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Translation
from the German language
Fraternization
of the Hermits of the regulated IIIrd Order of St. Francis of Assisi
Tertii Ordinis Regularis S. Francisci
The Little
Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Pius V Convent Inc. (French title)
La Marina,
Jan. 2002 /recd. By fax in Germany on 19th Feb. 2002)
Federation
between the Fraternization of the Hermits…. and the order of St.
Charbel, 161 B
Koloona Drive, Cambewarra, N.S.W. , 2540, Australia
1.
Both communities have their own rule and their own constitution.
COMMENT:
The articles of
Federation concern the Congregation (Fraternization of the Hermits …)
and the Order of Saint Charbel – not the "Communities". The
correct expression ought to replace the word "Communities"
with the words "Congregation" and the "Order".
2.
(Both communities) Keep retaining their independence.
COMMENT:
Yes.
3.
Exchange of priests for retreats, resp. as extraordinary father
confessors for the members of the orders.
COMMENT:
Yes.
4.
Training of priesthood candidates.
COMMENT:
Subject to individual
needs and circumstances.
5.
Protector is H.E., Mgr. Fr. Bartholomäus Schneider, patriarch of the
Fraternization of the Hermits of the regulated IIIrd Order of St.
Francis of Assisi.
COMMENT:
Yes.
6.
Every three years there will be a visitation through the protector of
the federation, in both communities.
COMMENT:
Yes.
7.
Perpetual vows are to be announced 3 months prior to their performance
to the Protector.
COMMENT:
Yes.
8. All
members of the two communities wear a joint sign upon their scapular.
COMMENT:
Yes.
9. We
subject the communities to the Holy See, report all vows, professions
and exits to the Holy See in Rome.
COMMENT:
The Rule must be
approved by the Holy See as a new form of consecrated life. We subject
the Saint Charbel Communities to the Prelate appointed by the Holy See
for the Order of Saint Charbel.
10.
The canon law is the guideline for both communities.
COMMENT:
Yes, the Prelate of
the Order is responsible for the dialogue with the Holy See regarding
the unique elements in the Rule which are not yet covered by Canon Law
– eg. The Married Priesthood (Part V).
11.
The order’s habit is to be worn during holy mass, the prayer times
etc.
COMMENT:
Yes.
12. A
sample of the order’s habit is to be deposited to the generalate of
the Fraternization.
COMMENT:
Yes.
13.
The community of the St. Charbel Order is a personal prelature.
COMMENT:
The Rule identifies
the charism of the Order of Saint Charbel as a new form of Consecrated
Life – as a new Religious Order which embraces four Branches. The
First Branch includes Bishops who are regional Superiors around the
world. The Priests received into the Order might be from any Catholic
form of Religious Life (eg. Dominican, Franciscan, Carmelite, etc). A
Personal Prelature comes under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for
the Clergy (Canon 294 commentary) and is for secular clerics.
14.
Rev. Fr. Broussard, the spiritual /superior) should within a year be
elected bishop, and after 2 months consecration should be done.
COMMENT: This
should not be included within the articles of Federation.
15.
Candidates to priesthood should be one by one registered for training,
and already be ordained up to the deaconate.
COMMENT: Yes.
16.
The commandment on celibacy must be observed, until a pope lifts this
commandment.
COMMENT: This
applies already under Code of Canon Law for the celibate Priesthood. It
does not need to be incorporated into the articles of Federation. The
issue of the Married Priesthood within the Order of Saint Charbel is yet
to be defined by the Holy See in the Latin 1983 Code of Canon Law.
17.
Both communities support each other with regard to personnel and
finances according to the given possibilities.
COMMENT:
Yes.
18. A
list of all branches (local communities) should be made, as well as of
all members with profess (vows).
COMMENT: Yes.
19.
Exchange of lists of names of candidates, so that unworthy ones may
(NOT) sneak into the sanctuary.
COMMENT:
Yes.
20.
Exchange of prayers times for certain intentions should be communicated
on once a month.
COMMENT:
Yes.
21.
Members of the Order of St. Charbel should volunteer to share the life
of the adoration sisters (contemplative nuns) for at least 3 months.
COMMENT: Perpetual
Adoration is already a part of the daily life of the Communities of the
Order of Saint Charbel.
22.
The rosary prayer for both communities should be the rosary of the 7
joys of Mary, which could be prayed in private or in the community.
COMMENT:
Yes, this could be substituted as an individual choice between this one
or the normal Rosary.
23.
Patroness should be the Mother of the Ark for the both communities, and
her veneration should be practiced.
COMMENT:
Yes.
24. A
chapel should be dedicated to the apparitions. The statues of paintings
of the apparitions should be united there for veneration.
COMMENT:
This should not be included within the articles of Federation because it
deals with private revelations.
Further
proposals must be worked out from both communities, during a visit.
God’s rich
blessings for both communities.
[
SIGNATURE ]
Pax et Bonum /
Peace and salvation
[
BISHOP'S SEAL ]
Mgr. Fr.
Bartholomäus Schneider, T.O.R.
Patriarch (Old
Father) of the Fraternization of the Hermits of the Regulated IIIrd
Order of St. Francis of Assisi. |
