The friars were to
live the spirit of repentance as penitent friars, who call others to repentance
and conversion
They were to lead a poor community life of prayer and
missionary life. All were to work together as a fraternity with equal rights
and duties; having and sharing all things in common
The spirit of simplicity and minority and humility was to be
a the core of their life in common.
The spirit of working with their own hands for their living
and when they failed to get enough, they were to take recourse to the table of
the lord.
Capuchin identity Indicators:
Poverty and ascetic or austere life for both the individual
and the fraternity, living among the poor and marginalized
Life of prayer meditation and contemplation, including
promotion of hermitages
Emphasis on penitential life personally and communally
People who lead simple life as minors who dwell in humble
habitats that are accessible to the poor
The sense of belonging essentially depends on self-knowledge
and that of the community.
The consequences of the lack of the sense of belonging:
No active participation in fraternal activities such as
house chores, common meals, recreation, they remain passive and disengaged
Non-participation in fraternity meetings; rather they are
very critical and vocal against the fraternity leadership.
Rare participation in fraternity prayer life, recollections
and retreats; always giving excuses.
No sharing in pastoral experiences or participation in
fraternal missions.
No interest in Franciscan Capuchin values, including
literature or research project
No contribution to the maintenance of the fraternity, both
spiritually and materially; at times they have their own bank accounts
Having more active relationships with outsiders than fellow
friars that at times ay undermine the fraternity’s apostolate
SOME OF THE CAPUCHIN VALUES THAT WERE COMPARED AND
APPRECIATED
1.
The gospel and evangelical values
2.
Fraternity, African sense of brotherhood versus
the current Africa ravaged by tribal and political conflicts, obedience,
poverty, chastity and mission.
3.
Capuchin values” peace, simplicity, minority (power
mongers), penitence, prayer, preaching, joy environment
4.
Capuchin traditional values – secondary, the use
of religious habit, beard, sandals, titles, special formation regulations
Values that sustain self-Identity and sense of Belonging:
1.
Recognition of personal calling from God
2.
Recognition of special vocation: inspired by the
life and writings of st. Francis and his disciples as a Capuchin fraternity
3.
Having the sense of mission- proud of called to
participate in the vision and mission of Jesus Christ and St. Francis
4.
Awareness of spiritual consequences that leads
to self-discovery and realization
5.
Cherishing the sense of freedom, love, growth
and responsibility that is found in the capuchin life.
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