From March 9-12, 2021, the members of the Conventual Franciscan Federation (CFF) held an online meeting using the zoom platform to speak about current needs in the Federation.
They proposed some minor changes to their statutes, which will now be sent to the General Definitory for its approval. They examined and suggested alternative texts for the proposed Directory for Provincial/Custodial Chapters. They spoke of the needs of the various formation communities throughout the Federation (Chicago – postulancy; Arroyo Grande (California)– novitiate; San Antonio (Texas) – post-novitiate; Washington D.C. – post-novitiate; and Oxford (England)– postulancy and post-novitiate). The delegates for various groups gave their reports (Militia of the Immaculata, Secular Franciscans, vocation promotion, initial formation, ongoing formation, justice and peace, etc.) Friar Michael LASKY gave a detailed report on the success of the Federation’s new website, franciscanvoice.org. Friar Nick ROMEO presented a proposal on a collaborative vocation promotion endeavor throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Finally, the members discussed a study concerning the future of the Provinces in the US and various possible responses to the fall in numbers and vocations in the different Jurisdictions. Their revised report will be presented to the Definitories of the four Provinces.
