Rule 22

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.

The local fraternity represents the entire Order and is a visible sign of the Church, the community of love, the Franciscan way. In the local fraternity, it is very important that Officers and Councillors are chosen (by vote) with care, for they will be instrumental in guiding new people to form this life-long commitment to the Church and to the Franciscan Order. It is a joint responsibility of the sitting Council, plus the Minister, Vice-Minister and Spiritual Assistant, to be an active participant of Inquirer, Candidate, and Post-Profession Formation. The life of the whole fraternity contributes to the growth of the new members and consolidates it. Profession, for many a high point in their life as a Franciscan, is only the beginning of many years of ongoing formation, ultimately leading, if done well, to a life with Our Lord here on earth as well as in Heaven.

A loving atmosphere should characterize the fraternity, much in the way of St. Francis early fraternities. Any strife that results from a disagreement should be taken up by the council in order to retain the peaceful and ordered atmosphere of the fraternity. Personal likes or dislikes should be set aside, and if these exist, it would be wise to discuss these potential disagreements with a confessor or another member of the fraternity for guidance.

Profession as a Secular Franciscan is a mature act, not to be taken lightly because it is made for life. Profession is an act of love for God, and for our sisters and brothers.

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5-12-2008