Model of national Statutes

This model has to be adapted to the situation and the realities of the world of youth of the country. A simple transscription is not enough.

NATIONAL STATUTES OF THE FRANCISCAN YOUTH OF...
CHAPTER I: NATURE

1. The Franciscan Youth (Franciscan Youth) is the fraternity of those young people who feel called by the Holy Spirit to share the experience of Christian life in fraternity, in the light of the message of St Francis of Assisi, deepening their own vocation within the context of the Secular Franciscan Order.

2. The Franciscan Youth belongs to the Franciscan Family as an integral part of the SFO and considers the Rule of the SFO as an inspirational document for the growth of its own Christian and Franciscan vocation either individually or in a group.

3. Based on its belonging to the Franciscan Family, the pastoral care and spiritual assistance to the Franciscan Youth is entrusted to the First Order and the Third Order Regular (TOR).

4. Based on its reciprocal life-giving communion with the SFO, who considers itself to be particularly responsible for it, the fraternal assistance to the Franciscan Youth is entrusted to the SFO.

5. The Franciscan Youth is organised in fraternities at various levels: local, regional and national. Each of these fraternities is related to a given SFO fraternity.

6. Membership in the Franciscan Youth is open to young single catholics of both sexes, who are searching for their identity and life-project.

7. The Franciscan Youth of (name of the country) is subject to the universal law of the Church and to these Statutes, approved by the Presidency of the International Council of the SFO.

8. Clarification of specific points and the solution of particular situations not foreseen by these Statutes belongs to the national Franciscan Youth Council. These solutions are valid until the next national assemblee of the Franciscan Youth.

CHAPTER II: LIFE AND ACTIVITY

1. The rule and life of the Franciscan Youth is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi , who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.

2. Young Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity.

3. They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism. Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words. Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, they devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialogue of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.

4. Motivated by the dynamic power of the gospel, they conform their thoughts and deeds to those of Christ by means of that radical interior change which the gospel itself calls "-conversion-". Human frailty makes it necessary that this conversion be carried out daily. On this road to renewal the sacrament of reconciliation is a privileged sign of the Father's mercy and a source of grace.

5. As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so prayer and contemplation should be the soul of all they are and do. They participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. They join in liturgical prayer of the people of God, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

6. Young Franciscans express their ardent love for the Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, by imitating her openness to God's word and her complete self-giving in following His call.

7. Uniting themselves to Christ, poor and obedient, they faithfully fulfill their own duties and seek a proper relationship to temporal goods, simplifying their own material needs. They should take a firm position against consumerism and against ideologies and practices which prefer riches over human and religious values and which permit the exploitation of the human person.

8. In the spirit of "-the Beatitudes-", and as pilgrims and strangers on their way to the home of the Father, they strive to purify their hearts from every tendency and yearning for possession and power. Pledged to acquire purity of heart, they set themselves free to love God and their brothers and sisters.

9. They should deepen the true foundations of universal fraternity and create a spirit of welcome and an atmosphere of fraternity everywhere. This will make them joyful and ready to place themselves on an equal basis with all people, especially with the lowly They should work together with movements which promote the building of fraternity among peoples and take clear positions whenever human dignity is attacked by any form of oppression or indifference.

10. Called, together with all people of good will, to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively, they commit themselves both to the generous fulfillment of the duties proper to their occupation and to the professional training that pertains to it. With the same spirit of service, they should assume their social and civil responsibilities.

11. In their family they cultivate the Franciscan spirit of peace, fidelity, and respect for life, striving to make of it a sign of a world already renewed in Christ. They collaborate with the efforts undertaken in the Church and in society to affirm both the value of fidelity and respect for all life in every situation, from conception till death. The brothers and sisters, especially those who prepare themselves for marriage, should be aware that the beauty and strength of human love, sanctified by this sacrament, is a profound witness for their own family, the Church, and the world.

12. Mindful that they are bearers of peace which must be built up unceasingly, they seek out ways of unity and fraternal harmony through dialogue, trusting in the presence of the divine seed in everyone and in the transforming power of love and pardon. They collaborate with those movements and institutions which promote peace while respecting its authentic foundations, renouncing the use of violence. They respect the choice of those, who because of conscientious objection, refuse to "-bear arms-".

13. They respect all creatures, animate and inanimate, which "-bear the imprint of the Most High-", and strive to move from the temptation of exploiting creation to the Franciscan concept of universal kinship. They collaborate with efforts to fight pollution and to conserve all that is valuable in nature.

14. Messengers of perfect joy in every circumstance, they should strive to bring joy and hope to others. Therefore, they are called to create conditions of life and of environment that would not be a threat to any person but would lead to the discovery of the mind and will of God. They make a contribution to counter widespread distress and pessimism, thus preparing a better future. They commit themselves to create in their environment a climate of faith and hope, so that "-Sister Death-" may be accepted as a passage to the Father

CHAPTER III: FORMATION

1. Admission into the Franciscan Youth is gradually attained through an itinerary of formation according to the programs, methods and contents established by the national Council of the Franciscan Youth. This vocational itinery consists normally of the following stages: period of initiation; period of formation for the pledge in the Franciscan Youth; period of deepening one's own vocation, living the Franciscan Youth pledge.

2. The period of initiation into the Franciscan Youth is a period of seeking, of making contact, of approaching, of welcome, which ends with the decision to begin formation for the pledge in the Franciscan Youth. This period lasts from three to six months, depending on the interest of each candidate and the opinion of the Franciscan Youth council. Candidates coming from pre-Franciscan Youth groups are exempt from the period of initiation.

3. The request for admission to the period of formation for the pledge in the Franciscan Youth is presented in writing by the candidate to the President of the local Franciscan Youth fraternity. Conditions for admission are: to profess the Catholic faith, to live in communion with the Church, to be of good moral standing, single, without children and aged not less than 15 or more than 25 years. The Council of the fraternity decides collegially on the request, gives a formal answer to the candidate and communicates this to the fraternity.

4. The period of formation is the time to discover and to live the Gospel, according to the example of Saint Francis, from within this specific youth fraternity. The length of this period is one year, with the possibility to prolong it by another year at the discretion of the Council of the fraternity or of the candidate concerned. At the beginning of this period the candidate is given the distinctive sign of the Franciscan Youth: (description of this sign).

5. The request to make the pledge in the Franciscan Youth is presented in writing by the candidate to the President of the local Franciscan Youth fraternity. This request can be made by the candidate only towards the end of the period of formation for the pledge. The Council of the fraternity decides by secret vote on the request, gives a formal answer to the candidate and communicates this to the fraternity.

6. The pledge in the Franciscan Youth is the formal act by which the young person is integrated fully in the fraternity concerned. If possible, the pledge in the Franciscan Youth is made during a eucharistic celebration.

7. With the pledge starts the period of deepening one's own vocation, to assimilate the inspiration of the SFO Rule and to translate it into daily life, in order to verify one's real vocation in life and the answer to give to God's call.

8. The period of deepening one's own vocation is temporary and ends when the person takes decisive choices or encounters definitive situations of life. With the exception of national or regional leaders during their term of office, situations which end the belonging to the Franciscan Youth are: completing 30 years of age; contracting marriage; entering the noviciate in a religious order.

9. The members of the Franciscan Youth who wish to make profession in the SFO should satisfy the requirements of the Rule, the Constitutions and the Ritual of the SFO. The profession in the SFO completes and perfects the pledge in the Franciscan Youth, and does not exclude the young person from the Franciscan Youth fraternity. In regard to the Franciscan Youth, profession in the SFO has the same consequences as the pledge.

CHAPTER IV: ORGANIZATION

1. The local Franciscan Youth fraternity is the constitutive cell of the Franciscan Youth and the context in which the brothers and sisters meet to share their experience of the Christian life in fraternity, in the light of the message of St Francis of Assisi . The fraternity meets frequently, e.g. every week, to deepen its relationship with God and with the brothers and sisters. It is important that the meetings integrate moments of prayer and formation with elements of action and recreation. The meetings are organized in such a way as to favour the insertion of the Franciscan Youth fraternity in the Franciscan Family and in the local Church.

2. The official recognition of the local fraternity of the Franciscan Youth belongs to the Franciscan Youth council of a higher level in collaboration with the council of the local SFO fraternity, i.e. the two councils with whom the new Franciscan Youth fraternity will be in relation. The competent religious superior from whom spiritual assistance be requested, should be informed. Official recognition requires at least ten members who have made their pledge in the Franciscan Youth. The document of recognition is kept in the archives of the fraternity, and a copy is sent to the Council of the SFO fraternity of reference.

3. Each Franciscan Youth fraternity has a reciprocal life-giving communion with a given SFO fraternity, from whom it asks fraternal assistance and with whom it exchanges representatives in their respective Councils.

4. The local fraternity is animated and guided by a council consisting of a President, Vice president and at least one Councillor, elected, for a period or two years, by the local Assembly. According to the needs of each fraternity, other offices can be added. However, only the officers elected by the Assembly have the right to vote. The representative of the SFO and the spiritual animator or assistant are also members of the Council. The President represents the local Franciscan Youth fraternity in the Council of the SFO fraternity.

5. The elective Assembly of the Franciscan Youth fraternity meets once every two years, and is presided over by the President of the immediately higher level, or by his or her delegate. Those who can elect are: the local Council and all members of the fraternity who have made their pledge in the Franciscan Youth or their profession in the SFO. Those who can be elected are: all members who have made their pledge in the Franciscan Youth or their profession in the SFO.

6. The regional fraternity is the union of all Franciscan Youth fraternities in a given territory, which coincides with one or more regional fraternities of the SFO. The constitution of regional fraternities belongs to the national Council of the Franciscan Youth, in collaboration with the regional Council of the SFO and with the competent religious superiors, to whom will be asked respectively fraternal and spiritual assistance.

7. The regional fraternity is animated and guided by a council consisting of a President, Vice president and at least one Councillor, elected, for a period or three years, by the regional Assembly. If needed, the regional Assembly can add other offices. However, only the officers elected by the Assembly have the right to vote. The representative of the SFO and the spiritual animator or assistant are also members of the Council. The regional President represents the Franciscan Youth fraternity in the Council of the regional SFO fraternity.

8. At the regional level, the leaders of the Franciscan Youth, meant by the SFO General Constitutions (Art. 97,2), are the Presidents, who therefore should be elected from among the Franciscan Youth members who have made their profession in the SFO.

9. The regional Assembly meets at least once a year, presided over by its own President. The regional elective Assembly meets once every three years, and is presided over by the national President of the Franciscan Youth or his or her delegate. Those who can vote in the regional Assembly are: the regional Council and for each local fraternity its President and a Representative, elected by the local Assembly. Those who can be elected are: for the office of regional President all young franciscans, professed in the SFO; and for all other offices young franciscans who have made their pledge in the Franciscan Youth or their profession in the SFO.

10. The national fraternity is the organic union of all Franciscan Youth fraternities in the territory of the corresponding national fraternity of the SFO. It is animated and guided by a council consisting of a President, Vice president and at least one Councillor, elected, for a period or three years, by the national Assembly. If needed, the national Assembly can add other offices. However, only the officers elected by the Assembly have the right to vote. The national representative of the SFO and the national spiritual assistant are also members of the Council. The President represents the national fraternity in the Council of the SFO fraternity.

11. Those who can vote in the national Assembly are: the national Council and the members of the regional Councils. At the national level, the leaders of the Franciscan Youth, meant by the SFO General Constitutions (Art. 97,2), are the President and the Vice president, who therefore should be elected from among the Franciscan Youth members who have made their profession in the SFO. For all other offices can be elected young franciscans who have made their pledge in the Franciscan Youth or their profession in the SFO. The elective national Assembly meets every three years, and is presided over by the national Minister of the SFO or his or her delegate.

12. The Assemblies at all levels are convoked by a decision of their respective Councils. The convocation for elective Assemblies has to be made at least one month in advance, indicating place, day and time of the election and of the presentation of candidates.

13. For elections to the various offices at all levels, each brother or sister who has made the pledge in the Franciscan Youth, can present one or more candidates. These nominations should be presented in writing within the time and at the address indicated in the convocation of the Assembly. Furthermore, before initiating the elections for each office, the President of the elective Assembly invites those who have the right to vote, to name their candidates. The nominations of candidates have only an indicative value, so that any election held by exclusive nomination or closed list is invalid.

14. For the election of the President and Vice president at all levels is required an absolute majority, that is more than half, of the votes of those present, cast in secret. After two inconclusive ballots, the voting continues between the two candidates who have obtained the largest number of votes or, in case there are more than two, between the two candidates who are oldest by their pledge in the Franciscan Youth. If there is still a tie after the third ballot, the older by pledge will be considered elected.

15. For all other elections, after a first ballot without an absolute majority, a relative majority of the votes of those present, cast in secret, is sufficient.

16. The Presidents and Councillors at all levels may be elected for two consecutive terms only. The office of President at two different levels and the offices of President, Vice president, Secretary and Treasurer at the same level, are incompatible.

17. The President at all levels coordinates the activities of the fraternity, convokes and presides over the Council meetings, and represents the fraternity in its relations with other fraternities or organizations.

18. The Vice-president supports the President in carrying out the duties proper to him or her, exercises those functions which are entrusted to him or her by the Council or by the Assembly, takes the place of the President in case of absence or temporary incapacity, and assumes the functions of the President when the office remains vacant.

19. The Secretary compiles the acts of the meetings, looks after the archives of the fraternity and takes care of the correspondence. The Secretary, together with the President, signs the official acts of the fraternity.

20. The Treasurer administers and maintains the inventory of all material goods and financial resources and renders an account of this administration to the Council. Together with the President, the treasurer signs the economic documents of the fraternity.

21. The person responsible for formation, in union with the Franciscan Youth council, coordinates the formative activities of the fraternity and promotes the formation of the brothers and sisters at the various stages. The person responsible for formation at all levels is appointed by the council of the SFO fraternity of the same level at the request of the Franciscan Youth council. The person has to be a Franciscan: religious or professed secular, and participates in the meetings of the council, but without vote.

22. The fraternal Animator, who represents the SFO in the Franciscan Youth council, will seek the most appropriate means to promote the vitality of the Franciscan Youth and will stand by the youth to encourage them and to procure the means which can help them progress in their journey of human and spiritual growth.

23. The spiritual Animator or Assistant is a witness of franciscan spirituality and of the fraternal affection of the religious towards the brothers and sisters of the Franciscan Youth; promotes the fidelity of the Franciscan Youth to the Franciscan charism, the communion with the church and union with the Franciscan Family; and cooperates particularly in the formation of the brothers and sisters.

CHAPTER V: ADDITIONS AND CHANGES

1. In face of the impossibility to foresee all eventualities, it is determined that eventual lacuna and doubts will be resolved by applying, with opportune modifications, the General Constitutions of the SFO, the Statutes of the International Fraternity of the SFO, and the National Statutes of the SFO.

2. Pastoral and spiritual Assistance to the fraternities at all levels is guided, with opportune modifications, by the Statutes for Pastoral and Spiritual Assistance to the SFO.

3. Eventual changes in these national Statutes have to be made at the national Assembly of the Franciscan Youth, with the approval of two thirds of those having the right to vote and are present. In order to obtain their full juridical validity, these changes need to be approved by the Presidency of the International Council of the SFO.

Established at...(place), on... 19...
Approved by the CIOFS' Presidency, on... 19...

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