““The vocation to the SFO is a vocation to live the The vocation to the SFO is a vocation to live the Gospel in fraternal communion. For this Gospel in fraternal communion. For this

purpose, the members of the SFO gather in purpose, the members of the SFO gather in ecclesial communities which are called ecclesial communities which are called

fraternities”fraternities” (General Constitutions, Article 3.3).(General Constitutions, Article 3.3).

God is love, and love is always more than self.

THAT THEY MAY BE ALL ONE AS YOU, FATHER

ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU THAT THEY MAY ALSO BE IN US.

(John 17 vs. 21)

The basic mystery of the TrinityThe basic mystery of the Trinity reveals a unity in communityreveals a unity in community

that shows us that shows us what fraternity should look like.what fraternity should look like.

As Christ called His disciples, so Francis calls his followers:not just one but many: “When God gave me some friars, there was no one to tell me what I should do; but the Most High Himself made it clear to me that I must live the life of the Gospel.”

“

“Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively” (SFO Rule #14).

Fraternity is more than the local gathering. Fraternity is with all the human family, for all of us, all men and women, are brothers and

sisters of the same Father.

“ Indeed, St. Francis calls us to be brothers and sisters to all of God’s Creation, with Brother Sun and Sister Moon and Stars, Brother Wind and Sister Water, Brother Fire and Sister Earth, even with Sister Death (The Canticle of the Creatures).

Fraternity is thus a call to build a community of love in harmony with all of God’s children and all of God’s creation, to reflect Love back to the God of Love: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

• Personal presence at fraternity gatherings

• Witness

• Prayer• Active collaboration, in accordance with each one’s situation and possible obligations for the animation of the fraternity.

SFO Constitutions Article 30.2

SUPPORT

ENCOURAGEMENT

INSPIRATION

“Do not be afraid, I will be with you.

(Exodus 3:11)