STATUTES OF MARYMATHA PROVINCE ANDHRA PRADESH - ORISSA, INDIA

 Introduction

 Marymatha Province began as a Mission territory in 1968 under the united Indian Capuchin Province of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Following the division of the Province in 1971, it came under the care of St. Joseph Province, Kerala. On 30th January 1997, it became a Vice-Province and, on 13th June 2008, a Province. The life and activities of the Province are to be governed by certain norms besides the Word of God and our Constitutions. Under the directive given by General Minister, these statutes were discussed and approved by the first Provincial Chapter held at Enikepadu, Vijayawada, from 23rd to 27th March 2009. These statutes are meant to help the friars in living the Franciscan charism faithfully.

 I. Life of Prayer and Penance

Art.1. We are called to cultivate the spirit of holy prayer and devotion to which all temporal things should contribute that we may become true followers of St. Francis, who was seen not so much as praying as having totally become a prayer (Cf. Const. 45.7). Due importance is to be given to prayer and penance in our life; hence the following norms are to be observed: 1. All the friars are to faithfully hold fast to the morning and evening hours of common prayer (Const.50.2).

2. For deepening and strengthening the personal and communitarian dimensions of contemplation, the spirit of silence shall be preserved in our honses. The friars are also encouraged to spend a few days of prayer and reflection in solitude and silence in a conducive place.


3. In order to make our life more in harmony with the life situations, Indian methods of prayer and meditation, and meaningful celebration of national festivals and local feasts are to be encouraged.


4. All the friars are expected to spend one day in a month for recollection and review of life, the mode of which may vary depending on the local situation. However, once in three months the friars of a particular zone shall come together for an experience of prayer and fraternal sharing. In such zonalmeetings, the reading and reflection on our Constitutions and the renewal of profession are highly recommended.


5. Our prayer should be centered on the Word of God and daily celebration of the Eucharist.

6. All the friars are expected to make an annual retreat. They may participate in it at the Provincialate or, in exceptional cases, at Janampet.


7. As Franciscans, we should consider penance as the hallmark of our life. Solidarity with the poor and the marginalized, commitment to one's duty and devotion to silence, moderation in the use of things etc. are some of the forms of expression of our life of penance.

8. Taking into account the example of our father St. Franci s, and drawing inspiration from our Constitutions (Const.103.1-3), special seasons and days (e.g.,. advent, lent, fridays, days in preparation for the feast of St. Francis, Immaculate Conception etc.) are to be observed as days of penance.



II. Vocation Promotion


Art.2. every brother who comes to us is a gift from the Lord. Concern for vocations shonld become characteristic of all of us, and it arises above all from the brothers' awareness that they themselves are living and offering to others a programmed of life that is extremely rich in human and gospel values. We are to work together earnestly to foster vocations out of a desire to carry out God's design according to our charisma (Const. 15.1, 2).

1. There shall be two Vocation Directors, one for Andhra Pradesh and one for Orissa. They may be given assistants, if needed. They will co-ordinate the work of vocation promotion, and local fraternities are to assist them in this task.



2. The minimum qualification required of the candidates aspiring for our way of life shall be S.S.C/H.S.C. passed. However in very special cases, exceptions may be made with regard to candidates for non-clerical life.


3. In the selection of the candidates their family background has to be inquired into, and a letter from the parish priest of the candidate is to be obtained.

4. Normally, the candidates are to be selected from the vocation camps conducted by the Province. However in special cases a candidate may be selected after a few days of his living in one of our fraternities, preferably in the house for Orientation Course at Enikepadu.

5. Special efforts are to be made to recruit candidates to non- clerical life.


III. Formation

Art.3. Formation is the development of the brothers and fraternities in such a way that our life may daily become conformable to the Holy Gospel under Franciscan spirit according to the requirement of places and times. Formation has to be integral, mission-oriented and with an option for the poor. It consists of initial and on-going formation (Const. 22.1.2).

1. Initial formation will be same for clerical and non-c1erical candidates and it shall be together.

2. There should be a minimum of four years of formation prior to the Novitiate for the S.S.C./H.S.C. candidates and a minimum of three years for the Intermediate candidates. In special cases two years of formation will suffice for the Intermediate and Degree candidates.

3. In order to strengthen the Franciscan values acquired in the Novitiate, a Post-Novitiate formation in keeping with our situation is to be introduced, the mode of which is to be worked out by the Formation Council.


4. The Philosophy course together with graduation shall be for three years. In the case of non-c1erical brothers, there shall be a minimum of one year of philosophical formation.


Art.4. Regency is a period of non-formal formation, during which the brothers are called upon to experience the concrete realities of life and to deepen their own Franciscan commitment. They should be encouraged to live with the poor and the marginalized, and gain a workable knowledge of the tools for analyzing society.

They are also to grow in affective maturity, fraternal brotherhood, prayer and charity during this period. They also could make use of this period for preparing themselves for specific apostolic involvements. For this purpose, four modalities of regency may be proposed: Integration into Fraternities, Exposure Immersion Experience, Earn-and-live Experience and Training for Future Apostolate.

The regents may choose any of these modalities with the permission of the Provincial and his Definitory.


Art.5. The Theology course shall last for four years. In the case of non-c1erical brothers, there shall be a minimum of two years of theological formation.

Art.6. Our formation has to take into account the various dimensions such as, inculturation, evangelization and the pastoral needs.

1. Our formation has to be Indian in its content and structure. In order to inculcate Indian values such as renunciation, hospitality, silence, dhyana, ahimsa etc., a greater emphasis should be laid on the assimilation of Indian thought.

2. Our formation should be geared towards training the brothers to be effective ministers of the Kingdom.

Art.7. As the growth of the Order depends on the quality of the friars, we should adopt strict norms in the process of promotion of the candidates at the various stages of formation. The reports of periodical assessment of the brothers are to be sent to the Provincial by the Rectors and guardians of the regents.

Art. 8. 1. The perpetual profession of those brothers who undergo the complete course of Philosophy and Theology shall be at the end of their second year Theology course. However, the non-cierical brothers may make their perpetual profession after a minimum of five years after their simple profession.


2. An intensive preparation shall precede the perpetual profession.

3. In general, the perpetual profession of the whole batch of friars shall be held together in one of our houses. In case of the non-clerical brothers, it may be held individually in their own parishes or in the nearby fraternities with due solemnity.

4. Option for the clerical or non-cierical status has to be done before the first profession.

Art. 9. The aim of ongoing formation is the spiritual renewal and cultural and professional updating of the brothers.

1. Programmes of ongoing formation could be organized age-batch- and ministry wise.

2. Retreats of various types, seminars, get-together of batchmates etc. could be arranged at the Province level.

3. There should be some programmes arranged for the newly ordained priests for three consecutive years, so that they can deepen their theological understanding and pastoral experience.

4. Post-graduate studies and professional training may be undertaken by the clerical brothers after their ordination and by the non-clerical brothers after their perpetual profession, taking into account the need of the Province.
5. Friars are recommended to attend the refresher courses conducted in various places for the sake of updating themselves.

Art. 10. Vijnananilayam, Institute of Philosophy and Religion, at Janampet being an academic centre serving Capuchins as well as non-Capuchins, enjoys a special status in the Province and is governed by its own statutes. IV. Our life in Fraternity

Art. 11. As brothers given to each other by the Lord and endowed with different gifts, let us accept one another with a grateful spirit (Cons. 84. 1). Fratemal life is the backbone of a Franciscan community. Hence, all the members of a community should endeavour to promote fraternal life.

1. In order to review our life and ministry, local chapters should be held four times a year, a report of which is to be maintained.

2. The friars shall not undertake projects big or small, evenwhen asked by the diocesan authority, without the prior consent of the community and the Provincial. The projects belong to the local community, and the community appoints a capable friar to look after the project in consultation with the Provincial.


3. All the friars shall have a get-together once a year at the Province level at a convenient place and time. V. Our Life in Poverty and Simplicity

Art. 12. Evangelical poverty embraces availability in love for andin conformity with the poor and crucified Christ, who came to serve, and leads to solidarity with the oppressed in their struggle. We have to make use of temporal things with gratitude, by sharing them with the indigent and, at the same time, by giving an example of the proper use of things to people who desire them excessively (Const. 59. 5,7).

1. As friars minor, it is our duty to live a life of minority in accordance with our Franciscan tradition. Taking into consideration our Franciscan charism, let us live in solidarity with the poor and oppressed in their struggle. Let us adhere to a simple way of living.

2. All the fraternities shall prepare a year1y budget well in advance to each financial year and submit it to the Provincial Definitory for approval. A reminder has to be sent by the Provincial Procurator indicating the dead line.

3. The community should fix a percentage of the house income to be spent on charitable works. Every fraternity shall make it a point to send monthly returns to the Provincialate.

4. Budget of the Province shall be prepared by the Financial Commission and be submitted to the Provincial Definitory.

5. In the administration of goods, the following spending limits are to be observed: - In normal cases a guardian is authorized to spend Rs. 10,000/- for a single purpose without consulting the House Council, and a sum of Rs. 50,000/- after consulting the House Council. In all other cases, community has to obtain permission from the Minister Provincial. The Minister Provincial may spend up to Rs. one lakh at his discretion. - Up to Rs 25 lakh can be approved by the Provincial Minister and his Definitory - Up to Rs 100 lakh, the consent of the GeneraI Minister and his Definitory is required. Above Rs 100 lakh permission of the Holy See is required.

6. Friars shall neither take nor give loans without permission.

7. In case of purchase of vehicles and other articles costing more than the amount sanctioned by the Provincial and his Definitory, a fresh proposal is to be discussed by the fratemity, and then submitted to the Definitory for its approval.

8. Whatever payments or gifts in cash a friar receives for his ministry shall be handed over to the local guardian for the use of the community.

9. After one's Journeys or doing any purchase, all account of one's expenditure shall be given to the treasurer or to the guardian.


10. Personal bank accounts are not permitted for friars. If in some special cases a personal bank account is necessary it should be opened only with written permission of the Provincial and his Definitory. The account has to be opened as a joint account.

11. There shall be no major alteration of the existing building (i.e., any addition or breaking down done by the local guardian/ principal of a school/parish priest/local community) without the written permission of the Provincial, who may grant it only after consulting his Definitory and the Building Commission.

12. In establishing the houses we should take care that they are simple and in accordance with our local conditions.

13. The dress and life style of the friars should be in tune with our Franciscan simplicity.


 VI. Administration


Art. 13. Our fraternity, led by the Holy Spirit, is an integral part of the Church. It has to contribute to the building up of the Church in love by various offices and ministries (Cfr. Const. 109.1).


1. The Provincial together with his Definitory governs the Province, and the local guardian with his assistants governs the local community. In tune with the Gospel and Franciscan way of life, the goveming authority is to be seen as service, and those in authority should consider themselves as animators.

2. The Provincial Definitory should meet at least four times a year (Const. 134. 1).


3. The Provincial should hold the pastoral visitation twice in a triennium. Besides the formal visitation, he should make himself available to the communities and individuals as often as needed.

4. The transfers and changes of office are to be made by giving letters of obedience.

5. The following are the important commissions to be appointed by the Provincial and his Definitory: Commission for Initial and Ongoing Formation Commission for Finance Commission for Justice, Peace, and Ecology Commission for Building, Constructions and Maintenance Board of Education Commission for Evangelization and Pastoral Work Commission for Mission Band Council for Thambi Velugu and Mass Media Managing Committee for Joseph Thamby Shrine Commission for Social Work It may be advisable that the report of the commission meetings be made available to the friars. This however is left to the discretion of the Provincial and Definitory.

6. It is required that the brothers keep the Provincial informed of their absence from their community, if it is for more than two weeks.

7. A house chronicle has to be properly maintained by every community. 8. At the time of visitation the Provincial should go through the accounts, sign the chronicle, local chapter reports and the accounts.


Art. 14. Provincial Chapters hold an important place in our life. They shall be celebrated as special occasions of renewal and fraternal communion; and they have the primary authority (Const. 124, 1).


1. The Provincial Chapter shall be held by universal suffrage. That is, all the perpetually professed members of the Province shall participate in the Chapter. However, observers from the student community of the simple professed and from those involved in our life and ministry may be invited.

2. For the election of the Provincial, the majority of votes needed are 2/3 of the votes polled. However, if in the first two scrutinies the required majority is not obtained, in the third scrutiny an absolute majority will be enough. If in the third scrutiny the required majority is not obtained, the two leading brothers may be selected and voted upon. If a tie is the result, the one who is senior by profession shall be elected. If their profession is on the same day, the one who is senior by age shall be declared elected.


3. For the eleetion of the Definitors absolute majority is enough. In case the first ballot is inconc1usive two leading brothers may be selected and voted upon. If a tie is the result the one who is senior by profession shall be elected. If their profession is on the same day the one who is senior by age shall be declared elected.

VII. Apostolate

Art. 15. Our fraternity in obedience to the Spirit of the Lord fulfils a debt of service to all people bringing the Gospel in word and deed (Const.144.4). As Franciscans we are bound to be at the service of the people. All of us should engage ourselves in useful apostolate, in order to serve the people and support the community.


1. The concern for Justice, Peace and Eeology is the over- arching principle of our apostolate

2. The local fraternities should take keen interest to establish the SFO (Seeular Franciscan Order) units in their dioceses, and the Provincial and Definitory should appoint a Provincial Spiritual Assistant.

3. Preaching is an important apostolate of ours, and as many friars as possible shall engage themselves in this apostolate. A friar could be appointed to co-ordinate the mission of preaching.

4. It is in tune with the Franciscan vocation to engage in social apostolate, but there should be a typical Franciscan touch in our ministry. In handling money we should maintain sincerity and transparency. Yearly accounts should be submitted in time to the Provincial. The transfer of finance from one project to another is forbidden.

5. Taking into account the demands of contemporary society, new forms of apostolate such as Mass Media, Youth Ministry, Prison Ministry, Literacy Programmes, Ministry to the Abandoned etc., could be adopted. VIII. Evangelization


Art. 16. Mindful of our Lord's command, " ... Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded, and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Mt, 28: 18-20), our Order accepts as its own the responsibility of spreading the Gospel that belongs to the whole Church. It regards and takes on this missionary work as one of its principal apostolic obligations (Const. 174.4). Evangelization is the call to proclamation of the Good News and to the building up of the Kingdom of God in its various dimensions. Taking into account the conditions of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, the following could be taken as our guide lines:


1. In order to commit ourselves to the task of evangelization, it is recommended that the friars engage themselves in the proclamation ofthe Word of God, especially in areas where it has not been proclaimed.


2. The new priests and the students of theology are to be given opportunities to be initiated into the work of evangelization.


3. Each fraternity should make it its priority to reach the Good News to as many new villages as possible.


4. For the better co-ordination of the work of evangelization, a mission secretariat could be established. IX. Holidays and Travel



Art. 17. As all of us stand in need of traveling for holidays and other purposes, we may do so with due permission.

1. The guardian may grant permission to his brothers to travel within the country.


2. Every perpetually professed brother is entitled to have three weeks of holidays every year. The brothers in the initial formation can have two weeks of holidays.


3. Non-clerical brothers after their perpetual profession, and clerical brothers after their priestly ordination, may take one month leave. But, in that year, they will have only two weeks of annual holidays.

4. Brothers are entitled to a Sabbatical year once in ten years of their active ministry. They have to pIan their programme and submit it one year in advance. If the local community cannot finance it, they may have recourse to the Provincial.

5. Jubilee of profession of our brothers may be celebrated in a meaningful manner at the community and Province level. X. Maintenance of Friars and Friaries

Art 18. As children of the eternal Father, putting aside anxious care, let us place our confidence in divine providence and entrust ourselves to His infinite goodness (Const.63.1). Therefore placing our trust in the providence of the Lord let all the friars together with the Provincial Minister and the Guardian be responsible for the maintenance of the fraternities and the Province.

1. The Provincial and the guardians of houses are responsible for the care of the old and sick friars.

2. The maintenance and major repairs of the houses and other structures attached to them are to be undertaken by the Provincialate. The construction of the new houses should be under the supervision of the Building Commission and any alteration in the approved plan has to be sanctioned by the Definitory.

3. An inventory of all the articles of the house should be maintained, and it should be handed over to the new animator on taking charge, and a copy of it is to be given to the Provincialate.

4. Every priest friar of our Province will celebrate six Masses per month for the intention of Provincial Minister. This is to facilitate our annual contribution to the GeneraI Curia and International College and to cover the expense of the Provincialate. He may celebrate, if needed, one mass a month for his personal intentions. XI. Suffrages for the Deceased

Art. 19. Our deceased friars, relations and benefactors have an intimate union with us. Although they are dead we are bound to keep them in our memory and pray for them.

1. One Holy Mass shall be offered by every fraternity on the death of Roman Pontiff, GeneraI Minister and former GeneraI Ministers, GeneraI Definitor, and former General Definitors who represented us and former Major Superiors.

2. One Holy Mass by every friar shall be offered on the death of friars working in the Province, inc1uding the novices and the perpetuaI tertiaries. So also on the death of the parents of the friars working in our Province.

3. For our benefactors, living or dead, the fraternity could offer one HoIy mass every year.

4. A Holy Mass shall be offered for the deceased friar on his death anniversary by the fraternity where he served last. These statutes are approved by the Chapter. In case of doubt, the Provincial Definitory is authorized to offer clarification.

PROCEDURE OF CONDUCTING THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

The Chapter
1. The Provincial Chapter of the Marymatha Province of Andhra Pradesh-Orissa, ordinary or extraordinary, shall be celebrated by universal suffrage. Both Ordinary and Extraordinary Chapters follow the same procedure except that the Ordinary Chapter will have an additional procedure of election of the Provincial Minister and his Definitors.

 The Pre-Chapter Preparations 2. The Provincial Minister convokes the Ordinary Chapter of the Province with the permission of the GeneraI Minister three months before the date fixed for the Chapter. It is appropriate that the General Minister or his Delegate preside (Const.133.l1). The Provincial Minister may convoke an Extraordinary Chapter with the consent of the Definitors.

3. The Provincial Minister also makes known the precise dates on which the Chapter will be celebrated, the time of arrival of the vocals and the time of departure and the things to be brought along.

4. The Provincial Minister and his Definitors shall appoint a Pre Capitular Commission three months before the Chapter.

5. The Commission shall animate the Province spiritually, and consult all the friars regarding matters that concern the life and ministry of the Province in order to prepare the agenda of the Chapter.

6. The agenda thus prepared is to be submitted to the Provincial Minister and his Definitors at least six weeks before the Chapter.

7. The Provincial Minister with the consent of his Definitors publishes the agenda to the Province at least one month before the Chapter.

8. The liturgy during the Chapter should be inspirational, dynamic and complementing the various themes of the Chapter. Therefore the ProvinciaI Minister and his Definitors appoint a Liturgical Commission one month before the Chapter. The Liturgical Commission prepares a well-planned liturgy and other prayers for the Chapter, and distributes roles to the friars concerned ahead of the Chapter.

9. Provincial Minister and his Definitors appoint a Secretary to the Chapter in advance so that he can function from the very beginning of the Chapter. He with the help of two Vice (recording) Secretaries keeps a faithful record of the proceedings of the Chapter. All the office-bearers are proposed by the Provincial and his Definitors for approval by the Chapter.

10. The Secretary may be assisted by other brothers, who will see to the arrangements of the Chapter hall.

11. The Provincial Minister and his Definitors appoint moderators one month before the Chapter. The moderators shall study the agenda thoroughly, so that they can moderate the discussions efficiently.

12. Provincial Minister and his Definitors may invite, if they deem it necessary, observers to attend the Chapter. They may also lnvite experts to animate the Chapter especially dunng Extraordinary Chapters. Opening Session

13. The opening session of the Chapter shall commence with a prayer which shall be followed by:
• Roll call
• Welcome address by the Provincial Minister
• Inaugural address by the President of the Chapter
• Acceptance of the time-table prepared by the Provincial Minister and his Definitors
• Proposal and acceptance of two scrutineers, the Drafting Com-mittee and the notary (The Chapter Secretary could function as the notary).
• ApprovaI of the agenda and fixing the day of elections, and
• Other information of interest Procedure of Elections

14. There shall be an hour of prayer before the commencement of election.

15. Br. GeneraI Minister or his delegate presides over the elections.

16. The members of the Elective Provincial Chapter proceed to the election of the Provincial Minister and the Definitors on the day decided by the Chapter.

17. The vocals elect the Provincial and the Definitors by secret ballot.

18. The election of the Provincial is by a 2/3 majority.

19. Definitors are elected by an absolute majority.

20. The notary of the Chapter and the two scrutineers assist at the election process.

21. If a scrutineer or the notary gets three or more votes, a new person is chosen from the vocals to replace him.

22. The scrutineers, after collecting the votes, in the presence of the one who presides over the Elective Chapter, count and ascertain the number of the votes that each friar receives.

23. After the verification by the President, the notary will announce the number of votes each one has received. A minimum of three votes is required for a name to be mentioned.

24. In the election of the Provincial: If after the first ballot no one obtains a 2/3 majority, a second ballot is cast immediately. If this second ballot is inconclusive, the third and final ballot is cast. In this ballot only the two persons who had received the highest number of votes will be eligible for election and an absolute majority of votes suffices.

25. In case the third ballot is inconclusive on account of a tie, the senior by profession is declared elected. If they had professed on the same day, the senior by age is declared elected.

26. For the election of the Definitors an absolute majority is enough. In case the first ballot is inconclusive two leading brothers may be selected and voted upon. If a tie is the result the one who is senior by profession shall be eIected. If their profession is on the same day the one who is senior by age shall be declared eIected.

27. After the election of the four Definitors, one of them is elected as the Vicar Provincial and becomes the first Definitor. The second, third and fourth Definitors will be in the order of election.

28. The procedure of election shall be as follows:
• Prayer
• Roll Call
• Election of the Provincial Minister
• A short break if the Chapter so decides
• Election of the Definitors and the Vicar Provincial (first Definitor).
• Confirmation of the election by the President
• Greeting the new team

29. The newly eIected Provincial receives the seal of the office, and exercises his office as the Delegate of the Minister GeneraI until his election is confirmed by him.

30. All proceedings of the election are to be accurately recorded by the notary. The records are to be signed by the notary, the scrutineers and the one who presides over the Elective Chapter. One copy of this record is to be sent to the Minister General and another is to be preserved in the Provincial archives.

31. The Provincial Minister and the Definitors make the profession of faith and take the oath of secrecy during the Eucharistic celebration that follows. Closing of the Chapter

32. The last session of the Chapter shall be reserved for:
• The finalization of the Resolutions and Recommendations to be voted upon for approval.
• Concluding talk by the President of the Chapter
 • Vote of thanks by the Provincial Minister

33. The Chapter is concluded with a hymn to our Patroness Marymatha. The Procedure for conducting the Provincial Chapters is approved by the First Provincial Chapter, held at Enikepadu from 23rd to 27th March 2009.