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Letter updatings concerning the position of executive director
May the Holy Spirit who came anew upon us on this recent Feast of Pentecost fill your hearts and souls with each gift of which you have most need. We are writing with a few updates concerning the position of executive director. Our search resulted in several applicants, mostly from the United States and mostly native speakers of English. They came with a variety of expertise; some would qualify for an executive officer for many organizations with many levels of organization. Our first task will be to assess what exactly is needed by the members and their institutions. Next, she will help to develop the programs to help meet those needs. For that purpose, soon, you will receive a questionnaire regarding needs and talents to share. From this information, committees will be formed to start to produce what is needed by the members.
Franciscans International’s new website
For the past year and a half, Franciscans International has been working to build a website with one simple goal in mind: making our work more accessible to you.
We warmly invite you to have a look around and hope that you’ll share our enthusiasm. Before you visit, we’d like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the new features that we are most excited about.
Letter about Directory Members
You will find the updated listing pdf version of the directory of the IFC-TOR, there is also an online version in the members only section. This is updated frequently as new elections take place or addresses change and we are notified of the changes. As in all things, it is only as accurate as the data submitted by the membership. May you continue to be blessed in your ministry of service and may you experience a deep and lasting peace during the remaining season of Lent into a joyous Easter season.
“I was a stranger and you invited me”
- Date: 30 March 2023
- Time: 9.00 – 10.30 (New York) / 15.00 – 16.30 (Geneva)
We would like to invite you to a virtual Lenten retreat where we will reflect together on the Franciscan mission of care toward migrants and refugees. To guide us, we will hear from Sisters and Brothers working at the United States / Mexican border and representatives of the Franciscan family at the United Nations.
Letter for IFC-TOR members to search for Executive Director
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Attached to this post, you will find an announcement for the Executive Director for IFC-TOR. From the last assembly, it was given as a clear direction that the council should seek out an executive director. This role would replace the secretary general position and would entail greater responsibility for IFC-TOR. This will be done “Ad Experimentum” until the next assembly so the statutes could be adapted to reflect this new position.
Letter November 2022 - Committee of the Franciscan Family
Starting next year, we will begin the celebration of the Franciscan Centenary, which will run from 2023, with the commemoration of the approval of the Later Rule and the Christmas of Greccio, through 2024 (Stigmata), 2025 (Canticle of Brother Sun) and culminate in 2026, with the centenary of his "transitus" from earth to heaven. A joint celebration of the six Ministers General of the Franciscan Family it will take place in Greccio on 7 January 2023 at 11 a.m.
Christmas Letter from Sister Frances Marie Duncan and the Council of IFC-TOR
On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 40th anniversary of the ratification of the Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis by Pope St. John Paul II, I wish you the peace and joy of this sacred season.
“Peace and all Good!”
THE FRANCISCAN CENTENARY 2023-2026 / LIVE STREAMING
LEARN MORE
With the beginning of 2023, we entered the celebration of the Centenary Franciscan, which will unfold from 2023, with the remembrance of the approval of the Regula Bullata and the Christmas of Greccio, through 2024 (Stigmata), 2025 (Canticle of Brother Sun) and will culminate in 2026, with the centenary of the his “transit” from earth to heaven. The beginning of each year, from 2023 to 2026, will be marked by a common celebration of the six General Ministers of the Franciscan Family. A common celebration of the six General Ministers of the Franciscan Family of other representatives of the entire Franciscan family will be held on January 7, 2023 in Greccio. We invite you to follow that celebration, which will be streamed live and will also remain available on video.
More information and details visit Franciscan Centenary website
CHRISTMAS AT SGRECCIO – Liturgy of the beginning of the first Centennial 2023
The OFMCap Communications Office (@ofmcaptv) transmits the live streaming.
AUDIENCE POPE FRANCIS / THE FRANCISCAN CENTENARY 2023-2026
NEWS ARTICLE
Pope Francis receives members of the Ecclesial Coordination for the 800th Anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi
READ | FULL ARTICLE
DIGITAL NETWORK
Audience · Representative Members
The IFC-TOR was represented at the audience by Sr. Frances Marie Duncan (President) who attended in-person
- Sister Dolores Caneo · Representative on the Centenary Committee
- Sister Nancy Celaschi · Representative on the Peace and Justice Subcommittee of the Centenary Committee
- Sister Charity Lydia Katongo Nkandu · Representative on the board of Franciscans International
- Brother Paolo Nicosia, SA · Representative on the Evangelization and Mission Committee of the Centenary Sub-Committee
- Sister Stefania Baneschi · (MOFRA) Representative for the Communications Subcommittee of the Centenary Committee
- Sister Maria Rosani Becker · (MOFRA) Representative on the Formation Subcommittee of the Centenary Committee
⇲ Communications / Letters
Letter about Propositum 2023 · Theme indicated: "How living the Rule of St. Francis today brings Christ to Life in our world"
At our last council meeting, we discussed the theme for the next issue of Propositum, which will be published on-line in late March/early April. In incorporating the celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the Rule of St. Francis and the first Christmas celebration at Greccio, the theme for the Propositum will be “How living the Rule of St. Francis today brings Christ to Life in our world”. Please send your articles / reflecting the personal experiences by January 31, 2023.
Letter November 2022 - Committee of the Franciscan Family
Starting next year, we will begin the celebration of the Franciscan Centenary, which will run from 2023, with the commemoration of the approval of the Later Rule and the Christmas of Greccio, through 2024 (Stigmata), 2025 (Canticle of Brother Sun) and culminate in 2026, with the centenary of his "transitus" from earth to heaven. A joint celebration of the six Ministers General of the Franciscan Family it will take place in Greccio on 7 January 2023 at 11 a.m.
BOOKLET · Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Our Third Order Regular Rule — 1982-2022
Prepared by Kathleen Moffatt OSF - Sponsored by Sisters of St Francis of Philadelphia, Aston, PA • 2022
Representing thirty-seven countries on five continents: one hundred and ninety Superiors General with the T.O.R. Rule Work Group (incl. Margaret Carney osf and Thaddeus Horgan SA) at back of group with Sister Rose Cecilia and others were received by Pope John Paul II in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall, March, 1982.
These members of the Rome Assembly, March 1-10, 1982, approved the new T.O.R. Rule.
Letter · Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Our Third Order Regular Rule — 1982-2022
“A Sacred Exchange of Desires, Commitments, and Prophetic Convictions”
Penitential Spirituality in the Franciscan Sources - Lino Temperini TOR. The Assisi Congress on Formation, 1977
For the sisters and brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis the charism of penance is a LOVE must be responded to! This is the uncomplicated substance of Franciscan spirituality.
Conference of the Franciscan Family - Message of Peace and fasting on October 11, 2022
As we are gathered together in the city of St. Francis on the occasion of his feast, we send you our heartfelt request to stay attentive to the issue of peace at this very difficult time for humanity. We want to express our deeply felt concern for peace... “Nothing is lost with peace. Everything may be lost with war"
[This letter is published on the site in the following languages: ENGLISH, ITALIAN and SPANISH]
La Festa di San Francesco raduna ad Assisi tanti fratelli e sorelle della Famiglia Francescana. Vengono ad Assisi anche i Ministri generali che di solito colgono questa occasione per organizzare le sessioni di lavoro della Conferenza dei Ministri generali del Primo Ordine Francescano e del TOR, ed anche della Conferenza della Famiglia Francescana. Il raduno della Conferenza della Famiglia Francescana si è svolto nella mattinata del 03 ottobre 2022, presso la Domus Laetitiae. I Ministri hanno incontrato i membri della International Board of Directors della Franciscans International, hanno incontrato i membri del Comitato che si occupa della preparazione del Centenario francescano e hanno discusso il tema delle iniziative comuni per la GMG che si svolgerà a Lisbona prossimo anno.
Alla fine dell'incontro si è parlato della pace nel mondo, e i Ministri generali hanno proposto a tutti i membri della Famiglia francescana la preghiera e il digiuno come iniziativa comune (vedi la lettera in allegato).
Feast of St. Francis — October 4, 2022
The Feast of St. Francis is always a day of great rejoicing as we remember the life of our holy patron. This year, as we celebrate, amidst the confusion of a world that has strayed far from the values of Christianity, we remember our father, Francis, and recognize that his world had similar troubles. The wars in varied countries, especially in Ukraine, the political unrest, the religious persecutions, the environmental catastrophes, all speak of a world that is not at peace and has limited joy. The next few years in our Franciscan family, we are planning a number of celebrations as we prepare for the 800th centenary of some special Franciscan events. In 2023, we will be celebrating the 800th anniversary of the first Nativity scene at Greccio and the first Rule of St. Francis.
— Video Conferences
Webpage General Assembly 2022 updates including conferences given at the Assembly
REPORT ON REFUGEE AID · from IFC-TOR Member Congregations
Report 1 · Ukrainian Aid — SUORE FRANCESCANE INSEGNANTI
The School Sisters of St. Francis in Slovakia and the Czech Republic were most directly involved in aiding the Ukrainian people fleeing from their countries. Other sisters contributed through donations and in Sicily some direct aid was also given. The generous donation given to us through the IFC-TOR was mainly used in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Report 2 · Ukrainian Aid — CONGREGATION THE SISTERS OF ST. ELIZABETH
On behalf of our congregation the Sisters of St. Elizabeth, I would like to thank you for your generosity and the huge financial aid /Euro 14,000.00/ with the allocation to the aid of Ukrainian refugees in their country and neighboring countries.
Report 3 · Ukrainian Aid — HERMANAS TERCIARIAS CAPUCHINAS DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA DE WROCŁAW, POLONIA
Since February. 24, 4.75 million of refugees have crossed the border into Poland, mostly women and children. Some have left for other European countries, or for the United States and Canada. Others, after some time, have returned to their homes, but an estimated 3 million are here in Poland. Across Europe there are currently about 5.8 million Ukrainian refugees.
Report 4 · Ukrainian Aid — FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF THE SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY
Information about the Ukrainian support from the Franciscan Sisters FCJM in Romania. I selected some photos from our sisters in Romania with three concrete aspects of Ukrainian refugee assistants. You find the information attached. Our sisters will continue their efforts by taking comprehensive care of the 3 women with their children but also in collaboration with others.
Report 5 · Ukrainian Aid — FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF PENANCE AND CHRISTIAN CHARITY
The Polish Province of the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity reports on the use of funds donated by the IFC TOR to provide assistance to those affected by the war in Ukraine. Thank you on behalf of the Polish Province of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity, but also thank you especially on behalf of those who have benefited in various ways from the financial assistance donated by IFC TOR.
Report 6 · Ukrainian Aid — SUORE DELL’ORDINE DI S. BASILIO MAGNO · BASILIANE
Our Sisters have opened and received in their convents in Western Ukraine, Poland and Croatia around 90 persons. Most of them are women and children. They provide for them shelter, food and all other necessary things for living. The refugees are from different parts of Ukraine. Mostly from Eastern and Central Ukraine. Our communities in Croatia have also received 12 persons in their house. Mothers and children are mainly from the Western part of Ukraine who fleed after the first shelling in that area.
Report 7 · Ukrainian Aid — SUORE FRANCESCANE MISSIONARIE DI GESÙ BAMBINO
An unexpected situation was the beginning of the war between Russia and Ukraine, but the Church, always attentive to every conflict situation, immediately responded to the needs of so many people who from one moment to the next had to flee their nation, leaving everything behind to save the lives of their families and their own. To the heartfelt desire to collaborate with the local Church to respond to this humanitarian emergency [...]
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
as you know, many of our congregations have been assisting the refugees from the Ukraine.
Last year, a collection was taken up and a number of communities donated to the cause of helping these endeavors. The money collected was distributed to IFC-TOR congregations who were ministering directly to the refugees.
From time to time in the next few weeks, the IFC-TOR website will be featuring reports from the congregations that received the refugee funding.
They as well as the many refugees that are being helped are most grateful for the assistance.
S. Frances Marie Duncan, OSF · President IFC-TOR
REPORT · General Assembly 2022
⇲ Press Release
IFC-TOR Elected Council · General Assembly 2022
From May 9 – 14 the 79 General Ministers and/or their delegates from 64 religious institutes gathered at the Domus Pacis in the shadow of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels for the celebration of the 10th General Assembly of the International Franciscan Conference of the Institutes and Monasteries of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis.
⇲ Communications
Letter Elected President · May 2022
The new president and council will be holding a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss plans as to how to implement the Vision and Concrete Actions for the future of IFC-TOR (2022-2026), which arose from the discussions throughout the week. We will also select the vice-president of the council at this meeting. After the council meets, we will share with you our plans and how you can be a part of them over the next 4 years.
MEDIA VIDEO · Click to watch
General Assembly Opening
CONFERENCES
Speakers and Panelists
Facilitator
Sr. Maria Elena Martinez
CONFERENCES
Speakers and Panelists
Facilitator
Sr. Maria Elena Martinez
MEMBERS
PUBLICATIONS · Propositum
Propositum 2023 / 1 — Latest Issue
Theme · How living the rule of st. francis today - Brings Christ to life in our world
Propositum 2022 / 2
Theme · Growing in universal love
Propositum 2022 / 1
Theme · Contemplation
— Complete Archives of published numbers | View Page
PUBLICATIONS · TAU Series
TAU Series – Number / 20 — Latest Issue
The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition: Study Document prepared by Ilia Delio OSF and William Short OFM, 2001
TAU Series – Number / 19
Christ Our Teacher: Love’s Wisdom - Reflection by Anthony Carrozzo OFM
TAU Series – Number / 18
The Franciscan Intellectual Tradition Initiative - A Language of God-with-us
Joseph P. Chinnici OFM
— Complete Archives of published numbers | View Page
FORMATION · Study Manual of the Third Order Regular Rule
CHAPTERS · Tabs / English Language
01 · Resource Manual TOR · Introduction
ResourceManualTOR_01-Introduction.pdf
02 · Resource Manual TOR · Penitential Movement
ResourceManualTOR_02-Penitential-Movement.pdf
03 · Resource Manual TOR · History and Development
ResourceManualTOR_03-History-and-Development.pdf
04 · Resource Manual TOR · Rule and Franciscan Spirituality
ResourceManualTOR_04-Rule-and-Franciscan-Spirituality.pdf
05 · Resource Manual TOR · Commentary on the 1982 Rule
ResourceManualTOR_05-Commentary-on-the-1982-Rule.pdf
06 · Resource Manual TOR · Ten-Twenty-Five-Years-Later
ResourceManualTOR_06-Ten-Twenty-Five-Years-Later.pdf
07 · Resource Manual TOR · Sheet Music
ResourceManualTOR_07-Sheet-Music.pdf
08 · Resource Manual TOR · Bibliography
ResourceManualTOR_08-Bibliography.pdf
09 · Resource Manual TOR · Third Order Saints
ResourceManualTOR_09-Third-Order-Saints.pdf
10 · Resource Manual TOR · Appendix
ResourceManualTOR_10-Appendix.pdf
— Manual Study TOR Tabs | View Page
FORMATION · Study Guide on Encyclical FRATELLI TUTTI
HOW TO USE · The Guide
- This guide can be used with small or large groups and for personal reflection.
- Feel free to share with others the URL where you found the guide. You are free to print it for others who prefer a printed text. This guide is free.
- This guide serves as an overview to the chapter featured but cannot in the space available do justice to the richness of each chapter.
This is a cooperative venture of several Franciscan organizations.
Margaret Carney, OSF and Pat McCloskey, OFM coordinated this study guide series.
Our writers
Nancy Celaschi, OSF
Caryn Crook, OSF
Bill Hugo, OFM Cap.
Mary Esther Stewart, OFS
Michelle Balek, OSF
Charlie McCarthy, OFM Conv.
Margaret Magee, OSF
Jim Puglisi, SA
ENCYCLICAL FRATELLI TUTTI · English Text
GUIDE POSTED AT · Franciscan Organizations
- https://franciscanmissionservice.org
- https://franciscanaction.org
- https://franciscanpilgrimages.com
- https://secularfranciscansusa.org
- https://franciscancollegesuniversities.org
- https://franfed.org
(info@franciscanmedia.org)
Feel free to duplicate and share the guide series.
CHAPTERS · Title / Writer
Fratelli Tutti — Introduction
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_Introduction_Eng.pdf
Summary and quotes from the Encyclical · Pat McCloskey, OFM
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 1
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch1_Eng.pdf
Dark Clouds A Closed World – Summary and quotes from the Encyclical · Caryn Crook, OS
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 2
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch2_Eng.pdf
A Stranger on the Road · Father William Hugo, OFM Cap
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 3
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch3_Eng.pdf
Envisaging and Engendering an Open World · Mary Esther Stewart, OFS
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 4
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch4_Eng.pdf
A Heart Open to the Whole World · Margaret Carney, OSF
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 5
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch5_Eng.pdf
A Better Kind of Politics · Michelle Balek, OSF
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 6
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch6_Eng.pdf
Dialogue and Friendship in Society · Charlie McCarthy, OFM Conv.
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 7
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch7_Eng.pdf
Paths of Renewed Encounter · Margaret Magee, OSF
Fratelli Tutti — Chapter 8
Ifc-Tor-2021-FratelliTutti_Study-Guide_ch8_Eng.pdf
Religions at the Service of Fraternity in Our World · Fr. Jim Puglisi, SA
ANNIVERSARY · Memoriale Propositi 1221 ‒ 2021
PAPERS · Speakers and Letters
- Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti di Segni who wrote this Rule at the request of St. Francis of Assisi, 1221
Paper ⁝ Primitive Rule of Life of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance The Original Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis – 1221 - His Emincence Cardinal João Braz de Aviz
Paper ⁝ Letter from the Prefect of the Congregatio Pro Institutis Vitae Consecratae Et Societatibus Vitae Apostolicae - Sr. Dolores Caneo, Councilor on the IFC-TOR Council
Paper ⁝ Greeting at opening - Fr. Lino Temperini, TOR
Paper ⁝ The “Memoriale Propositi” (1221) · Ancient and Fundamental Rule of the Franciscan Penitents
- Sr. Nancy Celaschi, OSF
Paper ⁝ The Memoriale Propositi: The contemprary relevance - Attilio Galimberti, OFS
Paper ⁝ How to Live the Values of the Memoriale Propositi in Today’s Context - P. Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR
Paper ⁝ 800 years after the Memorial purposes: Towards a reinterpretation from the perspective of the signs of the times
VIDEO PRESENTATIONS · View Page
JUBILEE CELEBRATION · OF THE SECOND LETTER OF ST. FRANCIS to the Faithful (1221)
PREFACE · English Translation
This writing may have been written upon Francis’s return from his journey to the Middle East in the Spring of 1220, for not only does it speak of his weakened condition but also suggests the post-conciliar concerns of Pope Honorius III. At the same time, it recalls Francis’s earlier exhortation to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance and encourages its observance in light of many of the teachings of the Fourth Lateran Council.
FULL-TEXT
Jubilee Celebration Input from the 2017-2022 Council
Council 1st input - Sr. Deborah
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_1st-SrDeborah_Eng.pdf
Francis speaks from his experience when he writes about prayer; he heard the words of Jesus as if he were sitting next to the Samaritan woman, listening attentively… In the clefts of the rock he would build his nest and in the hollow of the wall Song of Songs 2:14 his dwelling.
Council 2nd input - Sr. Benigna
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_2nd-SrBenigna_Eng.pdf
God called St. Francis and inspired him to pass the Gospel message to the people of his time, just as He does to us in the present moment. Where evil, vices and sin were and are the order of the day, God is calling us to leave sin behind and work for a world of innocence of heart, seeking good in all, where peace and love are a sign of God’s love.
Council 3rd input - Sr. Magdalena
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_3rd-SrMagdalena_Eng.pdf
Today Francis directs our gaze to the obedience of the greater, who as lesser, as servant, is to be a servant of all. Obedience begins with love for one's own soul. It keeps God present in us. Our deepest impulses to love live in it, and there we ponder God's Word and the inspirations of His Spirit. Out of the soul our life is formed.
Council 4th input - Sr. Dolores
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_4th-SrDolores_Eng.pdf
Francis of Assisi is moved by the evangelical urgency for proclaiming the Father’s Word and the words of the Holy Spirit “which are spirit and life.” Not a spirituality out of the reality, but a Spirit that is life, who becomes flesh and is true life-giver in fullness.
Council 5th input - Sr. Joanne
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_5th-SrJoanne_Eng.pdf
At first glance, these verses may seem like a simple invitation for all creatures to praise and glorify God, but they are so much more. The verse that introduces this section is key to our reflection (Verse 60, John 17:24): “I wish, Father, that where I am, they may be with me... because you loved me before the creation of the world.”
Council 6th input - Sr. Deborah
2021_Ifc-Tor_JubileeCel-SecLetterFaithful_6th-SrDeborah_Eng.pdf
We can all imagine the young Francis kneeling in the dilapidated San Damiano, praying before the crucifix, “enlighten the darkness of my mind...” We know the struggles he went through as God revealed to him: He wanted me to be a new fool in the world. God did not wish to lead us by any way other than this knowledge… Assisi Compilation, 18
INPUT FROM THE COUNCIL 2017-2022 · in preparation for the General Assembly
FRANCISCANS INTERNATIONAL · Letters
— Website link
ROMANS V · Letters
— Website link
Available soon
REQUESTS · Letters
Refugee Assistance
Francis of Assisi exhorts us to have peace so deeply within our hearts that it overflows in our words and actions, and all will be moved to peace. Pope Francis says the same in another way, praying and calling all to “demilitarize our hearts.” These days of conflict and war in Ukraine shout out to us that peace begins and continues in the heart of each person. As followers of the man of Gospel peace, let us, led by his inspiration, be shining lights of the hope of peace, in whatever way God’s holy Spirit leads us to work to bring about peace within and without.
On behalf of the IFC-TOR welcome!
The IFC-TOR web site is conceived of as an instrument of collaboration and peace. It is a meeting point for those who wish to know about us and have news of the International Franciscan Conference-TOR.
It hopes to be a source of information and a means to know the history of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular, the aims of the Conference, in how many and which countries of the world they are present members, their addresses and information about each associated Institution.
In addition the site has the messages issued during the last General Assembly (a meeting held every four years in Assisi).
The IFC-TOR publishes a periodical Propositum, as a further means of sharing the message of the Franciscan Family.