1 CONSTITUTION FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF JESUS CRUCIFIED 1991
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1
CONSTITUTION
FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES
OF
JESUS CRUCIFIED
1991
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER I THE INSTITUTE ................................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER II FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY ..................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER III MISSION ................................................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER IV CONSECRATION ........................................................................................................................... 9
CHASTITY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
POVERTY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 10
OBEDIENCE ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
PROFESSION AND INCORPORATION........................................................................................................ 11
SEPARATION FROM THE INSTITUTE ......................................................................................................... 12
CHAPTER V PRAYER ................................................................................................................................................. 14
CHAPTER VI COMMUNITY ................................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER VII INFORMATION .............................................................................................................................. 17
CHAPTER VIII ADMISSION TO THE INSTITUTE ........................................................................................ 19
CHAPTER IX STRUCTURE OF THE INSTITUTE ..................................................................................... 21
Advisory Council ...................................................................................................................................................... 21
Authority ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Local Government ................................................................................................................................................... 22
Territorial Government ......................................................................................................................................... 25
General Government .............................................................................................................................................. 27
CHAPTER X PRIESTLY ASSISTANCE ............................................................................................................. 31
Appointment of Priest Assistants ................................................................................................................. 31
CHAPTER XI ADMINISTRATIVE NORMS .................................................................................................... 33
Modifying the Constitution ................................................................................................................................ 34
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CHAPTER I THE INSTITUTE
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were created all things in
heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he
himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile
all things for him, making peace through the blood of his cross [through him], whether those on earth or those
in heaven" (Col. 1:15-20).
"If we ask ourselves what has been the soul of every Secular Institute, that which has inspired its birth and
development, we must answer: it has been deep concern for a synthesis. It has been the longing for the
simultaneous affirmation of two characteristics: 1) full consecration of life according to the evangelical
counsels and 2) full responsibility for a transforming presence and action within the world, in order to mold,
perfect it and sanctify it" (Paul VI on the 25th anniversary of Provida Mater Ecclesia).
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of
Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God's ste-
wardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from
generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the
riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we
proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone
perfect in Christ. For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me"
(Col. 1:24-29).
Article 1
"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take us his cross daily and follow me. For
whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it" (Lk. 9:23-24).
The Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified (FMJC) is a community of lay men who
respond to a special call from the Lord. Members live lives of total consecration to God, in the
spirit of the beatitudes, to fulfill a mission in the world.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified was founded to provide an opportunity for
persons with disabilities to live a life of total consecration in the pursuit of holiness, and the
apostolate of service to the Church and to those who suffer in any way.
The FMJC charism is to help Jesus carry his cross through professing the evangelical
counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, with the promise of the apostolate of service to the
Catholic Church and to those who suffer in any way, according to the spirit of St. Francis, in a
completely secular condition of life, in order to effect a Gospel leaven in the world.
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Missionaries who, like St. Paul, make up in their own bodies what is lacking in the suf-
ferings of Christ (Col. 1:24), follow him in a special way and share directly in his salvific mission.
Among the many gifts they have to place at the service of the Church, is a special grace to offer
hope to those discouraged by their trials or sufferings, peace to those who see no value or pur-
pose in their illness or disability, and joy to those who are alienated from a society that glorifies
youth and health. Missionaries who are not themselves sick or disabled share this charism by
assisting others in their needs, much like Francis who kissed the leper, Simon of Cyrene who
helped Jesus carry his cross and Veronica who wiped his face. The FMJC charism can be ex-
ercised in all walks of life and in all forms of apostolic service.
Article 2
The name "Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified" reminds its members of the
purpose of their consecration: the mission of helping Jesus carry his cross either in their own
minds and bodies or in the person of their suffering neighbor.
Missionaries collaborate in spreading the reign of God. They become an original sign of
the mission of the Church in the world. Missionaries bear witness to the dignity of the person and
the sanctity of human life. They direct human values to God while living authentically their se-
cular condition, assuming its duties and bearing its responsibilities.
Article 3
Missionaries are not identified by common life or works. It is the one charism and the
common bond of membership that unites them and makes the Institute the means of community
and individual formation.
While Missionaries are not obliged to live together, they may do so for companionship,
mutual support and assistance in meeting the special needs imposed by disability. When Mis-
sionaries live together each remains financially independent.
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CHAPTER II FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY
"But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been
crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,
but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. From now
on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body" (Gal. 6:14-17).
"Bring into the world the spirit of Christian simplicity and self-denial, in imitation of Francis who, the living
knight of the poverty of Christ, naked hiso among those starving for gold, father of the friends of the people,
was the messenger of reconciliation and of peace" (Pius XII to the Secular Institute of the Missionaries of the
Kingship of Christ, 1 Aug. 1949).
"The Most High Himself revealed to me that I must live according to the norms of the Holy Gospel" (Tes-
tament of St. Francis).
Article 4
Missionaries strive to live in fidelity to the grace of the FMJC charism and in accordance
with the spirit of St. Francis. This spirit is an authentic expression of the Gospel and responds to
the needs of those who live their consecration in the world.
Franciscan spirituality offers Missionaries:
1. a vision of the universe and of history which has Christ as its center;
2. a very special love for Christ, poor and crucified, which constantly seeks conformity to
him;
3. respect for the originality and freedom of every human person and all created reality;
4. the challenge of contemplating God in daily life and of sharing in the priesthood of
Christ by offering all creatures in praise to the Father;
5. love for the Church and fidelity to the instructions of his teaching authority;
6. a permanent disposition of service toward neighbors which considers ourselves as the
"lesser ones" among people;
7. work as the basic and common expression of the human condition. Human labor is
seen as participation in the creative activity of God and as a means of sharing the mission of
salvation.
Article 5
Missionaries share in the same charism which God bestowed on the Church through St.
Francis. They belong to the great Franciscan family and benefit by its spiritual riches.
Article 6
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Missionaries look to the Blessed Virgin as their model for consecration in the world.
Predestined by God together with Christ, Mary "has given us the Lord of majesty as our brother"
(Celano, 2nd Life, 198). While on earth his life was outwardly ordinary, filled with labors and the
cares of the home, yet he always remained intimately united to his Son (Decree on the Laity, 4).
The Missionaries share in Mary's motherhood through the fruitfulness of their consecra-
tion. They collaborate in the work of salvation by being united to her who made her life a per-
sonal "fiat", a living oblation of praise to the Father.
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CHAPTER III MISSION
"So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, Paul or Apollos or Kephas, or the
world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God"
(1Cor. 3:21-23).
"To be in the world, that is, to be engaged in secular values, is your way of being Church, and of making her
present, of saving yourselves and of announcing salvation. Your existence and sociological condition
become your theological reality, it is your way to realize and testify to salvation" (Paul VI to Directors General
of Secular Institutes, 20 Sept. 1972).
"He filled the whole earth with the Gospel of Christ... preaching the kingdom of God to everyone; and edifying
his hearers not less by his example than by his word, he made a tongue out of his whole body" (I Celano, 97).
Article 7
Through Baptism Missionaries are incorporated into Christ. As a result they share in the
priestly, prophetic and royal mission of the people of God. By means of the evangelical counsels
they assume the obligation of living in a radical manner their union with Christ and the Church,
and of being totally at the service of their neighbors. Their entire life as members of the Institute
is apostolate and mission.
Missionaries are called to live exemplary Christian lives in the ordinary circumstances of
every day. They give witness to Gospel values in their family, church, work, civic and social
environments. In addition, those graced with the special vocation of suffering, or of serving the
suffering, can make a positive contribution within and to the Church. Like Jesus they strive al-
ways "to serve and not to be served" and to permeate their environment with the spirit and love of
Jesus Christ.
Among the needs which Missionaries may address in serving others are the following:
witness to the dignity and value of human life regardless of condition, attendant care, housing,
transportation, accessibility, the elimination of attitudinal barriers, and full equality in the Church
and in society.
Article 8
Missionaries live the spirit of the beatitudes in the world. In every situation they are to act
as salt, light and leaven to promote Christian values and to sanctify the world.
They are open to all the legitimate aspirations of their fellow men and men especially
those of the poorest among them. They diffuse everywhere the joyful hope of the Good News of
life in Christ.
Their mission is conducted using the means and methods of the apostolate of the laity in
their own families, at work, in civil society and in the ecclesiastical community. In every field the
Missionaries act with full personal responsibility.
For serious reasons and after consultation with the Local Minister, a Missionary may ob-
tain the permission of the Local Minister to maintain secrecy regarding membership in the Insti-
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tute. Missionaries and Ecclesiastical Assistants must respect this decision and reveal the iden-
tities of these members only with their permission and with discretion. All members should work
to make the Institute known. In deciding whether to disclose their membership in the Institute,
Missionaries should consider the need for Christian witness, be mindful of opportunities to make
the vocation to consecrated secularity known, and give serious thought to the obligations as-
sumed by being known outside the Institute.
Article 9
In keeping with the Franciscan spirit, Missionaries combine in every situation humility and
simplicity with their sense of responsibility. At all times and in all circumstances they strive to
establish justice and peace.
Article 10
When members of the Institute choose to live their missionary vocation in countries other
than their own, they do so on their own responsibility in agreement with the Ministers of the In-
stitute. This provides them with continuity of community and individual formation.
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CHAPTER IV CONSECRATION
"...Jesus said, `No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of
God'" (Lk. 9:62).
"Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others;
some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept
this ought to accept it" (Mt. 19:12).
"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to [the] poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me" (Mt. 19:21).
"Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because
I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me" (Jn. 6:37-38).
"...your consecrated life, in the spirit of the evangelical counsels, is the expression of your undivided loyalty
to Christ and to the Church, of the permanent and radical striving toward holiness, and the awareness that, in
the last analysis, it is only Christ who, with his grace, carries out the work of redemption and transformation
in the world. It is deep in your hearts that the world is consecrated to God" (Paul VI, 25th anniversary of
Provida Mater, 2 Feb. 1972).
Article 11
The essence of the way of life of Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified is this: "to
observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity"
(Second Rule of St. Francis, Chapter I). The counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience are
three aspects of the one mystery of charity which has Love as its source.
CHASTITY
Article 12
"I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also
should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have
love for one another" (Jn. 13:34-35).
By committing themselves in consecrated chastity, Missionaries answer the call of grace
and give themselves to God with total and undivided love. In and with Jesus Christ they love,
without distinctions or conditions, all members of the human family.
Aware that God's gift of consecrated chastity is given for the common good, Missionaries
place themselves at the complete disposal of the Father, conforming themselves to Christ and
being open to the love which the Holy Spirit infuses in their hearts. In this way they acquire that
interior freedom which begets spiritual fruitfulness. They appear in the world as a prophetic sign
of the reign of God.
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By their vow of chastity, Missionaries undertake the obligation of perfect continence ob-
served in celibacy; the moral intention of this consecration is for life, even though the juridical
bond is renewed annually during the period of temporary incorporation.
POVERTY
Article 13
In response to the gift of poverty and in imitation of St. Francis, Missionaries bind them-
selves to live in conformity to Christ who was poor. They value created goods as gifts of the
Father and oblige themselves to use them with detachment and freedom of heart. In this way
created goods become steps which lead the Missionaries to God, the Supreme Good (St. Bo-
naventure, Life of Francis, IX, 1).
Missionaries accept their status as creatures subject to the consequences of sin. They
see the limitations imposed by disability, family responsibilities and social condition as means of
practicing poverty. Missionaries regard as gifts the assistance they receive from others and
accept help graciously and with gratitude and humility. In providing assistance they keep in mind
that what they do for others, they do for Jesus Crucified (Mt. 25:40).
Though Missionaries retain their property and the use of their goods, they consider
themselves merely the stewards of possessions which in reality belong to God. They seek oc-
casions to share generously with others their energies, work, time, money and resources. They
seek a life of simplicity and moderation as a sign of charity and justice among all people.
Through their vow of poverty, Missionaries oblige themselves to present each year to their
Local Minister an annual budget and to receive approval for their expenditures. Local Ministers,
as servants of their sisters, should assist them to be as independent as possible.
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OBEDIENCE
"Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made per-
fect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him..." (Heb. 5:8-9).
Article 14
In conformity to Christ who "became obedient unto death" (Phil. 2:8), Missionaries to-
gether with Christ make their entire lives a single oblation to the Father.
Docile to the Spirit and attentive to the call of grace, Missionaries, accept in faith the will of
God expressed by those who represent him. They participate in the life of the ecclesial com-
munity with a lively sense of coresponsibilty and of fidelity to the teaching authority of the Church.
They are attentive constantly to the call of God expressed in the various situations of life, partic-
ularly in their relations with their fellow human beings.
In a lifestyle requiring them to face with full personal responsibility situations ever new and
often difficult, Missionaries prove their true missionary character.
By the vow of obedience, Missionaries accept the obligation to be faithful to the Consti-
tution and the Rule of Life (Particular Norms of the present Constitution) and within these limits to
be obedient to the superiors of the Institute in a spirit of openness and of dialogue. At all times
they seek to know and do the will of God rather than their own will.
PROFESSION AND INCORPORATION
Article 15
With the obligations assumed through their vows, the Missionaries are incorporated into
the Institute.
The incorporation is temporary during the five years following first profession. For se-
rious reasons the period of temporary incorporation can be extended for two years by the com-
petent Council. When this period is completed, Missionaries judged suitable by the competent
authorities are admitted to definitive incorporation through perpetual profession. When incor-
porated definitively into the Institute, Missionaries commit themselves for life to the Franciscan
Missionaries of Jesus Crucified and the annual renewal of vows is an act of devotion without
juridical significance.
The obligations assumed through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience are subject
to the present Constitution.
The formula of consecration, during the period of temporary incorporation, is the following:
Desiring to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, I ..., make to you my God, for one
year (for the rest of my life), in the hands of (the Delegate of) our General Minister, vows of
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chastity, poverty and obedience, in the secular condition, according to the norms of the Con-
stitution of the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified. May our mother Mary and
our father Francis protect and strengthen this commitment and help me to live it faithfully.
The formula of renewal, following definitive incorporation, is the following:
Having been called to live the grace of my baptism as a consecrated secular, I ... renew my vows
of chastity, poverty and obedience, in the secular condition, according to the norms of the Con-
stitution of the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified. May God grant me the
grace of perpetual fidelity to this commitment.
Article 16
The vows of the Missionaries are received by the General Minister or the Territorial Mi-
nister or their delegate in the presence of the General or Territorial Ecclesiastical Assistant or their
delegate.
Missionaries make or renew their vows each year at the close of the retreat arranged by
the Institute, except when dispensed by the competent Council.
During temporary incorporation, vows are made annually; the year is ordinarily computed
from retreat to retreat. Following definitive incorporation into the Institute, Missionaries annually
renew their vows as an act of devotion and an expression of a desire for deeper union with Our
Lord.
If a Missionary in temporary incorporation, for grave reasons, does not feel able to im-
mediately renew his profession or to make perpetual profession, the Territorial Minister (or the
General Minister for the non-territorial countries) with the consent of his Council, can grant a pe-
riod of suspension for one year which can be extended for a second year; a third year can be
granted by the General Minister, with the consent of his Council.
A Missionary in temporary incorporation who determines never to renew his vows is ob-
liged to give timely notice in writing to the Territorial Minister or to the General Minister through the
Local Minister. At the end of the year, he is freed of every obligation and ceases to belong to the
Institute.
Once the period of temporary incorporation has been completed, the Missionary who
declares in writing to the Local Minister that he does not want to be definitively incorporated into
the Institute, by perpetual vows, or who is not judged suitable by the Territorial or General Mi-
nister, with consent of the respective Council, shall leave the Institute.
SEPARATION FROM THE INSTITUTE
During the period of temporary incorporation and before the end of the year, a Missionary
may be dispensed, for serious reasons, from the obligations assumed. This indult may be
granted by the General Minister with the consent of his Council. During the period of definitive
incorporation, a Missionary may request, through the General Minister, a dispensation from his
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vows, which request shall be presented to the Holy See or the local Bishop, depending on the
canonical status of the Institute. When the indult is granted, all the obligations assumed in the
Institute cease.
For the serious reasons mentioned in Article 31, the General Minister, considering the
proceedings begun by the Territorial Council, can dismiss, with the consent of his Council, a
Missionary of temporary or definitive incorporation, according to Can. 729.
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CHAPTER V PRAYER
"With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all
perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones..." (Eph. 6:18).
"It was his custom to divide up the time given him to merit grace, and, as seemed necessary to him, to give
part of it to working for the good of his neighbors and the rest to the blessed retirement of contemplation"
(1Celano, 91).
"The Franciscan prays much, prays always; prays in whatever place he is with words and without words; with
a gesture and an interior motion of soul because of knowing that his life belongs entirely to Christ Jesus,
dedicated to him for the coming of His kingdom" (Fr. Gemelli, 1940).
"The answer which comes through...sharing by way of the interior encounter with the Master is in itself
something more than the mere abstract answer to the question about the meaning of suffering. For it is
above all a call. It is a vocation. Christ does not explain the reasons for suffering, but before all else he
says: `Follow me!' Come! take part through your suffering in this work of saving the world, a salvation
achieved through my suffering! Through my cross" (Pope John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Salvifici Doloris,
The Christian Meaning of Human Suffering, 1984, 26).
Article 17
Like St. Francis, "the man who became prayer," (Celano, 2nd life, 95) Missionaries strive
to realize constant union with God through an intense life of prayer.
Missionaries are to be open to the Spirit who "intercedes with inexpressible groanings"
(Rom. 8:26). At all times and in every encounter with others, they tend to grow in the spirit of faith
which reveals God as the origin, center and end of all created reality and leads to praise and
thanksgiving.
In union with the whole Church, in order to respond faithfully to their vocation, and in order
that their apostolic action spring forth from their union with Christ, the Missionaries are assiduous
in prayer, listening and meditating upon the Word; they observe the annual retreats and monthly
days of recollection as set by the Institute; when possible, they attend the daily celebration of the
Eucharist, the source and strength of their entire consecrated life; they receive the Sacrament of
Reconciliation frequently; they avail themselves of a spiritual director and may seek, outside the
relationship of obedience and if so desired, spiritual counsel from the Ministers of the Institute.
United to Christ in their prayer life, Missionaries are motivated by that great love with which
Jesus Crucified has loved us and give their lives for the service of others (see Jn. 15:13). In
prayer the Missionaries offer to God the joys and sufferings, the aspirations and pleas of all
humanity and return from prayer with renewed love for all people.
Missionaries are aware that only interior silence permits them to be present to themselves
and to God. As a result they are committed to making wise use of their time and to providing
themselves with periods of personal and common prayer in imitation of Christ and St. Francis.
Missionaries are mindful that the absolute priority in the promise of the apostolate is
prayer, and that suffering is a form of prayer and service to the Church.
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The Rule of Life provides specific directives relative to the prayer life of Missionaries.
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CHAPTER VI COMMUNITY
"For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though
many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according
to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in minis-
tering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is
over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (Rom. 12:4-8).
"...whenever they came together anywhere, or met one another along the way, as the custom is, there a
shoot of spiritual love sprang up, sprinkling over all love the seed of true affection...chaste embraces, gentle
feelings, a holy kiss, pleasing conversation, modest laughter, joyous looks, a single eye, a submissive spirit,
a peaceable tongue, a mild answer, oneness of purpose, ready obedience, unwearied hand, all these were
found in them" (I Celano, 38).
"Giving the body unity through himself, both by his own power and by the interior union of the members, this
same Spirit produces and stimulates love among the faithful. From this it follows that if one member suffers
anything, all the members suffer with him, and if one member is honored all the members rejoice together"
(Lumen Gentium, 7).
Article 18
Since the Father has loved us in Christ even to making us his children, Missionaries are
called to live in love and peace with all humankind and to foster unity among themselves.
They enjoy a particular experience of this way of living in the Institute itself. The diversity
of expression among the Missionaries, along with their varied social, national and cultural back-
grounds are all regarded as riches and gifts. It is convincing proof that unity is realized through
the complementary process.
Missionaries participate in the life of the Institute through a spiritual support system, in-
cluding monthly days of recollection (if possible with the nearest establihed Local Mission), an
annual week of retreat and study with other Missionaries, as well as personal contacts with other
Missionaries through such means as visits, telephone calls, letters, computers, tapes, and TDDs.
The Eucharist, sacrament of unity, is the sign and source of community in the Institute.
Through it Missionaries are enabled to foster communion among their fellow human beings (cf Ad
Gentes, 9).
Community and unity are realized concretely in every meeting of Missionaries, especially
of the Local Mission. It is the place of formation, of testing, and of support for their vocation.
Even isolated Missionaries experience the fraternity and unity that comes from the
communion of ideals, of prayer and from every possible form of communication.
Missionaries are to regard themselves as vital members of the entire Institute, seeking
every opportunity for promoting its common progress in a spirit of mutual responsibility and of
genuine charity.
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CHAPTER VII INFORMATION
"I, then, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the
bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one
faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Eph. 4:1-6).
"...the blessed Father Francis...with all vigilance and solicitude was forming his new sons with new learning,
teaching them to walk with undeviating steps the way of holy poverty and blessed simplicity" (I Celano, 26).
"Let them (Secular Institutes) know quite clearly...that they will be unable to accomplish so great a task
unless the members have so thorough a grounding in matters divine and human that they will be truly leaven
in the world, for the strengthening and increase of the Body of Christ" (Perfectae Caritatis, 11).
Article 19
Consecration and mission and their corresponding commitments are dynamic values
which the Missionaries rediscover and relive courageously day by day. Formation, however, is a
permanent and ongoing development which involves every dimension of their persons.
Missionaries share responsibly and creatively in the specific and individual formation
which the Institute proposes for them. They value what contributions are made by others, aware
that the vitality and growth of the Institute depend on their formation and cooperation.
Article 20
It is the task of the Institute to draw up plans of formation for the Aspirants and for the professed members in the period of temporary incorporation, and to provide for the ongoing formation of all the Missionaries through suitable programs to strengthen their vocation and to foster unity.
Such programs are conducted through retreats, monthly days of recollection, circular letters, study courses and meetings on all levels.
This formation makes it possible for Missionaries:
1. to enjoy self-identity whereby their persons may achieve full stature according to God's
plan;
2. to develop their own feminine personalities toward full maturity which begets genuine
freedom;
3. to live the evangelical counsels in a secular manner;
4. to develop the sense of conformity with the Church;
5. to discover the spirit of St. Francis in actuality;
6. to be attentive to all the demands of a mission in the world;
7. to enjoy a prayer life which enables them to experience union with God and to contem-
plate him in all creation;
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8. to deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture, of theology, and of contemporary
problems in the Church and in society;
9. to develop a spirit of service regardless of physical, mental or emotional limitations.
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CHAPTER VIII ADMISSION TO THE INSTITUTE
"He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, `Whoever wihes to come after me must deny
himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wihes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and
forfeit his life?'" (Mk. 8:34-36).
"In whatever way you think you will best please our Lord God and follow in his footsteps and in poverty, take
that way with the Lord God's blessing and my obedience. And if you find it necessary for your peace of soul
or your own consolation and you want to come to me, Leo, then come" (Letter to Brother Leo).
"Your life is to live as part of the Christian people, not to flee to a cell in order to save yourself, but to remain
in the world to suffer, to make expiation with Christ.
"Little souls resembling fragile tissue paper have no place among us. The Institute is not an ark of refuge
against storms; it is not a hospital for victims of rickets. It is a battlefield scorched by the sun, bathed in
blood. Hise thise is not a question of strength but of the will to be heroic because the purpose of your life is
to cooperate in the salvation of the world. Whoever does not accept this is not fit for the Institute" (Fr.
Gemelli, Castlenuovo Fogliani, 22 July 1946).
Article 21
For admission to the Institute the following initial dispositions are required:
1. to experience the call to give oneself entirely to God in chastity, poverty, and obedience while
remaining in the world, in order to spread the kingdom of Christ; and to desire to become
conformable to Christ in fidelity to the Church, according to the Gospel and the spirit of St.
Francis.
2. to see in the Institute the concrete form for realizing the missionary vocation.
3. to desire to help Jesus carry his cross.
Article 22
Considering the invalidating conditions presented in the Code of Canon Law, the following
conditions are required for admission to the Institute:
1. sufficient [physical] health (physical, psychological, and emotional) and maturity to con-
sciously assume the commitments of the vocation;
2. a self-supporting profession or occupation, or other means of support. Missionaries work to
build up the world, share the fatigue of fellow human beings and apply the spirit of the Gospel
to the temporal order;
3. time for prayer, formation and participation in the common activities of the Institute.
4. a disability and/or the ability to accept people with disabilities as persons and as equals.
20
5. a desire and the ability to grow in love for Christ through consecration in secular life.
6. interest in serving others and in promoting Christian values in today's society.
7. freedom to live the FMJC way of life.
8. an age not below 21 and not above the maximum limit as set by the Territorial Councils and
ratified by the General Council.
Article 23
Those who seek admission to the Institute are required to present a written application to
the General Minister or the Territorial Minister through the Local Minister who will forward the
application after having received the consent of the Local Mission Council.
Where a Local Mission does not exist, the written application is sent directly to the Terri-
torial Minister or General Minister.
Those admitted to the Institute normally fulfill a three year period of preparation as Aspi-
rants. Each year they make an annual retreat at the end of which they renew their commitment
to living according to the Constitution and Rule of Life of the Institute.
Within a Local Mission aspirants fulfill experimentally the duties of the Institute under the
guidance of a Directress of Aspirants.
Upon completion of the preparatory period, the Aspirants who intend to assume the duties
of the vocation and are judged suitable by the Territorial Minister or General Minister, with the
consent of their respective councils, are admitted to profession with temporary incorporation,
subject to the favorable opinion of the Local Minister and the Local Mission Council.
Isolated Aspirants are admitted to profession by the Territorial Minister and his Council or
by the General Minister and his Council.
The maximum duration of the period of preparation is five years unless the competent
Council permits an extension.
Article 24
When a candidate from a country where the Institute does not yet exist seeks admission to
the Institute, the General Minister and his Council evaluate the initial qualifications for accep-
tance, and use the means best adapted to the circumstances to effect his gradual formation and
periodic evaluation.
At the end of a sufficient period of formation, if the Aspirant is admitted to profession, the
General Council determines the method to be adopted as well as the necessary guarantees to
assure the validity of the act of profession.
21
CHAPTER IX STRUCTURE OF THE INSTITUTE
"Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and
imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:7-8).
"Effective renewal and right adaptation cannot be achieved save with the cooperation of all the members of
an Institute" (Perfectae Caritatis, 4).
"Superiors will have to render an account of the souls committed to their care. They should be docile to
God's will in performing the task laid upon them and should exercise authority in a spirit of service of the
brethren, thus, giving expression to God's love for them" (Perfectae Caritatis, 14).
Article 25
ADVISORY COUNCIL
In the beginning, the Institute shall be governed by an Advisory Council which shall as-
sume as necessary all the responsibilities deriving from this Constitution. The Advisory Council
shall consist of members, Ecclesiastical Assistants and advisors from the Missionaries of the
Kingship of Christ.
The Advisory Council shall always be mindful of the special charism of the Franciscan
Missionaries of Jesus Crucified. It should be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and of the
Church in directing the development of the Institute to full independence and recognition as a
Secular Institute of Pontifical Rite by the Sacred Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life
and Societies of Apostolic Life. Until such time as these objectives are met, the Institute shall
follow the guidance of the Ordinaries of the dioceses in which there are Franciscan Missionaries
of Jesus Crucified. The Advisory Council communicates with local Bishops and speaks for the
Institute.
Formation shall be the responsibility of the Advisory Council, until such time as there are
sufficient professed Missionaries with adequate formation to assume this responsibility.
When, by the grace of God, there are enough FMJC Missionaries with adequate forma-
tion, a General Minister shall be chosen by majority vote of the Advisory Council. The remaining
professed Missionaries shall form a General Council to direct the Institute according to this
Constitution and the Advisory Council shall be dissolved.
22
Article 26
AUTHORITY
"...Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me `teacher' and `master,' and
rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, have wahed your feet, you ought to wash one
another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you
should also do. Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any
messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you
if you do it" (Jn. 13: 12-17).
Authority in the Institute shall be exercised as a ministry of service. Missionaries shall be
chosen for positions of authority without regard to disability and as directed by this Constitution.
The Institute, in so far as possible, should assist Missionaries with disabilities to obtain whatever
assistive devices are necessary to allow them to carry out the obligations of administration.
Missionaries should be willing to share whatever they have with the Institute.
As the Institute grows it shall, as soon as is possible and prudent, develop, with appro-
priate modifications, if necessary, the administrative structure of Local Missions, Territories and
Councils as described in this Constitution.
Article 27
The Institute is composed of Missionaries from many locations, national origins, cultures
and customs, yet constituting a single community of ideals and mission.
The Institute is divided into Local Missions. Local Missions fulfilling the required condi-
tions (Art. 29) are united into Territories.
The unity of the Institute is maintained by the General Council.
Article 28
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A Local Mission is made up of Missionaries of the same geographical area. The General
Council has the responsibility for establishing a Local Mission. At least five professed Missio-
naries are required to constitute a Local Mission, unless an exception is made by the Central or
Territorial Councils.
Wherever Missionaries in a Local Mission become too numerous or too widely scattered,
the Local Mission may be divided or restructured into two or more new Local Missions to facilitate
the growth of true community and unity.
Criteria and norms for dividing and restructuring Local Missions are determined by the
respective Territorial Councils, after consultation with the Local Missions concerned, and ap-
proval of the General Council.
23
The Local Mission Governing Bodies are the following:
A. the Local Mission Assembly
B. the Local Mission Council
C. the Local Minister
A. The Local Mission Assembly is the deliberative body in matters within the range of the Con-
stitution. It is composed of the professed Missionaries of the Local Mission.
The Local Mission Assembly is convoked annually by the Local Minister or, in extraordi-
nary circumstances, when a third of the professed Missionaries of the Local Mission request it.
The Local Mission Assembly:
1. elects the Local Minister and his Council;
2. discusses and approves the activity report of the Local Mission Council;
3. discusses the program of Local Mission activity, keeping in mind the formative guidelines and
directives of the General Council, the Territorial Council and the local Church;
5. recommends delegates for eventual appointment to collaborate with the Local Minister in
assisting the Missionaries.
B. The Local Mission Council is the directive and executive body of the Local Mission. It is
composed of the Local Minister and of not less than two and not more than ten professed Mis-
sionaries, except in particular cases at the discretion of the Territorial or General Councils.
The Local Mission Council:
1. animates the communitarian life of the Local Mission according to the character of the Insti-
tute, ensuring the unity thereof;
2. submits deliberations of an extraordinary character to the Territorial Council for approval;
3. presents to the Territorial Council an annual report of the life and activity of the Local Mission;
4. casts a consultative vote for the admission of new members to the Institute and of Aspirants to
profession with temporary incorporation and for the admission of Missionaries to definitive in-
corporation in the Institute.
Members of the Local Mission Council are elected by the Local Mission Assembly in se-
cret ballot, in the presence of a delegate of the Territorial or General Council. They remain in
office for three years and can be re-elected for not more than one additional consecutive term,
unless the competent Council makes an exception.
The Local Mission Council:
24
1. elects by secret ballot from among its own members a Vice-Local Minister, a Directress of
Aspirants and a Treasurer;
2. expresses its opinion regarding a Secretary who, if he is not a member of the Council, parti-
cipates in its meetings, but without right of vote.
C. The Local Minister:
1. ensures the unity of the Local Mission and is responsible to the Local Mission Council and to
the Territorial Council;
2. convokes, presides over and coordinates the activity of the Local Mission and fosters the
participation of all the Missionaries in the life of the Institute;
3. assists the Missionaries of the Local Mission, directly or by delegation, in living the Constitu-
tion and the Rule of Life;
4. represents the Local Mission in meetings with the Territorial Council and elsewhere.
The Local Minister is elected by the Local Mission assembly. For his election a two-thirds
majority of votes is necessary, on the first or second ballot. The third ballot is limited to the two
who had received the greater number of votes on the second ballot.
The Local Minister remains in office for three years and can be re-elected for not more
than one additional consecutive term.
If the Local Minister is absent or unable to perform his duties, the Vice-Local Minister
governs in the interim. The Territorial or General Council decides on the duration of the interim.
The Local Minister appoints the Secretary.
25
Article 29
TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT
A Territory is composed of the Missionaries living in the same area or country, or in
neighboring countries having the same language and kindred culture.
To establish a Territory, at least two Local Missions are required with a minimum of
twenty-five professed Missionaries including those who are isolated.
The Territorial Governing Bodies are the following:
A. the Territorial Assembly
B. the Territorial Council
C. the Territorial Minister
A. The Territorial Assembly is the deliberative body in matters within the range of the Constitution.
It is composed of the members of the Territorial Council, the Local Ministers and Missionaries
elected according to the norms determined by the same Council at the time the Assembly is
convoked.
The Territorial Assembly is convoked by the Territorial Minister after consultation with the
Territorial Council. Ordinarily, this takes place every four years; extraordinarily, whenever the
Council itself considers it opportune, or whenever it is requested by two-thirds of the Local Mi-
nisters or by a third of the Professed Missionaries of the Territory.
The manner of electing representatives of the Missionaries is determined by the Territorial
Council at the time the Assembly is convoked.
The Territorial Assembly:
1. elects the Territorial Minister and his council;
2. deliberates on general guidelines for the life of the Institute in the Territory, in keeping with the
directives of the General Council and of the national conference of bishops;
3. approves the activity reports of the Territorial Council.
B. The Territorial Council is the directive and executive body of the Institute in the Territory.
It is composed of the Territorial Minister and a number of members proportionate to the
number of establihed Local Missions in the Territory, from a minimum of four to a maximum of ten,
except in particular cases at the discretion of the General Council.
The Territorial Council:
26
1. establishes Local Missions and ratifies the elections of Local Ministers and of Local Mission
Councils;
2. After consultation with the respective Local Mission Councils, decides on the acceptance of
new members into the Institute, the admission of Aspirants to profession with temporary in-
corporation and the admission of Missionaries to definitive incorporation;
3. provides for the formation and assistance of the Missionaries;
4. ensures the unity of the Institute within the context of the Territory;
5. for serious reasons and with the previous consent of the General Council, removes Local
Ministers from office and disbands Local Mission Councils;
6. opens the dismissal procedure of Missionaries (see Article 30);
7. dismisses Aspirants who, after a suitable period of formation and evaluation, are judged unfit
for the life of the Institute;
8. presents annually to the General Council the report of the life and activity of the Territory and
keeps Missionaries of the Territory informed through the Local Ministers;
9. may delegate responsibilities for study, coordination, or assistance to one or more Missio-
naries at the recommendation of Local Ministers within the Territory.
Members of the Territorial Council are elected in secret ballot by the Territorial Assembly
in the presence of a delegate of the General Council. They remain in office for four years and
can be re-elected for not more than one additional consecutive term, unless the General Council
makes an exception.
The Territorial Council:
1. elects in secret ballot from among its members one or two Vice-Territorial Ministers, a Di-
rectress of Aspirants and a Treasurer;
2. expresses its opinion on the appointment of a Secretary who, if he is not a member of the
Council, participates in its meetings but without right of vote;
3. consults when opportune with Local Ministers and individual Missionaries about problems of
the Local Missions and of the Institute in the Territory.
C. The Territorial Minister:
1. ensures the unity of the Institute within the Territory and is responsible to the Territorial
Council and the General Council;
2. fosters the participation of the Missionaries in the life of the Institute;
3. convokes and presides over the Territorial Council and coordinates its activities;
4. assists the Local Ministers of the Territory, directly or by delegation, in carrying out the Con-
stitution and Rule of Life;
5. represents the Institute within the Territory, at meetings of the General Council and elsewhere
within the limits of his competence;
27
6. maintains contact, at his own level, with the other Secular Institutes and with organizations
proposed by the Church to these same Institutes;
7. may grant, with the consent of his Council, a period of suspension for one year, which can be
extended for a second year, to the Missionary of temporary incorporation who, for grave
reasons, does not feel able to renew his obligations at the end of the year.
The Territorial Minister is elected by the Territorial Assembly in secret ballot in the pres-
ence of a delegate of the General Council.
A two-thirds majority of those having a right to vote is necessary for his election on the first
or second ballot. The third ballot is limited to the two who have received the greater number of
votes on the second ballot.
The Territorial Minister remains in office for four years and can be re-elected for not more
than one additional consecutive term.
If the Territorial Minister is absent or unable to fulfill his duties the Vice-Territorial Minister
governs in the interim, or, if there are two Vice-Territorial Ministers, the one who received the
greater number of votes, or in case of equal votes, the senior in profession. The General Council
decides on the duration of the interim.
The Territorial Minister appoints the Secretary.
Article 30
In countries where Local Missions and isolated Missionaries exist but where no Territory
has been establihed, at the request and proposal of the Missionaries of such countries, the
General Council can appoint for each a National Commission of not less than three and not more
than five members.
Such commissions remain in office for four years. They coordinate the activities of es-
tablihed Local Missions and assist isolated Missionaries. In their activities they are responsible
to the General Council.
The General Council, after consultation with a National Commission, appoints a National
Delegate who maintains contact with the General Council and assists Missionaries in observing
the Constitution and Rule of Life.
Article 31
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
The General Governing Bodies of the Institute are:
A. The General Assembly
B. The General Council
28
C. The General Minister
A. The General Assembly is a deliberative body. It is convoked by the General Minister with the
consent of his Council. Ordinarily, this takes place every five years; extraordinarily, whenever
the Council considers it opportune, or when requested by two thirds of the Local Ministers or
one-third of the professed Missionaries.
It is composed of:
1. the members of the General Council and the Territorial Ministers
2. Local Ministers
3. Missionaries
The proportion of representatives (Local Ministers and Missionaries) of Territories and of
countries in which there are Local Missions and isolated Missionaries, and the manner of election
are determined by the General Council in the act of convoking the Assembly.
The General Assembly:
1. elects the General Minister and the General Council;
2. approves the activities report of the General Council;
3. proposes to the General and Territorial Councils for implementation the essential lines of
the life and activity of the Institute, in keeping with the Constitution and the teachings of
the Church, and in response to the needs of the times.
B. The General Council is the directive and executive body of the entire Institute. It is com-
posed of the General Minister and a maximum of ten elected members. Territorial Ministers are
members by right of office. They maintain the role of representing their Territories for the dura-
tion of their term of office. If, however, at the end of their term as Ministers, they hold a particular
office on the General Council itself, they continue to be members, but without the right to vote.
The General Council:
1. prepares, in fidelity to the Constitution, the opportune means to assure the vitality of the
Institute;
2. examines projects of a general nature and decides their merit;
3. establihes Territories, giving such communications to the Congregation for Institutes of
Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and ratifies the election of Territorial
Ministers and Councils;
4. reaches an agreement with the Territorial Councils on the basic formation program, the
general themes of study courses and annual retreats, and updates problems of particular
importance for the life of the Missionaries;
5. assists Territorial Councils in solving their more serious and difficult problems of gov-
ernment;
6. whenever particular situations require it, removes from office Territorial Ministers, dis-
bands Territorial and/or Local Councils and suppresses Territories, giving due notice of
29
this to the Sacred Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
Apostolic Life.
Members of the General Council are elected by the General Assembly in secret ballot.
They remain in office for five years and can be re-elected for not more than one additional con-
secutive term.
National delegates (Art.30) and Missionaries representing countries without establihed
Territories or National Commissions or a member elected in the Council itself may be called to
take part in Council sessions as aggregate members of the Council. Aggregate members do not
have the right to vote.
The General Council may appoint Missionaries who are not members of the Council as
their delegates to fulfill specific tasks.
The General Council:
1. elects from among its members, in secret ballot, two or more Vice-General Ministers, a
Directress of Aspirants, and a Treasurer;
2. expresses its opinion as to the appointment of a Secretary who, if he is not a member of
the Council, participates in its meetings, but without right of vote.
C. The General Minister is responsible for the entire Institute and guarantees its unity.
The General Minister:
1. fosters the participation of the Missionaries in the life of the Institute;
2. convokes the General Council, presides over it and coordinates its activities;
3. assists Territorial Ministers in enforcing the Constitution and Rule of Life;
4. maintains contact on an international level with the other Secular Institutes and with or-
ganizations proposed by the Church to these same Institutes.
5. may grant, with the consent of his Council, a third year of suspension, after the two
granted by the Territorial Minister, to the Missionary of temporary or definitive incorpora-
tion who, for grave reasons, does not feel able to renew his obligations;
6. may grant, with the consent of his Council, for grave reasons, to the Missionary of tem-
porary incorporation who requests it, the indult to leave the Institute before the end of the
year;
7. dismisses from the Institute, according to universal law with the consent of his Council, the
Missionary who commits continual and grave infringements to the Constitution and the
Rule of Life or has a behavior not conformable to Christian life and to other obligations of
the vocation. This measure can be adopted only after having listened to the Missionary
and having conveniently warned him also by writing. The dismissed Missionary can
have recourse to the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of
Apostolic Life within thirty days from the time he had knowledge of the measure taken in
his regard.
30
The General Minister is elected by the General Assembly in secret ballot. A two-thirds
majority of those having the right to vote is necessary for his election on the first or second ballot.
The third ballot is limited to the two candidates who have received the greater number of votes on
the second ballot.
The General Minister remains in office for five years and can be re-elected for not more
than one additional consecutive term.
If the General Minister is absent or unable to fulfill his duties, the Vice-General Minister
who received the greater number of votes governs in the interim, or in case of equal votes, the
Vice-Minister General who is senior in profession. The General Council decides on the duration
of the interim.
In countries where a Territory does not yet exist, the General Minister and the General
Council perform all the duties of the Territorial Minister and his Council.
Article 32
From the moment of profession, all Missionaries have the same responsibilities and the
same rights, according to the norms of this Constitution.
Nonetheless, definitive incorporation is required for election to the office of Local Minister,
Directress of Aspirants, and for election as members of the Territorial and the General Councils.
Moreover, definitive incorporation for at least three years is required for election to the
offices of Territorial Minister, General Minister, and respective Directresses of Aspirants.
In those countries where the Institute is not yet organized, and according to the norms of
this Constitution, the General Minister with the deliberative vote of his Council is authorized to fill
offices by appointment after consultation with the interested persons.
31
CHAPTER X PRIESTLY ASSISTANCE
"As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and
insisting that you conduct yourselves as worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory" (1 Thes.
2:11-12).
"While trying the spirits if they be of God, they must discover with faith, recognize with joy, and foster with
diligence the many and varied charismatic gifts of the laity, whether these be of a humble or more exalted
kind. Among the other gifts of God which are found abundantly among the faithful, special attention ought
to be devoted to those graces by which a considerable number of people are attracted to greater heights of
the spiritual life" (Decree on the Life and Ministry of Priests, 9).
"In the midst of all these things, and above everything else, Francis thought that the faith of the holy Roman
Church was by all means to be preserved, honored, and imitated, that faith in which alone is found the
salvation of all who are to be saved. He revered priests and he had a great affection for every ecclesiastical
order" (I Celano, 62).
Article 33
In order to live its proper charism faithfully, the Institute avails itself of the assistance of
priests who know and value the FMJC vocation and who know how to serve the Missionaries with
the Word and the Sacraments, educating them in the faith, in the spirit of St. Francis.
Aware of the spiritual mission confided to them, the Assistants shall be men of dialogue
and discernment. In agreement with the superiors they shall help Missionaries to live their vo-
cation fully.
Called to assist the Institute to be faithful to its authentic spirit and to develop on all levels,
the Assistants shall strive to help one another in this service and in making the vocation known.
Article 34
APPOINTMENT OF PRIEST ASSISTANTS
A. The General Ecclesiastical Assistant is in charge of the priestly assistance in the In-
stitute. In particular he assists the General Council in formulating the basic guidelines of spiritual
formation for the Missionaries.
In each Territory and in each Local Mission an Ecclesiastical Assistant fulfills analogous
tasks.
The General Assistant is a priest of the Order of Friars Minor.
The Territorial Assistant is a Franciscan priest, preferably of the Order of Friars Minor, or a
secular priest with a Franciscan spirit.
The Local Mission Assistant is a priest who understands and values the spirit of the In-
stitute and the Missionary way of life.
32
B. For the appointment of the General Assistant, the General Council presents the
names of three candidates to the Minister General of the Friars Minor. After receiving his ap-
proval, the Council presents the names of the candidates to the Congregation for Institutes of
Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which then appoints the General Assistant.
The General Assistant remains in office for five years and can be confirmed for not more
than one additional consecutive term unless, by way of exception, the General Council proposes
him to the Sacred Congregation for further confirmation.
C. For the appointment of the Territorial Assistant, the Territorial Council proposes one
or more names to the General Assistant. After receiving the approvals of the General Council
and the respective Ecclesiastical Superiors, the General Assistant appoints the Territorial As-
sistant.
The Territorial assistant remains in office for four years and can be confirmed for not more
than one additional consecutive term unless the Territorial Council proposes an exception to the
General Council and to the General Assistant who in turn seeks confirmation from the Sacred
Congregation.
D. For the appointment of the Local Mission Assistant, the Local Mission Council pro-
poses one or more names to the Territorial Assistant. On hearing the opinion of the Territorial
Council, the Territorial Assistant submits the names to the Ordinary of the diocese who appoints
the Local Mission Assistant from among them.
The Local Mission Assistant remains in office for three years and can be confirmed for not
more than one additional consecutive term unless the Local Mission Council proposes an ex-
ception to the Territorial Council and to the Territorial Assistant. He, in turn, seeks confirmation
from the Ordinary of the diocese.
Article 35
In the fulfillment of their duties the General and Territorial Assistants are aided by a Col-
lege of priests, from among whom they appoint one or more Vice-Assistants to whom they entrust
specific tasks.
The Territorial Assistants are ex-officio members of the College of Assistants who colla-
borate with the General Assistant.
The Local Mission Assistant, in agreement with the Local Mission Council, appoints one or
more Vice-Assistants to whom he entrusts specific tasks.
The General Assistant, the Territorial Assistants, and Local Mission Assistants have no
function in the government of the Institute. They participate in the meeting of the respective
Councils without right of vote.
33
CHAPTER XI ADMINISTRATIVE NORMS
"If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love
of God remain in him? Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth" (1 Jn. 3:17-18).
"Since you are courteous and generous to men from whom you only receive vain and transitory favors, it is
only fair that you should be equally so to those in need, since the Lord God is magnanimous in repaying
whatever is given to his poor" (Legend of the Three companions, I).
Article 36
The Institute is a juridical person capable of acquiring, retaining, administering, and dis-
posing of temporal goods in accordance with Canon Law and the civil legislation of the individual
countries (Can. 1255) (see Article 39).
Article 37
The Local Missions, Territories and the General Council have their own administration in
accordance with Canon Law and the civil legislation of each country. The administration in the
Local Missions, the Territories, and the General Council is assigned to a treasurer, elected in the
respective Councils. In the Territorial and General Councils he is assisted by two councilors.
Article 38
The legal representation of the Local Missions, Territories, and General Council pertains
respectively to the Local Ministers, the Territorial Ministers, and the General Minister or, subject to
the consent of their respective Councils, to a Missionary duly delegated by them.
Article 39
In case the Institute is suppressed or dissolved, its temporal goods shall be disposed of
according to the norms of Canon Law. The disposition of the temporal goods of a suppressed
Local Mission pertains to the Territorial Council; the disposition of the temporal goods of a sup-
pressed Territory pertains to the General Council.
The juridical persons of any nature whatsoever erected by the Territories or by the Gen-
eral Council are subject entirely and completely to the norms of Canon Law and to the civil leg-
islation of each country or state.
Each juridical person has its own Board of Directors.
Ownership of goods belongs to the juridical person which has lawfully acquired them.
Article 40
Missionaries contribute to the Life and function of the Institute according to ability and the
norms establihed by the Central and Territorial Councils. The Institute establihes a special fund
in each Territory to help Missionaries in serious and urgent need.
Article 41
34
The General Council and individual Territorial Councils may have their own corporate
headquarters.
Article 42
A. The Treasurer:
1. attends to each ordinary administrative act according to the guidelines laid down beforehand
by the respective Council;
2. attends to each extraordinary administrative act according to the guidelines decided upon
beforehand by the respective Council;
3. annually prepares the budget to be submitted to the competent Council according to the
norms of the Constitution.
B. Three Missionaries (two, when there is a question of a Local Mission) members of
their respective Assembly, if possible, but not Council members, are designated by the Assembly
to review annually the acts and documents of the financial management.
C. The Local Mission, Territory, and General Councils give their own reports of admin-
istration to their respective Assemblies.
It is the duty of these Assemblies to approve the administrative reports of the respective
Councils.
D. The Local Mission Council conducts its own ordinary administrative activity according
to the guidelines agreed upon by the Territorial Council; the Territorial Council, according to the
guidelines agreed upon with the General Council.
E. For extraordinary expenses exceeding the amount agreed upon annually, the Local
Mission Council requires prior approval of the Territorial or General Councils; for extraordinary
expenses exceeding the amount agreed upon annually, the Territorial Councils require prior ap-
proval of the General Council.
Article 43
MODIFYING THE CONSTITUTION
The present Constitution can only be revised at the end of a five year period at a General
Assembly convoked for that purpose and must be presented to the proper ecclesiastical authority
for approval.
For the application of the present Constitution, individual Territorial Councils will formulate
a Rule of Life to be submitted to the General Council for approval. In addition these same Ter-
ritorial Councils may issue practical and ascetical norms conformable to the character of the In-
stitute for the faithful observance of the present Constitution and Rule of Life. Such norms are to
be approved by the General Council.
35
JUNE, 1991
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