TOC

SFO International Council - Quarterly edition   Vol. 3 - N. 3 - 2008 September

Announcement
The Secular Franciscan Order of Italy

Giuseppe Failla
SFO Italy - National Minister

"Faithfulness to their own charism, both Franciscan and Secular, and the witness of sincere and open brotherhood are their main service to the Church, which is a community of love. May they be recognized therein for their ‘being’, from which stems their mission." (CC.GG 100.3)

The Pontifical Faculty of Theology ‘’San Bonaventura Seraphicum’’ and the The Order of Secular Franciscans of Italy, in collaboration with the entire Franciscan Family, are establishing a Chair of Secular Franciscanism.

The project comprises many objectives, such as that of furthering and spreading knowledge of the role of secular Franciscan charism in today’s Church and society, as well as providing effective instruction for those wishing to answer their Christian and Franciscan calling, by investigating topics such as: the secular Franciscan vocation, brotherhood as a lifestyle, ethics and bioethics.

Three courses will run in the academic year 2008-2009:

1.The Secular Franciscan vocation today ( Prof. Antonio Barone – OFS)

2.Brotherhood as a lifestyle (Prof. Fabrizio Ciampicali – OFM)

3.Ethics and Bioethics (Prof. Mariano Steffan –OFM Capp)

Director of the Chair will be Fr. Zdzislaw J. Kijas – OFM Conv., Faculty Head.

The courses will be held at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology "San Bonaventura Seraphicum" from Friday afternoon (15.30 – 18.50) until Saturday morning (9.00 – 12.25) on the following dates:

- 6th November 2008: Round Table to inaugurate the Chair

- 7th/8th November 2008

- 12th/13th December 2008

- 16th/17^th January 2009

- 20th/21st February 2009

- 20th/21st March 2009

-17th/18th April 2009

- 22nd/23rd May 2009

Teaching will be split between formal lectures, totalling 19 hours, plus at least 3 hours’ personal work (book review, bibliographical research, etc.). In addition, study days will be organized throughout the year: notification of the dates will be given in due course.

Enrolment is open to:

- ‘Ordinary’ students, i.e. those studying for the Baccalaureate or License, who can gain credits for attending the courses. For them, the overall cost for the year will be €250.

-Guest students, i.e. those interested in learning about and studying in depth the proposed topics; for them, enrolment in one course will cost €60; for two courses, €100; for three courses, €150, plus €20 for the final certificate of attendance.

It only remains for me to reiterate that the Chair of Secular Franciscanism is a further opportunity which we wish to offer all those (especially Tertiaries and members of GIFRA) who, in addition to gaining the qualification, aim to strengthen their own personal formation, in order to use it in the service of the Franciscan family and the Church.

Click here to email this page to a friend