Felicitate quadam

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The Apostolic Constitution Felicitate quadam ( Latin for "fortunately" ), named after its incipit , is a decree of Pope Leo XIII. , with which he restored the unity of the Franciscan Order . It was published on October 4, 1897 and is also known as the "Union Bull" of the Franciscans. The process of unification is known as the Unio Leonina .

The fragmentation of the Franciscan order

After the replacement and re-establishment of differently observant branches within the Franciscan Order (Observants, Discalceates or Alcantarines , Reformates and Recollects ), the desire for a reunification of the Franciscan Order grew stronger in the second half of the 19th century. Initially, the idea of ​​the uniform designation “Franciscan” matured, but this did not catch on. It was not until 1889 that common general statutes were passed for all branches of the order again , but not all of the Observants accepted them without resistance.

Papal intervention

Pope Leo XIII. was at the same time protector of the order and cardinally appointed a Dominican president of the general chapter , who was instructed to initiate a union of the observant branches. As a result of the negotiations, a commission was finally appointed to draft new general statutes in 1895.

The Union bull

Leo XIII. forbade any contradiction to these general statutes and promulgated the great union:

“Since this is so… by virtue of Our Apostolic Authority, by virtue of this letter, we call back the Order of the Friars Minor, which was previously divided into different communities, to unity and to a complete and perfect community of life, so that after the dissolution of all divisions in families it unites forms a single body. "

In addition, he determined that

  • all special terms are prohibited,
  • only the valid designation ordo fratrum minorum ( OFM ) may be used,
  • a head and uniform administration must be installed,
  • all special privileges are canceled,
  • a uniform habit according to the pattern of the habit of Francis in St. Peter is to be worn,
  • Provinces that resist lose the right to accept novices and
  • unruly brothers are drawn together (to extinction) in separate convents .

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