Worldwide Franciscan order in 'grave' financial distress [CWN]

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The worldwide leader of the Franciscans has revealed that the religious order is in “grave” financial difficulties, and that Italian civil officials have been asked to investigate …

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CWN_News said:
The worldwide leader of the Franciscans has revealed that the religious order is in “grave” financial difficulties, and that Italian civil officials have been asked to investigate …

More…
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Somehow, I think St. Francis is thrilled to hear that his order is returning to Lady Poverty. :yup:
 
Randy_Carson said:
Somehow, I think St. Francis is thrilled to hear that his order is returning to Lady Poverty. :yup:
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I don’t know about other countries, but in the US, this particular branch of the Franciscans - OFM - has had serious doctrinal issues for many years. This does not apply to all priests and brothers in the OFM in the US. But it applies to enough, in leadership positions, that there has been at least one major break-off of a group of members, to form a new religious community. A huge number of men left the priesthood, with very few studying to become priests or brothers.

I think part of the problem is that some ministries of the order, especially their publications and colleges, became secularized, with no apparent effort by most Franciscans to reverse that process. Their publications “look at” Catholicism; they no longer look at life, from a Catholic point of view. Many things that St. Francis emphasized have been mostly removed from Franciscan schools and colleges. If being a Franciscan today means only supporting more government programs for poor people, or making everyone feel religiously comfortable, a young man doesn’t need to become a priest or brother to do that.

Apparently there are more recent, possibly scandalous reasons for the immediate financial decline that need to be investigated. But I’m sure their financial situation has been impacted severely by the very small percentage of men still able to work, compared to the large number of retirees.
 
God Bless God!

Baptized August 15, 1954 I have been graced with Holy Priests’ my entire life. About a decade was wonderfully with the OFM CAP St. Augustine Province Pittsburgh PA. What a blessing the brothers and priests. The Lord knows my gratitude and indebtedness. Preachers, teachers, shepherds; my lips cannot express what my heart says to the Lord of each and every one of them. I regret I have only prayers to give in this their time of need. My Jesus Mercy.

capuchin.com/

Peace
 
commenter said:
But I’m sure their financial situation has been impacted severely by the very small percentage of men still able to work, compared to the large number of retirees.
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To be fair, there are probably other religious orders which are facing the same problem of more money coming out than money coming in. And who’s to say whether it’s a matter of scandal or just plain unwise investments. Pope Francis has already suggested that they take more classes in finance. It may however be too little and too late. There is a possibility of a major default, not too uncommon these days.
 
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