Circular Letter n. 23 - 2002-2008: Urgent Communication

Circ. 23/02-08
Prot n. 1055

Rome, 25th January 2005
Conversion of St. Paul

To the SFO National Councils
To the SFO International Councillors

To all SFO brothers and sisters

Dear brothers and sisters: May the Lord give you Peace!

The financial situation of the CIOFS Presidency is extremely critical and obliges me to write this urgent communication to all the constituted and provisional National Councils, to the International Councillors and to all the members of the Secular Franciscan Order.

In 2003 we received a financial contribution only from 23 constituted National Fraternities and from 3 emerging Fraternities, out of a total of 57 constituted and 34 emerging Fraternities. In 2004, up to 31^st October, we received payments only from 17 Fraternities. With these limited financial means we have had to face the requirements of our service to the International Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order. Does this mean that the funds have been sufficient to cover our commitments? Absolutely not! We have been obliged to use funds donated with sacrifice for other purposes. This is not something that, in all conscience, we feel we can continue to do, therefore it is necessary to immediately reintegrate these funds.

Although the CIOFS Presidency has so far not asked the emerging Fraternities for concrete contributions, it cannot be denied that all the SFO members are obliged by article 25 of the Rule and 30.3 of the General Constitutions to contribute to the financial maintenance of the Order, depending on their individual possibilities. For this reason I exhort the coordination Councils of these new emerging Fraternities not to forget this aspect in the establishment of the Order in their respective countries. Those who do not have much can offer a minimum amount to express their good will and sense of belonging. Those who enjoy greater resources should not limit themselves to the minimum established amount, but with a true sense of authentic sharing, they should offer what, in good conscience, they can, and therefore must, offer.

In view of this regrettable situation, I appeal to the individual responsibility of each and every brother and sister and to the collective responsibility of the National Councils. I remind the former of their duty to contribute to the financial support of the Order and the National Councils not to delay payment of their contributions, insisting on this important aspect of the life of our Order in all their meetings and visits.

I cannot help but confess the discouragement I feel when, during my visits, I see the generosity of our brothers and sisters and our Fraternities in financially supporting many initiatives of other institutions, including those of the Franciscan Family - and not their own Order. I know of many donations and inheritances left to other branches of the Franciscan Family. Whereas, at times, not even the minimum contribution of the respective National Councils is sent to CIOFS. I cannot help asking myself in bewilderment: when will we be mature enough to first of all think about what belongs to ourselves?

To conclude, each National Council, constituted or provisional, will receive a communication from the Financial Commission outlining their actual situation: they will be informed if payments are in order and, if not, of the amount still due, on the basis of the minimum contribution fee. This letter will be followed by a circular letter indicating the budget for 2005 and the minimum contribution fee requested from each Fraternity to cover the scheduled expenses. No minimum contribution fee will be given for the emerging Fraternities, but we hope they will conscientiously decide their own fee.

Brothers and sisters, our situation is such that if by 31^st March there are no more than evident signs of improvement, I will be obliged to suspend the activities of the CIOFS Presidency, with all the obvious consequences.

Confiding in the Divine Providence, in individual and collective conversion and in your sense of responsibility, I send you my fraternal love.

Encarnación del Pozo
SFO General Minister

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