisters who can not support the fraternity financially because of their own poverty. Solidarity is not just a word, meaning sharing in material goods. Solidarity involves sharing material goods, not only spiritual things, and involves taking steps together to assure autonomy of the fraternity and responsibility for the vocation they received. (cfr. Art.30.3)
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[1 The General Constitutions are cited by its articles. Cfr.
Rule,1.
[2 New texts approved by the General Chapter of Madrid are in
italics.
[3 Cfr. Potissimum Institutioni, 93.
[4 Christifideles Laici, 15.
[5 Rule, 21.
[6 "This is our cloister, Lady" (Sacrum commercium,
63).