Circ. 04/09-14

Prot. N. 2007

February 6, 2009

To YouFra National Councils

SFO National Councils

SFO/YouFra International Councillors

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May Lord give you peace!

Prior to the 2008 General Chapter, the YouFra Commission developed and finalized a document entitled “Incorporation of YouFra members into the Secular Franciscan Order”. This document was subsequently approved by the International Presidency during its meeting of November 8-15, 2008 and is now available to you in the four official languages of the SFO.

This document responds to the reality of vocational discernment that young people face regarding fundamental decisions and questions about life. It was created with the two goals of YouFra in mind: supporting young people in living their own vocation and helping them recognize it. This document equally responds to the General Constitutions which state that the SFO “considers itself to be particularly responsible” for YouFra (SFO GC, 96.2).

Within the document, the specific nature of fraternal animation and spiritual assistance is underlined, and the importance that they have in fraternity. Their interdependence and the need to be focused on a common mission provide a strong witness of fraternity to the young people in YouFra.

This document also endeavours to build an environment, supported by communication and shared initiatives of both local YouFra and SFO fraternities, that can encourage those who wish to continue building their vocation within SFO. Members of YouFra are therefore offered the possibility of continuing to pursue their vocation by entering the Secular Franciscan Order, as well as enabling those members of YouFra who have made their profession within the SFO to belong to both fraternities.

It should also be noted that this document supports the idea of fraternity for Franciscan Youth in its totality and as it has been envisioned by those who have long been responsible for it. In the end, it is meant to enable young people to continue to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis, not only in their youth, but also throughout their entire life.

The day chosen to present this document to you has not been chosen randomly. Today, we mark the eighth anniversary of the proclamation of the renewed SFO General Constitutions, which mention the Franciscan Youth in articles 96 and 97, and which, in turn, represent the basis of life and work of this fraternity.

It is our fervent wish that this document may help us all to offer young people a choice of lifestyle within the Franciscan Youth and Secular Franciscan Order.

Encarnation del Pozo, General minister SFO

Ana Fruk CIOFS Presidency councillor Youfra International coordinator