Wednesday 21st May 2008
Further to the meeting of the 26th April with the Ministers, Secretaries and Treasurers of the Local Fraternities, the National Minister Godwin Vella Clark and International Councillor Charles Grech today visited the Fraternities of Hamrun and Ghajn Dwieli. This was another step in the National Councils drive to exhort all the local fraternities to participate in the debate on the theme of the General Chapter "THE PROFESSION OF SECULAR FRANCISCANS AND THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING" as specified in the relative Ciofs Circular and Chapter Document.
In their talk to the fraternity members they both stressed, from different aspects, (a) the need for the members to reflect and delve deeply in this theme and to came up with very valid suggestions to be presented to the General Chapter.
(b) the ten points agreed in the meeting of the 26th April were read so as to make it clear that they are the guide-lines by which the local fraternities should abide
(c) the need to have the members contribute both financially and by any other means they feel they are well versed in.
(d) for those with access to internet, to contribute by updating their fraternities with news and directives and documents issued by the National Council and the Presidency sent through emails or found on the National Council's recently established blog site. In short to foster fast communication between their Fraternity, the National Council and provide feedback.
Other points that were strongly stressed and difficulties initially presented debated and solved there and then were:-
1. the slowness of effecting the Contributions to the fraternities of a higher level.
2. the need to respond and act to various appeals for help especially those asked by the Order
3. the need to make a drive to draw back again those members that are not active. In this respect a Ciofs circular regarding action to be taken will be sent again to the fraternities to restart this exercise.
Most of the problems presented by the members did not entail much thought to be solved, a few were noted for discussion at the National Council.
It was made clear to all how easy it was to quickly take action,insted of grumbling by means of a email to the National Minister or the International Councillor or by simply posting a question or a remark in the National Council's blog site.these comments would certainly be presented and debated in the Council and a reply given.
The Fraternities due to be visited are
Rabat Fraternity on the 28th May by Godwin Vella Clark and Charles Grech
Marsa Trinita on 2ndJune by Charles Grech and Emanuel Vella
San Gwann Fraternity by Fr. Godfrey Zarb and Joe Caruana
Floriana Fraternity (date unavailable yet) by Charles Grech
and Emmanuel Vella
Maria Regina Marsa. (date unavailable yet) by Fr. Godfrey Zarb OFMCap, and Pierre Eugene Buttigieg,
B’Kara (date unavailable yet)by Godwin Vella Clark and Peter Paul Abela,
