The Franciscan Capuchin charism of brotherhood

Abstract

The present work tries to analyse the Franciscan Capuchin brotherhood from three points of view, which points will be tackled in three separate chapters. In Chapter One, I shall be studying the concept of brotherhood within the writings of Saint Francis. The Rules, both the earlier and the later one, the Testament as well as his Admonitions will be given appropriate importance. Chapter Two will explore how this Franciscan brotherhood has been and is being enfleshed within the Capuchin tradition. Sources such as the Capuchin Constitutions, together with the letters of the General Minister Br. John Corriveau will greatly contribute to this endeavour. The concluding chapter envisages the confirmation of the theme of brotherhood by the Church as shown in her principal magisterial texts. Particular attention will be given to the fact that the Franciscan Capuchin brotherhood mirrors the nature of the Church by being itself a powerful example of consecrated communion. To render this concept more down to earth, proposals as well as examples, taken from the Maltese Franciscan Capuchin Province of Saint Paul, will be offered as a help on how to create and foster a Franciscan Capuchin fraternity.