SFO International Council - Weekly edition
Volume: 6 - N. 5 - 2000 - February - I
From: Koinonia, 1999, N. 4
Revision of the G.C. is an invitation to continue to cultivate the vocation, fidelity to their mission, fulfillment of the responsibilities of profession and work, and in acquiring the corresponding professional formation, "as a primary and fundamental contribution to building a more just and fraternal world." (Art. 20.2), adapting ways of dealing with the new and different situations of life. To cultivate Franciscan values in secular life, in order to grow in vocation and give testimony of it in "social and civil responsibilities" (art.20.2), are necessary requirements of formation.
Formation has to be not just intellectual but particularly life-giving, existential. Only formation helps a brother or sister understand the form of evangelical life they want to live; only by knowing this can they come to love their calling; only by loving it can they communicate it to others. Formation helps them deepen their sense of who they are as an Order and feel part of it.
There is great emphasis given to initial formation, a necessary time for discernment and vocational maturation. With good initial formation, a deep foundation for permanent or continuing formation, and a sense of belonging is gained. It is helpful to introduce the idea of "temporary profession": "an annually renewed temporary profession may precede perpetual profession, but can not exceed three years." (art. 42.2). It is a way of lengthening initial formation and avoiding the song of spiritual sirens tempting secular Franciscans from the shores of the S.F:O. to follow other movements. This coming and going from one spirituality to another is a sign of laziness and human and spiritual weakness, a sign of immaturity in deciding to make an evangelical commitment.
b. Permanent or on-going formation
Initial formation only bears fruit if formation is permanent or ongoing. This requires time and effort. The monthly meeting alone can not serve as sufficient formation. The fraternities are asked to give "special attention to the formation of newly professed and to those in temporary profession, with the goal of helping them mature in their vocation and give them as sense of belonging" (art.44). Permanent formation is recognized as indispensable if the horizon of our fraternal, ecclesial, social life is open as was Francis', who repeatedly said, "brothers, let us begin."[1
Important moments of formation are, besides the formation program as such: the Chapter of the Fraternity at every level, in which they study, discuss and decide those "issues which concern the life and organization of the Fraternity" (art.49.2); remembrance of the deceased brothers and sisters (cfr. Art.53.4), with whom the roots of Franciscan secular life went deeply in the past, but which also reach out to the future; and the care of finances and the property of the fraternity (cfr. art.50.2.f; 62.2.1 and 66.2.n.)--these are sensitive material realities but are occasions which can clearly reflect a sense of fraternity and solidarity.
In this same area there are two very interesting notes: that of keeping the door open to those who want to know us and be part of an S.F.O. fraternity, without belonging to it, but sharing "its life and activities" (art.53.5). In the second place, the use of dialogue, always necessary but more so in difficult and problematic situations which occur in the life of any fraternity or that of any member of a fraternity.
Communication in a group is not always easy, so the fraternity Minister and the Spiritual Assistant ought to initiate and encourage dialogue, respecting the person and keeping the Council informed. (cfr. art.58.1-3).
The vocation of a secular Franciscan is "to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi,"[2 which is expressed by their "involvement in the real world and in their participation in earthly activities."[3 The secular Franciscan vocation is a calling to mission with one's life and word, because they live in the same situation as every citizen.[4
Given the place the Secular Franciscan has or should have in the Church, as is apparent in the documents of the Second Vatican Council and in Christifideles Laici, emphasis is made on the specialness of mission within the charism of the Secular Franciscan Order. Even though the very concrete articles in Chapter 2 of the Rule are rich in this idea, three ideas need to be stressed among those affecting our society: the capacity to promote "initiatives to protect creation" and to create living conditions and an environment which is not threatening to people" (art.18.4); to live the Franciscan spirit in a family environment (cfr.24.1); and to bring people together as neighbors, who share difficult social and ecclesial situations: "unmarried, widows, single parents, separated or divorced, who are having difficulties." (art. 24.2). A warmth that is human and Christian can help recognize and alleviate wounds, and heal them if possible, always in the spirit of the Beatitudes.[5
This theme was considered in a block. The Chapter approached the present Constitutions, and made a lengthy study in groups in order to enrich its contents with appropriate revisions, maintaining the flexibility of the text.
In the first place the International Council is defined as the highest organ of government: "The International Council, united in General Chapter, is the highest organ of government of the Secular Franciscan Order, with legislative, deliberative, and elective power." (art.70.3)
The International Council has the duty and the competence to animate and guide the fraternities (cfr.art.70.2); "to promote and sustain the evangelical life" of the charism in its "secular condition;""to affirm a sense of unity in the S.F.O. in the pluralism of persons and groups." (art.71.1.a-b).
The Presidency of CIOFS, whose task is to "coordinate, animate, and guide the fraternities" (art.73.b), reinforces the bonds of communion, communication, and collaboration at the world-wide level, offering its help "with the spirit of service, according to the circumstances" and "strengthens, at the international level, collaborative relationships among the other components of the Franciscan Family" (art.73.c-d).
The Presidency of CIOFS, orientated to animate secular Franciscans in their diverse places of presence and mission in the church and in society, should collaborate "with those organizations and associations which recognize the same values" and seek the same ends (art.73.e-g).
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[1 Celano, Vita prima, 103.
[2 Rule, 4.
[3 Christifideles Laici, 17; cfr. CC.GG.17.
[4 Cfr. Lumen Gentium, 35.
[5 Rule, 11; Lumen Gentium, 38; Apostolicam
actuositatem, 4; Gaudium et Spes, 72.