CONSTITUTIONS F THE LITTLE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF
AFRICA-
0.1.1. Jesus, the only Son of God, came into the world to save every tribe and to walk together with each and every person in the journey of life.
0.1.2. He came to enlighten the culture, which we inherited from our ancestors, so that we can see how it leads to him, the new Adam.
0.1.3. He came to gather us through his Spirit of love, who makes us the family of God the Father, his own little brothers and sisters, who defeated fear and ill humour among them, an example of the Holy Trinity, perfect unity of diverse persons, in which all languages would gather to proclaim the marvels our almighty God has done for us.
0.2.1. By his love, he wanted Africa to be his second homeland, where he would grow safe during his childhood and would be more and more African through the members of his body.
0.2.2. The Church of our continent, after being done great things by him, and flourished by the efforts and blood of our elders in faith, now has the responsibility to spread the salvation to the ends of the earth, not just satisfied with fulfilling the needs of her dioceses only.
0.2.3. After the Vatican II Ecumenical Council, the Holy Spirit in the first Synod of Africa told her how he wants she to be the family of God and to preach Good News of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life of Africans and all peoples of the world.
0.2.4. The second millennium, which offers an unique opportunity to bring the Gospel to all peoples, is also her appropriate time.
0.2.5. Even if many Africans are still left behind politically and economically, their culture of life and solidarity are highly needed by the whole world.
0.3.1. Saint Francis of Assisi bore witness to Christ with humility and courage in front of Muslims in our continent, aspiring to shed his blood for people who did not know Jesus.
0.3.2. His example and his God-given charisma, which has two characteristics, brotherhood and littleness, are useful in fulfilling the Synod’s declarations.
0.4.1. We, Little Brothers and Sisters of Africa, bearing this in mind, feel the vocation to fulfil that charisma in African real environment, by keeping, flourishing and spreading the values of its culture which correspond to the Gospel.
0.4.2. Hence we hope that the power of God, which reveals itself in human weakness, will use us for the growth of the whole Church, which depends on and leads to holiness, that is, to share totally in the life of God.
0.5.1. Our Franciscan missionary Order has its headquarters in Morogoro, where the diocesan bishop, Telesphore Mkude, in his efforts to spread the Gospel, has instituted it as a Public Association of the Faithful, according to the canon 312 CIC.
0.5.2. It is the responsibility of the bishop of that diocese to follow up our charisma closely so that he can recommend it to be recognized as a new form of consecrated life, according to the canon 605 CIC, or dissolve it for grave reasons.
0.6.1. It is the bishop who has approved these Constitutions so that they can help us to follow Jesus and fulfil God’s will for us.
0.6.2. The Constitutions concern directly those of us who have promised chastity, poverty and obedience, to live the Gospel in community within different fraternities of brothers or sisters.
0.6.3. True members of the Association are also diocesan clergymen, laymen and women, singles as well married who, after having been formed appropriately, live in the world near one of such communities, sharing its spiritual and apostolic life according to the Rule and the Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order like other members of that pontifical Order.
0.7.1. These Constitutions have only those things of our charisma and regulations which are not expected to be modified.
0.7.2. Even so, we should continue seeking God’s light and benefiting our experiences so that we can better understand his will from us, bearing in mind the discipleship of Christ according to the Gospel, the Franciscan spiritual heritage, the priorities of the Church and the needs of the world, always putting the progress of our souls and the salvation of humanity as our main priority.
0.8.1. The bishop of Morogoro can approve the amendments of these Constitutions which have been passed by two thirds of the Chapter votes, if they are really demanded so that we can persist to build on the same basis.
0.8.2. It is better to leave if there isn’t such need, because amendments risk the Constitutions from weakening, and small changes prompt larger ones, until the nature of the Order changes and causes its infertility.
0.9.1. In order to be blessed by fulfilling what we have been shown, let us make all effort to live these Constitutions so that the real aspect of the Order would resemble the picture God has given us through his Church.
0.9.2. The General Chapter can approve bylaws for the whole Order, and modify them where necessary, provided they are conformed to the Rule and these Constitutions.
0.9.3. The General Council can approve special ordinances, which deal with specific brothers, sisters or communities, according to their needs and environment.
0.9.4. However, let us confide more in the faithfulness of each one of us than on laws and efforts of Servants and Guardians.
0.10.1. If any problem occurs concerning the execution of some parts of these Constitutions, the General Council can decide what to be done, until the Congress of the Association would give official interpretation by permission of the Bishop of Morogoro.
0.11.1. It is on the Bishop of the concerned diocese to dispense brothers and sisters from fulfilling some parts of the Rule at special times.
0.11.2. If there is sufficient reason, Servants and Guardians can also dispense the brothers or sisters under their care, those who are there temporarily and the whole community, except what concerns the structure of our Order and the core of our way of life; moreover, if permanent permission is needed, only the Servant can concede it.
0.11.3. The one who has received a dispensation must make more effort in other matters; otherwise these permissions hinder quickly the way to perfection.
0.12.1. In a special way we should be aware of the temptation to see the Constitutions as too difficult, or to fail to fulfil it deliberately or carelessly.
0.12.2. We should believe that salvation comes from the foolishness of the cross, and experience that any burden is light if it is carried for the sake of our beloved Jesus, in order to cling to
him.
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