The Address of the Minister General of the Secular Franciscan Order, Encarnacion del Pozo, to the Friars on the occasion of the Gathering in Assisi for the 800 th Anniversary of the Founding of the Franciscan Movement, March 16, (2/3 down the page)

Topics Greetings –Introduction The SFO Today - Hopes and Dreams St. Francis Region

Greetings -Introduction Current Statistics of the SFO World-Wide 110 Countries 431,000 members 49,000 Youth Rapid development of the Secular Order

Greetings -Introduction Thirty Years’ of Development Concentrating on the task of reunification and conferring stability to the SFO. A strong sense of identity and belonging. Re-discovering who we are.

Greetings -Introduction The SFO Belongs to the One Franciscan Family Our Rule defines the Franciscan Family and the vital relationship which unites us. Three Orders: On the same level; spiritually inter- dependant and needy of reciprocal help. St. Francis gave three orders one rule: Observance of the Gospel, according to the respective conditions of life. Members of one body.

The SFO Today - Hopes and Dreams Spiritual Assistance to the SFO Actively collaborate, especially in the formation walk, in making our fraternities convincing and consistent with their vocation. Help them to fully comprehend the mission that has to be accomplished With awareness that helping today’s youth and adults to discover the true sense of life is an extraordinary task. Help us to be “witnesses” through our striving to be individuals of faith, coherent and exemplary lives. Suitably Prepared!

The SFO Today - Hopes and Dreams Grateful for the Spiritual Assistants For their perseverance in the rebirth of the SFO over the last century. Generous and important prophetical stimulus from many religious in the new course of the SFO. For encounters, dialog and fraternal knowledge among the Franciscan family.

The SFO Today - Hopes and Dreams Challenge to the Spiritual Assistants Brothers, street companions, that walk with us side by side Accompany us and flank us as educators through the entire growth of our vocation and in exercising the mission that we have been assigned. Clear and updated vision of the SFO and the Youfra and of their position in the Church and in our family. “Suitably and well prepared” in order to offer assistance and pastoral care that is complete and adequate.

St. Francis Region The SFO and Spiritual Assistants Present Reality – Future Developments

Jesus said to his disciples, "I am going to prepare a place for you."

Grub Worms Grub worms at the bottom of a pond couldn't understand why those who climbed up the stems of the water lilies never returned to tell them what they found. They agreed that the next one to climb up should return to tell them all what it found 'up-there'. One day the leader of the grubs decided to climb up the stem. When she reached the top, she was astounded! Everything was fantastically beautiful !

Grub Worms Even more astounding is what happened to her. She changed into a gorgeous dragonfly! As she circled the pond, peering-down at her friends under the water, she couldn't figure- out how to return to them. Then she realized that even if she did get back, her friends would never recognize her!!

Question Have you been wanting to climb that water-lily stem from your experience of 'the pond'...the fraternity? How would you remedy the 'longing‘ to climb that water-lily stem? What are your hopes and dreams?