Our fraternity was represented by Hélène Anderson, in her capacity as a member of the Regional Council, and by Martin Morris appointed as delegate by the fraternity. Due to a conflicting commitment Pam Ledbrook was unable to attend as the second fraternity delegate. In addition to some 28 Secular Franciscans there were also present Fr. Alban Mitchell OFM, Fr. Pat Colbourne OFM (Cap.), and Br. Louis, OFM (Conv.)
Proceedings opened on the Friday night with Tod Walker, the newly-elected National Minister, explaining the election procedure. Delegates were invited to use a whiteboard in the Conference Room to make nominations in advance of the elections on Sunday morning. Nominations in absentia were, subject to the prior agreement of the nominee, acceptable. Some had already been received by post.
Fr Alban Mitchell, OFM, as National Spiritual Assistant, spoke briefly. Although his ministry over the past three years had been handicapped by ill health, he had attended fraternity elections in Singapore in company with Peter Keogh and had attended others in Adelaide. During the fast few years the Capuchins and the Conventuals had supported the Secular Franciscan Order and agreed to serve as spiritual assistants.
Referring to the impending regional elections he asked that we pray that the will of God be done and that those nominated should base their response on the two tenets of Availability and Acceptance.
Fr, Pat Colbourne OFM (Cap.), as Regional Spiritual Assistant, paid tribute to Fr. Alban's work. Fr Borgia, OFM (Cap.) and Br. Jim Cronley, OFM (Cap.) were now available to act as spiritual assistants. Fr Pat said (tongue in cheek) that the spiritual assistants found it hard to keep up with the energy of the SFO's. There had been a national workshop on Formation.
On Saturday morning, Morning Prayer was integrated with the Mass celebrated by Fr. Pat with Fr. Alban as concelebrant,
The outgoing Regional Minister, Helen Jarick, reported on the previous three years work of the Regional Council. Much of the time and effort of Council members had been spent on visitation to fraternities and attending elections. Regional gatherings had been held in various venues including a very successful one at Corowa in November 1997. Both the Regional and National councils had accommodation problems in Sydney.
Individual fraternity reports were given. Martin reported for our fraternity. Points he made were:
Peter Keogh spoke in support of the proposal submitted by the Mosman fraternity that the NSW/ACT Regional Fraternity of St. Clare be divided into two or three regions to reduce the pressure on the current Regional Council which has to look after 23 fraternities and groups. He referred to Articles 61 and 62 of the Constitutions which permit of that being done. The Chapter resolved that a task force of regional and national councillors be established to consider the proposal and report back to a special chapter to be held no later than November 1999.
The outcome of the elections was as follows. The number of accepted nominations is shown in brackets:
Martin has details of the voting pattern for those interested.
Hélène Anderson and Martin Morris
Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary - 17 November 1998.