The local fraternity is to be established
canonically. It becomes the basic unit of the whole Order and a visible sign
of the Church, the community of love. This should be the privileged place for
developing a sense of Church and the Franciscan vocation and for enlivening
the apostolic life of its members.
SFO Rule 20
"The SFO is divided into
fraternities of various levels," the purpose being to promote, in an
orderly form, the union and mutual collaboration among the brothers and sisters
and their active and communal presence in both the local and the universal
Church. The SFO shall also support the
commitment of the fraternities in their service to the world, and specifically
to the life of society. Article
28 #2 Constitutions
Traditionally, Franciscans have been, and are, at the forefront of
providing a valuable service to their sisters and brothers and to the
world, as such, in the area of showing mercy and compassion for the
underprivileged, and for anyone who is not being treated as we would like
others
to treat us. Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles, as the bishops and
priests still do on Holy Thursday. Likewise, Secular Franciscans, with
humility and a sense of service in the Name of the Lord,
obedient to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, seek to be of service to others.
This service takes
many forms and is done in an understated way. Our Seraphic Father, Saint
Francis, told the friars that they should go and preach, and use words
if necessary. Thus our service to others should be done with good cheer,
and genuine helpfulness without pointing back at ourselves or the Order.
Such an example brings many more vocations than all the written brochures
and handouts put together.
We
are divided into fraternities of various levels. All of the professed know
that there is the Regional Fraternity, such as Five Franciscan Martyrs
Region, for example. The Region provides many services for the
Fraternities. They provide a Regional Spiritual Assistant through
financial support, so that this Assistant can get around, sometimes very
large areas, and be of service in many pastoral ways particularly in doing
visitations and assisting at Chapters of Election, etc., all of which is
outlined in Constitutions and Statutes and in reports from each Region.
Then in each country, there is one National Fraternity. These people are
very busy, in a nation as great and as large as ours, going to meetings,
Regional visitations, etc.
Looking toward the next higher level from the Fraternity, it is clear that
the Regional Fraternities and the National Fraternity cannot exist without
financial support from all of us, and a part of this support goes to the
International Council (CIOFS) as they have expenses as well, and are, in
fact, hoping more National Fraternities, worldwide, will send support to
them because they're operating on a
shoestring.
The
issue of providing support is a very Franciscan thing. In the history of
the Franciscan Order, as a whole, local support always services
Definitories, Provincialates and General Ministers, except that in the
First and Second Order of Franciscans, money comes from parish donations,
generally. In the Secular Franciscan Order, funds come from Fraternities
and usually that means from each and everyone of the Professed. These
means of support are not dues. I cringe when I hear Secular Franciscans
speak about their Order as if they were paying membership dues. That's
very inaccurate. Generally, in a membership organization, when one does
not pay dues, you're out. Done with! That's not so with the Secular
Franciscan Order. You're professed and have taken on a lasting commitment.
So if you truly cannot afford to provide the support requested by a
Regional Fraternity, you're not out at all. Your fraternity minister and
council can sort this out in a Christian fashion and provide support where
needed. That's what we're here for, to provide service and support to our
sisters and brothers in Christ. And, if the Fraternity has no means to
provide the monies requested, they should ask their Regional Fraternity
for guidance and assistance.
As
St. Francis did, let us treat all with reverence and love, with
understanding and wisdom, and use words if necessary. May God bless all of
you during this season of Lent.
Ye
Webmaster,
Fred S. Schaeffer, SFO
February 22,
2004
