Conclusions of the XI General Chapter

The “Novitas Franciscana”

How To Live Our Mission And Offer Our Testimony In The World

Practical Interpretation Of Art. 53.5 Of The General Constitutions

The Economic Situation

The Italian Sfo Situation

Emerging Fraternities

Franciscan Youth: Responsibility And Participation To The Sfo Mission

From November 5th to 12^th, 2005, the XI General Charter of the Secular Franciscan Order was celebrated in Assisi, Italy. Sixty Capitulars were present, representing the existing 98 National Fraternities from across the world, constituted and emerging. A number of other individuals were also present for the Chapter, including the presenters of the various Chapter themes, observers and guests, as well as the secretarial, economic and translation teams. The active participation of all ensured the success of the Chapter.

The Minister General, Encarnación del Pozo, presented to the Chapter the CIOFS Presidency Report regarding the life of the Order during the past three years, including the financial report for the period 2002-2004 and the results of the 2005 demographic survey. The capitulars discussed this information, including the efforts made by the Presidency and their conclusions. The Chapter ratified, by a unanimous vote, the activity of the Presidency during the past triennium.

The President of the Conference of Spiritual Assistants (CAS), Fr. Ivan Matić, OFM, presented the report of the General Spiritual Assistants outlining their work during the past three years. The Chapter greatly appreciated the work done.

This intermediate Chapter provided the capitulars with an opportunity to reflect on some important aspects of the life of the Secular Franciscan Order, in continuity with the various themes treated in the preceding Chapters.

After careful consideration and discussion, both in the working groups and in the plenary sessions, the Chapter offered a number of points for the attention of both the International Council and the CIOFS Presidency, to be added to the 2002 Chapter conclusions.

The “NOVITAS FRANCISCANA”

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council and of the 800th Anniversary of the revelation of the San Damiano Crucifix to St. Francis concerning the mission he was to carry out, the Chapter reflected on the great “novelty” that St. Francis introduced in the ecclesiology and in the religious life of the Church of his time (“Novitas Franciscana”). This reflection was undertaken to better comprehend the fundamentals of our Franciscan origin: who we are, where we have come from, where we are going and what genuinely is our mission.

The San Damiano Crucifix entrusted Francis with a mission: “Francis, go and rebuild my house, which, as you see, is falling in ruins”. For Francis to fulfill this mission, Christ performed in him “a marvelous operation” (FF 1240) and inspired him to give life to a triple militia (FF 1031). All three Orders of the Franciscan Family generated by Francis are, in fact, heirs of this mission and of the charism to accomplish it. The raison d’être for Francis and his spiritual family is in this mission.

Secular Franciscans, though not being “religious” in the strict sense of the word, commit themselves, by way of a true and authentic Profession, to witness the newness of the Gospel, together with the Friars of the First Order and TOR and the Poor Clares.

Secular Franciscans are Christ’s faithful lay people (Christifideles laici) and, as such, are committed to respond fully to the call to follow Christ, humble, poor and crucified, exactly as the brothers of the First Order and the sisters of the Second Order, each in their own particular state of life.

In the final analysis, St. Francis gave to his three Orders only one rule: a more perfect observance of the Holy Gospel, in their respective state of life.

The General Chapter reflected on the Order’s roots in order to draw again from the pure fountain of Francis and his charism that is fed by the Gospel and that is understood and lived in the manner of Francis, sine glossa. Secular Franciscans are called to re-live and re-interpret this charism so as to render it present in today’s world. This is our mission.

From this reflection, members of the Chapter renewed their deep sense of being Franciscan and reinforced their determination to fulfill their mission with generosity, in order to fully satisfy God’s expectations and those of the Church on the Secular Franciscan Order. On this basis, the Chapter affirmed the following:

1. The identity of the Secular Franciscan Order is rooted in its secularity. This identity, which characterizes us within the Franciscan Family, is indispensable for the completeness of the Franciscan charism and mission. Ongoing formation programs must ensure that Secular Franciscans are aware of their identity and of being members of the Franciscan Family. Equally, Secular Franciscans must understand the essence of their mission, with a particular commitment in the area of public life as well as in the areas of justice and peace and integrity of creation.
2. The Secular Franciscan Order already acts as a catalyst of communion within the Franciscan Family. This effort must continue relentlessly, with generosity everywhere in the world. Relationships within the Franciscan Family must be nurtured to ensure that there is an awareness of our common vocation, mission and charism. A strong effort must be made to ensure that this kind of “family” relationship exists at all levels of the Order, with special attention given to nurturing these familial bonds within the Franciscan Family at the local level. A generous commitment by both seculars and religious to work towards this kind of vital reciprocity will be necessary."
3. The fundamental importance of putting the local Fraternity at the center of all of our actions and attentions is strongly underlined. There, our brothers and sisters live together in fraternity; from there, the Order, as a whole, can, and must, regenerate itself to a life of greater awareness and more intense apostolic commitment and perfection. Only in the local Fraternity will we be able to find the necessary support to live the vision that must animate the life and the action of the Secular Franciscans in the world today.
4. The fundamental quality and heart of a leader within the Franciscan family is his/her disposition to serve and be rooted in love. The leader’s service is directed outwards in helping the brothers and sisters to build a more fraternal and evangelical world, and in keeping the vision alive.
5. Secular Franciscans must accept the challenges of our times and be able to interact with generosity and evangelical creativity in the various cultural contexts, just as St. Francis did, especially in the non-Christian countries, where the implantation of the Order is slowly but steadily progressing.

HOW TO LIVE OUR MISSION AND OFFER OUR TESTIMONY IN THE WORLD

Secular Franciscans are already committed in many parts of the world in projects that defend the dignity of man and of creation. The Chapter was informed of significant initiatives, especially during the Round Table, which demonstrate the diversity of engagements that are possible for Secular Franciscans and their fraternities. Prompted by this outstanding testimony of the brothers and sisters, the Chapter made the following recommendations.

1. Building on their synergistic diversity, Secular Franciscans and Franciscan Youth should collaborate in implementing concrete actions that are appropriate to their individual realities and which support the mission and charism of Francis. This is the best testimony that Secular Franciscans can give to the world.
2. Local fraternities are encouraged to recognize and utilize the variety of human and practical resources available within their areas. In this regard, fraternities from the same region or country, working together, and in collaboration with other movements or associations who work in favor of human dignity and in the defense of creation, can bring fruits and results of unthinkable richness. If energies can be leveraged, impacts can multiply.
3. Smaller and more humble projects in support of the family, of concrete working situations and of the local communities where Franciscans live, can assume a great importance, often even more significant than that of more ambitious projects. The essential ingredient is to be able to commit oneself with love and faithful perseverance.
4. The sharing of information has become more than ever a vital key element of any activity. The lived experiences of Secular Franciscans, anywhere in the world, must become known and shared, not only by the Presidency but also with each and every National Fraternity, especially with those who share the same language and culture. The knowledge of what is being accomplished can be a very efficacious stimulus to the other Fraternities to take up similar initiatives, which may give concrete testimony to the world.

The Chapter, in accordance with Article 5.2 of the General Constitutions, has given a practical interpretation to Article 53.5 of the General Constitutions which deals with the “association” of those who “without becoming a member of the SFO, want to participate in its life and activities”. This interpretation clarifies the meaning and the sense of this “association” and its application. The interpretation will be promulgated by the Minister General

THE ECONOMIC SITUATION

The Chapter acknowledged the serious financial situation of the CIOFS Presidency caused by the inadequate contribution criteria and by the fact that many National Fraternities do not pay their contributions. In effect, this situation demonstrates that the sense of belonging to the Order and the consequential obligations associated with living within this fraternity is still vague and limited. And, yet, the demands on the CIOFS Presidency to meet its obligations continue to be extensive. The Chapter agreed that a lot of work still needs to be done to reach a true sense of belonging capable of expressing itself into authentic and concrete signs of solidarity.

In order to address this situation, the Chapter approved the following measures.

1. At the request of the National Fraternities, fraternal and pastoral visits may be combined with the Elective Chapters, on the condition that additional time is provided so as to adequately celebrate both events.
2. If National Fraternities request that Elective Chapters and Visits be conducted separately, the Minister General will endeavour to delegate International Councillors of neighboring National Fraternities to preside at the National Elective Chapters.
3. The International Bulletin has proved to be a good instrument of information and communion within the International Fraternity. Nevertheless, its paper publication will have to be discontinued due to the fact that subscriptions are insufficient to cover the cost of its production. Its publication will continue in the CIOFS Internet website. For those national Fraternities where the Internet is not available, a paper copy of the Bullettin web page will be sent.
4. It was recognized that the CIOFS web is an indispensable tool of communication for the Secular Franciscan Order and that appropriate means must be found to support and strengthen its management.
5. The General Chapter delegated to the Presidency the establishment of new criteria and methods to determine the contributions of the National Fraternities, considering the economic situations of the national fraternities involved. In turn, the Presidency will entrust the Economic Commission, constituted by the Chapter, with the study and development of such criteria and methods of contribution. The Presidency will then submit the contribution criteria and methods to all International Councillors for their consideration. International Councillors will have to respond to the Presidency’s proposal within a maximum period of two months.
6. Until such criteria and methods have been established, the Chapter considers it necessary that the National Fraternities from the wealthier countries make an effort to provide a greater contribution and, therefore, has established that the Fraternities of the following countries contribute 1 Euro per year per professed member: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Oceania, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United States. The National Fraternity of the Philippines, though not called to be in this group, specifically requested to be included as a sign of solidarity and responsibility. All the other National Fraternities, both constituted and emerging, will have to determine their level of contribution in constructive dialogue with the Presidency. All these levels of contribution will remain in force until the new criteria and methods have been approved.

THE ITALIAN SFO SITUATION

The Chapter considered the current situation of the National Fraternity of Italy with respect to the process of organic and structural reunification.

Significant progress has been achieved.

• Unity has been achieved in 9 regions (out of 19) and, in another 6 regions, unification is about to be accomplished;
• The regions where the unification has been completed are among the ones with the higher number of local Fraternities;
• To date, unity has been accomplished with the inclusion of almost all of the local fraternities in the territory.

However, some challenges remain. The dissenting party is still creating a number of obstacles by the use of juridical and procedural actions with the intention of slowing down the process of unification. The Chapter strongly reaffirmed its support to the Presidency’s course of action, and manifested its determination to defend, in all possible ways, the nature and identity of the SFO, one and only, as clearly expressed in the SFO’s fundamental legislation, given to us by the Church. The objective of the organic and structural union, prescribed by the Church, is an element that cannot be renounced and is one that will have to be achieved soon and in the best possible way. Accordingly, the Chapter unanimously approved a motion directed to the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life, to the Conference of the General Ministers of the First Order and of the TOR, requesting their firm and clear intervention to put an end to this painful situation. The Chapter also unconditionally supported the specific letter addressed to the Congregation on these matters.

EMERGING FRATERNITIES

The Chapter is immensely grateful to God for the gift of the expansion of the Order. A number of National Fraternities are emerging and growing in various parts of the world, especially where Christians constitute a very small minority and where they are often discriminated and persecuted. The Chapter strongly endorsed the importance of generously supporting and accompanying these Fraternities.

The Presidency requested that all International Councillors propose to their National Councils the option of taking responsibility for accompanying an emerging Fraternity, by establishing closer fraternal relations and more intense communications with them, and by helping them in their process of formation, growth and vocational maturation. This service by National Fraternities could be of great assistance to the Presidency during the evaluative steps leading to official recognition of the particular national fraternity. With this in mind, the Presidency offered to all International Councillors a document describing the various situations of the emerging national fraternities, and their respective languages of official communication.

FRANCISCAN YOUTH: RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION TO THE SFO MISSION

The Chapter reaffirmed the strong desire of the International Fraternity “to share its experience of evangelical life with the youth who feel attracted to Saint Francis of Assisi and to seek the means of adequately presenting it to them” (GG.CC. 96.1). It was felt that not enough is being done and that Secular Franciscans must commit themselves, with greater conviction and perseverance, to:

1. Support YouFra as a very important element in the life of the Franciscan Family;
2. Develop new and more vital experiences to share with YouFra;
3. Dedicate more committed care to the family, as the privileged place where the experience of fraternity must begin;
4. Cooperate in the formation of youth who wish to know more about Saint Francis;
5. Cooperate with YouFra in their formation by developing suitable formation materials to help young Franciscan pass from YouFra to SFO;
6. Guarantee a steady and qualified mutual presence in the respective SFO and YouFra Councils at all levels, to implement a more fully shared form of life, in the awareness of the reciprocal needs.

Assisi, November 11^th, 2005