A. STATUTES FOR VISITATION

The "STATUTES FOR CANONICAL VISITATION AND THE PRESIDENCY OF THE PROVINCIAL CHAPTER" reflect the evolution of this "institution" of our Order and their aim is the authentic life of the Order in all its dimensions.

So that they do not remain a "dead letter" they should be read and applied according to "the spirit", specifically according to the perspective that the Minister General has outlined in this meeting – with practical consequences for particular attention.

The administrative requirements come under this perspective of support and concrete realization of a well-ordered body, with a view to the full realization of our vocation.

1. 1. The short report that should accompany the presentation of Candidates for the Office of Minister Provincial is very important for the preparation of the Minister General’s Letter to the Chapter (contact the Minister General and/or the Regional Definitor for particular situations)
2. The final report (to be sent in within two months) (SV 19 §2).

The statistics are important, but their analysis and evaluation in context are even more important. The statistical forms should be sent in as quickly and accurately as possible so that our database can be compiled and updated.

1. When sending in the Candidates to be approved for the election of the Minister Provincial, always include the number fixed by the particular Statutes and allow sufficient time. (SV 40 §1;44;45)

   For election as Minister Provincial, a friar must be solemnly professed for at least five years (as for all offices of government CG 183); [priest]

   Friars under the obedience of the Minister General (and also those in the service of the Holy See or with other contracts or conventions) must obtain prior authorisation to assume office (SV 43 §2)

2. Moreover:
   * contact the Minister General (or Definitor General) in cases of difficulty;
   * bear in mind the cases for "postulation" (SV 47 §2);
   * communicate and bear in mind the duration of the office, and the time fixed for a break from office
   * the re-election of the Minister Provincial – unless he was elected "ad complendum" – is always for THREE YEARS (SG 162)
3. Method of election
   * observe what is set down in the Statutes
   * for the joint election of definitors, pay attention to the number of scrutinies...
   * do not change the method of election after the Chapter has been summoned;
   * the Chapter may amend the Statutes, which then come into effect after approval by the General Definitory and promulgation by the Minister Provincial;
4. Proclamation and confirmation of the elections and taking of the oath to assume Office (Formula «ad tuendam») (CG 184)
   
5. For the Capitular Congressus
   pay attention to seeking dispensations... (SG147 §3)
   deadline for elections from the time of the Office becoming vacant (three months) (can.165; SG 120)
   confer all the required Offices
   Guardians, Vicars, local bursars (SG 202 §1);
   Provincial Secretary, Provincial Bursar ( SG 185)
   Commissary of the Holy Land (SG 65)
   Secretary for Formation and Studies (SG 71)
   Moderator of Ongoing Formation (SG 71)
   Masters of Formation (postulants, novices, professed) (SG 77)
   Secretary for Missionary Evangelization (SG 50)
   Justice and Peace Co-ordinator
   Assistant to the SFO (SG 27)
6. Authorizations to be sought (debts, etc.)

1. The Finance "forms" and the percentages compared with the "standard" of poverty
   

2. Always give the Visitator-President’s address, for the mailing of Documents;
   
3. Calculate the time for approval of requests according to the calendar of the General Definitory’s Sessions.
   

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NB

• Incompatibility of offices (Guardian/bursar)
  
• Use of the local Chapter
  
• The formation of Guardians
  
• Relationships with the Foundations/Missions/Custodies and the Mother Province and the Provinces in whose territory they are situated.