1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The World Apostolate of Fatima is an organized movement of Christ’s faithful in the Church. In 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She came to warn the world to stop offending God. She asked for prayer, penance and sacrifice. She promised the great blessing of world peace and the triumph of her Immaculate Heart if her requests were fulfilled. All of this was confirmed by a spectacular miracle of the sun witnessed by over 70,000 people on October 13, 1917.
1.2 On 13 Oct 1930, the
Church firstly declared as worthy of credence the vision of the children in
Cova da Iria, Fatima on the days between 13th of May and October 1917 and
secondly permitted officially the devotion of Our Lady of Fatima.
1.3 The World Apostolate of Fatima was started in that same year as the Blue Army in the Parish Church of Plainfied, New Jersey (U.S.A), by Msgr. Harold Colgan to spread Our Lady’s warning and promise of peace. The World Apostolate of Fatima quickly became an International Apostolate with millions of members with national centers in many countries around the world
1.4 The Statutes of the Indian National Council of the World Apostolate of Fatima- India were first approved on 3rd May 2000, reviewed on 15th May 2005 and again on 20th September 2009. The same are being revised now due to the erection of the World Apostolate of Fatima as a Public International Association of the Faithful by the Holy See and approval of its International Statutes.
1.5 The Pontifical Council of the Laity, at Vatican City, on 7 October 2010, Commemorative Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary decreed:
In light of articles 131-134 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus for the Roman Curia and according to canon 312, §1, 1° of the Code of Canon Law, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decrees:
1°) The confirmation of the erection of
the World Apostolate of Fatima as a public international association of
the faithful, with a juridical personality, according to canons 298-320 and
327-329 of the Code of Canon Law.
2°) The definitive approbation of the
Statutes of this association, duly authenticated by this Dicastery and
deposited in our Archives.
1.6 The Charisma of the World Apostolate of Fatima as an international public association of the faithful of pontifical decree is the New Evangelization and formation of the laity through the authentic Message of Fatima. This is the most important ecclesiastical pastoral mission of the Catholic Church, to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all: CONVERSION, MEDITATIVE PRAYER, PENANCE, EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND REPARATION, ENTRUSTMENT TO GOD THROUGH THE CONSECRATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. By proclaiming the primacy of God in today’s world, the WAF contributes to build the Kingdom of God on earth, “a new civilization of love” through a “new Marian Pentecost” that will constitute the authentic TRIUMPH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY announced at Fatima”
2 NAME
2.1 The name of the organization is the World Apostolate of Fatima, India, WAF (India).
2.1 The name of the organization is the World Apostolate of Fatima, India, WAF (India).
3.0 PURPOSE.
The purpose of the World Apostolate is:
3.1 The promotion of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the strict adherence to the tenets of the Gospel;
32 The personal sanctification of adherents through faithful adherence to the Message of Fatima;
3.3 The promotion of the common good by the spreading of the Message of Fatima; and
3.4 In addition to these three general purposes the World Apostolate has the specific purpose of promoting the Pledge given by each member of the World Apostolate of Fatima.
The World Apostolate of Fatima collaborates with many other expressions of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, manifested in various ways approved by the Church.
4.0 MEMBERSHIP.
4.1 Individual members of the World Apostolate. The minimum required for adherence to the principles of the World Apostolate is the making of a pledge, known as the “Heaven’s Peace Plan” promising: (1) to offer up every day the sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duty to the faithful observance of God’s law; (2) to say five decades of the Rosary daily while meditating on the mysteries; (3) to wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of personal consecration to God through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, soul of the Message of Fatima. (4) On the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Members in spreading the message of Fatima shall be united with the Holy Father and the bishops in union with him. When acting in the name of the World Apostolate, they must keep within the terms of the message of Fatima and the authorized practices of the Apostolate.
4.2 Permission must be obtained from & local ordinary (Diocesan Bishop) in organizing a Diocesan unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima. A priest of Diocesan authority shall be appointed with the concurrence of the local ordinary as the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor / Director. A Diocesan Executive Committee made up of delegates from the Parishes shall be elected. The Diocesan Executive Committee can co-opt members to make the Executive Committee more effective and vibrant. Each Diocesan unit is directly under the local Diocesan Bishop.
5.0 MANNER OF ACTION
5.3 Peace Plan: Our Lady gave the world the ‘Heaven’s Peace Plan’ which the World Apostolate of Fatima endures to spread through its members who sign the pledge as explained above. This should lead to amendment of life for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.
5.2 Rosary Cells: Members will strive to form Rosary Cells in Parishes and Dioceses and promote the Five First Saturday Devotion, Consecration / Entrustment and the Message of Fatima with the cooperation/blessings of the Parish Priest and Bishop but without really puffing any extra pressure/load on them.
5.3 The Eucharist: Members should also promote genuine devotion to the Eucharist by organizing Holy Hours, Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Vigils, Prayer cells and daily Mass.
5.4 Leadership: Members should not only actively participate in all Parish activities but assume leadership roles in activities such as Diocesan Pastoral Council, Parish Pastoral Council, Small Christian communities, etc.
5.5 Diocesan Pastoral Plan:
Members should acquaint themselves with the
priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan,
and work for the implementation of the same.
5.6 Family: The family as a “Domestic Church” and a “School of deeper humanity” must be the focus of our concern. Members will achieve this by Promoting Family Rosary, which is the best form of family prayer.
5.7 Sound Catholic Education: The World Apostolate of Fatima will provide sound Catholic Education to members on subjects like the Eucharist, the Message of Fatima, the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, the First Saturday Devotion and love for the Parish Church through its magazines “The Messenger of the World Apostolate of Fatima” and “First Saturdays A Treasure from Fatima” and any other Church approved materials.
5.8 Fight Against Abortion: The World Apostolate of Fatima, India will promote the yearly One World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharist for Peace and Life Program.
5.9 Coordination: The World Apostolate of Fatima- India will work in co-ordination with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Conference of Catholic Bishop’s of India (CCBI).
5.10 Recommendations:
a. Pilgrimages: Members should join and support pilgrimages organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima.
b. Divine Mercy: Members should strive to gain proper knowledge and further the devotion to the Divine Mercy of God, according to the teachings of the Church.
c. Pilgrim Virgin: Members should assist Pilgrim Virgin Visits, as per our Pilgrim Virgin program, which have proper permission of the Diocesan Authority.
d. Unity: Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima should be united with the Holy Father, their Bishops and Priests.
e. Charity: Members should be charitable towards the needs of the neighbour especially the poor and the marginalized.
f. New Society: Members should get involved in the transformation of the world to build a new society.
g. People of Good Will: Members should work hand in hand with people of good will to usher in the Kingdom of God.
6.0 NATIONAL COUNCIL
6.1 Members can consist of two delegates chosen by and from the members of each Diocesan Executive committee. They can be a Spiritual Director / Advisor and Chairman of each Diocesan Unit, in accordance with the terms of the bylaws or regulations. They shall meet in a National Council, at least once every 3 years with a notice of at least three months in advance.
6.2 Special meetings maybe called by the National Chairman with at least one month’s notice to the members. Extra - Special meetings maybe called at a shorter notice by Email or any other modem methods of communication, without physical presence of the members.
6.3 Each member shall be eligible to vote at the National Council meeting and shall be eligible for election to the National Executive Board of Trustees.
Nominations may be made by any delegate by submitting the name of a qualified member or from the floor during the National Council Meeting and the receipt of a second to that nomination.
The
quorum of the National Council meeting shall be one third of the eligible delegates. A simple majority vote of the eligible
delegates is necessary for the
decisions and elections. Voting for elections will be done by secret
written ballot, except for those
instances in which there is only
one nominee for a given position.
Members who cannot be present at the National Council meeting may select a substitute from among their own Diocesan Unit by written proxy. A member may hold and cast one proxy vote.
6.4 The National Ecclesiastical Advisor and in his absence the National Executive Board Chairman shall preside over the National Council meeting and all meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.
7.0 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
7.1 The affairs of the World Apostolate of Fatima, India shall be managed by the National Executive Board of Trustees which shall consist of 4 members. The Members shall serve a term of three years. They shall work in close coordination with the National Center.
7.2 The names of the trustees selected by the National Council shall be submitted to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor within seven days of the conclusion of the National Council Meet, if the National Ecclesiastical Advisor fails to confirm, any person/s so elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the remaining trustees by meeting in email or telephonic conference called with at least two weeks notice.
7.3 A quorum for meeting of the National Executive Board of Trustees shall be 3 members. A majority of those present and voting shall be necessary for the approval of actions by the National Executive Board of Trustees.
7.4 The National Executive Board of Trustees may, from time to time create such positions for the proper management and operation of the organization as maybe necessary.
7.5 The National Executive Board of Trustees shall meet at least once every year in — coordination with the National Center. This could be achieved even by any modem means of communication such as email or conference call.
7.6 These / other meetings may be convened 1) at the request of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor or 2) by a majority of the National Executive Board members or 3) at the request of the National center. Such meetings may be conducted by email or telephone conference or any other modem communications means, provided that each member received even 24 hrs notice of such meeting.
7.7 The Chairman shall preside over all board meetings.
7.8 National Ecclesiastical Advisor: a) Recognizing the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the importance of the Message of Fatima to that teaching, a Bishop is designated as the National Ecclesiastical Advisor of the World Apostolate of Fatima (India).
b) The National Ecclesiastical Advisor shall have control over all matters involving faith and morals and shall, in addition oversee the World Apostolate’s compliance with these statutes.
c) The minutes of the meetings of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees shall be submitted to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor within seven days of their completion which shall not be later than thirty days from the completion of such meeting.
d) The National Ecclesiastical Advisor shall be an Ex-Officio Member of all committees of the World Apostolate, India.
8.0 OFFICERS
The officers of the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall be elected to a term of three years. They shall work in “team spirit” and in close coordination with the Indian National Centre.
The officers of the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall be elected to a term of three years. They shall work in “team spirit” and in close coordination with the Indian National Centre.
8.1 National Executive Board Chairman: (in the absence of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor) shall convoke and preside at meetings of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall ensure that the policies of the Apostolate are carried into effect. The National Chairman shall be an Ex-officio member of all Committees and shall prepare the agenda after consultation with other members.
8.2 National Executive Board Vice Chairman: helps and assists the National Chairman whenever that officer is impeded.
8.3 National Executive Board Secretary: notifies members of regular and special meetings with a copy of the proposed agenda; keeps and maintains records of minutes of meetings and special meetings, distribute copies to those entitled and handles correspondence. He may perform such duties through the National Center.
8.4 National Executive Board Treasurer: Ensures
that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursements according to
generally accepted practices and shall
provide a complete independent accounting report. The National Treasurer shall also be responsible
for preparation of the
Apostolate’s budget and its presentation
to the National Executive Board of
Trustees for approval annually. Accounts
will be submitted annually to the National Ecclesiastical
Advisor for approval. The
National Treasurer will be
responsible for handling the Apostolate’s literature.
8.5 The Indian National Council, National Executive Board of Trustees and National Center, will follow the decisions made by the International Council meeting (General Assembly), the International Board of Trustees and the Asian Regional Board / Council of the WAF and by no means will take resolutions contrary to those approved by the above bodies. The authority of the International and Regional Boards of the WAF supersede those of the National bodies.
9.0 THE INDIAN NATIONAL CENTRE: serves the World Apostolate of Fatima to supervise and coordinate all activities in accordance with the policies established.
9.1 It shall work in team spirit with the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall report to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor.
9.2 The Goa Archdioceses Unit through its Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima is the designated National Centre as per the World Apostolate of Fatima International Secretariat since 1997. This Executive Committee consists of Chairman, Vice- Chairman, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Coordinator, Executive Trustee, and Editor.
9.3 It is managed by the National Centre Chairman.
9.4 Its office is presently located at Panaji, Goa. The change of location must be approved by a majority of 2/3 of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees together with the National Centre officers, with the approval of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor. Proper written handling—taking over of all files, correspondence, books and all materials and accounts must be ensured.
9.5 The National Centre shall keep and maintain the archives of the World Apostolate of Fatima.
10.0 INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL
10.1 Since Indian is a Principal Nation, the World Apostolate of Fatima (India) is entitled to send 2 delegates to the International Council a priest and a lay person depending on affordability. These delegates are to be elected by the National Center officers.
10.2 Following the International Statutes, each Principal Nation like India shall provide to the International Secretariat, no later than June 30 of each year a copy of its annual budget, certified by its Treasurer to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent (1%) of the annual revenue of such Principal Nation’s budget which is to be paid to the International Secretariat.
11.0 YOUTH AND CHILDREN APOSTOLATE.
In keeping with Vatican II regarding apostolate for youth, the World Apostolate must dedicate itself to the youth according to the youth program. It must promote the yearly One World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharist for Peace and Life Program before the Most Blessed Sacrament
12.0 RESOURCES
The resources of the Apostolate are from voluntary contributions or donations or gift or bequests or the like. The World Apostolate of Fatima (India) may acquire, posses, administer, encumber or transfer any type of property; real, personal or mixed. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the prevailing local laws and the Code of Canon Law. Each Diocesan Unit shall provide to the National Centre, no later than 30 April of each year a copy of its annual budget certified by its Chairman and Spiritual Advisor / Director to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent of the annual revenue of each Diocesan Unit which is to be sent to the Indian National Centre.
No officer or member of the Apostolate shall be personally liable for the obligations of the organization if such an officer or member has taken action in good faith for the benefit of the Apostolate.
The resources of the Apostolate are from voluntary contributions or donations or gift or bequests or the like. The World Apostolate of Fatima (India) may acquire, posses, administer, encumber or transfer any type of property; real, personal or mixed. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the prevailing local laws and the Code of Canon Law. Each Diocesan Unit shall provide to the National Centre, no later than 30 April of each year a copy of its annual budget certified by its Chairman and Spiritual Advisor / Director to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent of the annual revenue of each Diocesan Unit which is to be sent to the Indian National Centre.
No officer or member of the Apostolate shall be personally liable for the obligations of the organization if such an officer or member has taken action in good faith for the benefit of the Apostolate.
13.0 DISMISSAL
A member may be dismissed by the National Executive Board of Trustees and / or the National Centre in consultation with the National Ecclesiastical Advisor for a conduct contrary to the good or to the aims of the Apostolate and its current Statutes.
14.0 ` RULES AND RESOLUTION The norms of the Code of Canon Law shall be followed in the absence of specific rules, regulations or bylaws. Proposed resolutions maybe submitted in advance of or at the National Council meeting
15.0 THE MAGAZINES “The Messenger of the World Apostolate of Fatima” and “The First Saturdays - A Treasure from Fatima” AND WEBSITES WorldFatimaTv.org | WorldFatimaIndia.blogspot.in | WorldFatimaAsia.blogspot.in | Children-of-the-Eucharist.blogspot.in | www.worldfatima.com are published and printed to promote the Message of Fatima and give news about the Apostolate.
16.0 AMENDMENTS to these statutes require a 2/3 vote of the quorum National Council Assembly with written notification to the diocesan delegates with at least 30 days advance. Said amendments will be considered approved when passed by 2/3 vote of the National Council assembly and then approved by the National Ecclesiastical Advisor.
17.0 RECOURSE TO CANON LAW in all matters not covered by these Statutes, the current and applicable Canon Law will be applied. Canon law will also be applied in the case of the dissolution of this Apostolate and the distribution of its goods.
18.0 EFFECTIVE DATE These Statutes will become effective on 21st November 2012.
_____________________ _________________________
Sr. Savita Parmar Sr. Theresa Parmar
(Ahmedabad) (Ahmedabad)
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. William Carvalho Fr. Alex Britto
(Baroda Baroda
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Callistus Fernandes Mr. Victor Mascarenhas
(Bombay Bombay
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Godfrey Fernandes Mr. James Lingam
(Calcutta Calcutta
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Elias Martis Fr. Britto D’Silva
(Gulbarga
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Alfie D”Silva Fr. M V Sunny
(Karwar) (Raiganj)
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Babla Mandal Fr. Dileep Thannickal
(Raiganj) (Jagdalpur)
_____________________ _________________________
Fr. Biju Uppanmackal Sr. Antoinette Fernandes
(Jagdalpur) (Krishnagar)
_____________________ _________________________
Ms. Lucy Gabriel Mr. Reginald D’Souza
(Delhi
_____________________ _________________________
Mr. Anthony R V Viegas Mr. Francis Barreto
(Goa ) (Goa )
Approved: ____________________
(+ Peter Machado)
Bishop of Belgaum
Ecclesiastical Advisor of the
World Apostolate of Fatima
Statutes of WAF
CP/2315/2008
These
Statutes of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Goa
Archdiocesan Unit) are hereby approved provisionally for a period of two years,
at the end of which the same – revised, if necessary – shall be submitted for
their definitive approval. We invoke God’s abundant blessings upon all the
members of the WAF (G. A. U.) and pray to our Heavenly Father, through the
intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary, that they may grow in holiness and
strive for the sanctification of all our faithful in the parishes of the
Archdiocese of Goa and Daman .
Archbishop’s
House, Panjim, Goa , 13th August, 2008 .
______________________
(+ Filipe Neri Ferrao)
Archbishop
of Goa and Daman
STATUTES OF THE
WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
The World Apostolate of Fatima is an organized movement of Christ’s faithful
in the Church. In 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd
children in Fatima , Portugal October 13, 1917 .
1.2
The World Apostolate of Fatima was started in that same year as the Blue Army
in the Parish Church of Plainfied, New Jersey (U.S.A), by Harold Colgan to
spread Our Lady’s warning and promise of peace. The World Apostolate of Fatima
quickly became an International Apostolate
with millions of members with national centers in many countries around the
world.
1.3
The World Apostolate of Fatima was started in Goa
in 1954 with Fr. Servulo Piedade as it’s
President.
1.4
The Pontifical Council of the Laity, at Vatican City 7 October 2005 ,
Memory of the Blessed Mary Virgin of the Rosary decreed:
1º The erection of the World Apostolate of Fatima as a public
International association of the faithful, according to canons 298-320 and
327-329 of the code of Canon law.
2º The approval of the Statutes of the association, duly authenticated by
this Dicastery and deposited in our Archives.
2.0 THE MISSION FATIMA .
2.1
Our Lady gave the means to change
the world, to turn the hearts of men and women back to God, to end the wars and
strife, to end the horror of abortion. The Mission Fatima . It is our
endeavour to spread the message throughout the world and especially India Goa in particular and assist men
and women of good will to respond to her requests.
Our Lady of
Fatima asked for a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Trinity leading to
amendment of life, for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the
conversion of sinners, for a more genuine devotion to the Eucharist, devotion
to the Rosary, the Five First Saturdays devotion and for consecration to her
Immaculate Heart. The World Apostolate of Fatima’s mission is to live this
message and make it known.
2.2
Pope John Paul II says “The message
of Fatima is addressed to every human being.
The message of Fatima is more relevant and
more urgent than when it was given 65 years ago”. (Pope John Paul II, May 22,
1982, Fatima, Portugal).
Hence the urgent
necessity for a response to this Message, and the active promotion of it in the
interest of salvation of souls and peace, is by God’s grace, the motivating
force behind the Apostolate of Fatima throughout the world.
3.0.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF
THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA
3.1 Personal Sanctification
The members of the World Apostolate of Fatima
endeavour to achieve personal sanctification through faithful adherence to the
authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and active compliance with and
promotion of the message of Fatima .
3.2 Commitment Members commit themselves and get others to commit to reciting the
Rosary, offer up sacrifices demanded by the daily duty, wear the Scapular of
Our Lady and observe the Five First Saturdays.
3.3 Strong Church
3.4 Sincere Repentance Jesus ushered in the Kingdom
of God Kingdom of God Fatima flows
from the Gospel. It aims at man’s interior transformation, at the defeat of sin
within him and the strengthening of goodness and at the attainment of holiness
(Pope John Paul II, 7th June, 1997). With our acceptance of God’s
love through a sincere repentance, begins a mighty movement of personal and
social liberation.
3.5 Active Work for the salvation of humanity especially by spreading the message of
Fatima .
4.0 MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Peace Plan With the above purpose in mind, the founders of the World Apostolate
of Fatima (Blue Army) formulated the Fatima
‘Pledge’ also known as ‘Peace Plan’ with the following minimum conditions for
membership:
a.
To offer up everyday the
sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duties and the faithful observance of God’s
Law.
b.
To recite at least five decades
of the Rosary while meditating on its Mysteries.
c.
To wear the Brown Scapular of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of one’s consecration to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary.
d.
Observe the Five First
Saturdays of five consecutive months by fulfilling the following conditions:
1.
Confess within 8 days
2.
Receive Holy Communion
3.
Recite minimum five decades of
the Rosary and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes meditating either
on five or all the twenty mysteries of the Rosary.
4.
All this to be done with the
intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The idea of the
Five Saturdays is obviously to make us persevere in the devotional acts for
these Saturdays and overcome initial difficulties. Once this is done, Our Lady
knows well that person would become devoted to her Immaculate heart and persist
in practicing such devotion on all First Saturdays working thereby for personal
reform and for the salvation of others.
4.2 Type of Members
a.
Ordinary member: Any member who
signs the pledge to fulfill the required conditions.
b.
Promoter member: A promoter
member is one who undertakes to help actively in spreading the message of Fatima with prior approval of the executive committee
provided he fulfills the following conditions:
1.
Age 18 years and above
2.
Exemplary Catholic life
3.
True sense of devotion to Our
Lady
4.
Good Knowledge of the First
Saturday Devotion and the message of Fatima
and zeal to implement it.
5.0
MANNER OF ACTION
5.1
PEACE PLAN: Our Lady gave the world
the ‘Heaven’s Peace Plan’ which the World Apostolate of Fatima endures to
spread through its members who sign the pledge to offer up everyday sacrifices
demanded by one’s daily duties, to recite daily at least five decades of the
Rosary meditating on the mysteries, to wear the Brown Scapular as a reminder
and sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to observe the
Five First Saturdays of Reparation leading to amendment of life for prayer and
penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.
5.2
ROSARY CELLS: Promoter members will
form Rosary Cells in Parishes and promote the Five First Saturday Devotion with
the cooperation/blessings of the Parish Priest but without really putting any
extra pressure/load on him.
5.3
THE EUCHARIST: Members should also
promote genuine devotion to the Eucharist by organizing Holy Hours, Visits to
the Blessed Sacrament, Vigils, Prayer cells and daily Mass.
5.4
LEADERSHIP: Members should not only
actively participate in all Parish activities but assume leadership roles in
activities such as Parish Pastoral Council, small Christian communities, etc.
5.5
DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN: Members
should acquaint themselves with the priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan
2002, and work for the implementation of the same.
5.6
FAMILY: As the Diocesan Pastoral
Plan 2002 says “The family as a “Domestic
Church
5.7
SOUND CATHOLIC EDUCATION: The World
Apostolate of Fatima will provide sound Catholic Education to members on
subjects like the Eucharist, the Message of Fatima, the Holy Rosary of the
Virgin Mary, the First Saturday Devotion and love for the Parish Church through
its magazine “The Fatima Messenger” as well as the monthly bulletin “The First
Saturdays a Treasure from Fatima”.
5.8
FIGHT AGAINST ABORTION: The horrors
of Abortion will be highlighted in the Fatima Messenger as well as the monthly
bulletin “The First Saturdays a Treasure from Fatima ”.
5.9
COORDINATION: The World Apostolate
of Fatima (GAU) will work in co-ordination with the Diocesan Center
5.10 RECOMMENDATIONS:
a. PILGRIMAGES: Members should join and support pilgrimages organized by the World
Apostolate of Fatima.
b. DIVINE MERCY: Members should strive to gain proper knowledge and further the
devotion to the Divine Mercy of God,
according to the teachings of the church.
c. PILGRIM VIRGIN: Members should assist Pilgrim Virgin Visits, which have proper
permission of the Diocesan Authority.
d. UNITY: Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima should be united with the
Holy Father, their Archbishop and Priests.
e. CHARITY: Members should be charitable towards the needs of the neighbour
especially the poor and the marginalized.
f. NEW SOCIETY: Members should get involved in the transformation of the world to
build a new society.
g. PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL: Members should work hand in hand with people of good will to usher
in the Kingdom of
God
5.11 MARY’S INTERCESSION:
The Diocesan
Pastoral Plan 2002 ends with the following: “May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our
Mother and the Mother of India, accompany us on this journey…” The members of
the World Apostolate of Fatima will depend a lot on her powerful intercession
to guide, lead and help us achieve our goals and objective through the powerful
weapons of the Rosary, Scapular and the Five First Saturday Devotion which
pulls all devotees to the Church and Sacramental life. May she lead us all to
Jesus her Son Our Saviour and Redeemer.
6.0 DISCIPLINE
6.1
The Executive Committee of
the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall have the authority to dismiss or
suspend any promoter member for a just reason subject to the right of appeal to
the executive committee in consultation with the Spiritual Adviser.
6.2
An up to date list and
addresses of all members especially promoter members should be maintained.
6.3
The World Apostolate of
Fatima (GAU) shall meet at least once in every six months.
7.0 ORGANIZATION AND
MANAGEMENT.
7.1
The World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU)
shall elect every three years an executive committee which shall consist of:
a.
Chairman,
b. Vice-Chairman,
c. A General
Secretary,
d.
An
Assistant Secretary
e. A Treasurer,
f. An Assistant Treasurer,
g. A Coordinator,
h. An Executive Trustee,
i.
An Editor.
7.2
The Executive Committee of the
World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall request the Archdiocesan Authority to
nominate a priest from the Archdiocese as Spiritual Adviser. The term of the
Spiritual Adviser will be three years. He can be re-nominated
7.3
The Executive Committee of the
World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) can co-opt
members to make it more effective and vibrant.
7.4
Duties
a.
The Chairman shall chair each
meeting and in his absence either the Vice-Chairman or any senior most member
present He shall ensure that the policies of the Apostolate are carried into
effect.
b.
Vice-Chairman helps and assists
the Chairman especially whenever the Chairman is impeded.
c.
The General Secretary notifies
concerned members of meetings with a copy of the agenda, maintains record of
minutes of meetings, distributes copies to those entitled, and maintains a
register of those present at the meeting.
d.
The Assistant Secretary will
assist the General Secretary especially in the absence of the General
Secretary.
e.
The Treasurer ensures that
accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursement and submitted
annually to the spiritual Adviser for approval. He will be responsible for
handling the Apostolate’s literature and other goods.
f.
The Assistant Treasurer will
assist the Treasurer especially in the absence of the Treasurer.
g.
The Coordinator with his
experience will oversee all activities/functions of the apostolate such as
meetings, retreats, night vigils etc.
h.
Executive Trustee shall advise
the Committee based on his experience and knowledge of the Message of Fatima
and the Apostolate.
i.
The Editor publishes and prints
the Apostolate’s literature to promote the message of Fatima .
j.
Spiritual Adviser: Recognizing
the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic
Church and the importance of the message of Fatima
to that teaching, a priest of Archdiocesan authority is “designated as the
Spiritual Adviser of the Goa Unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima; subject to
the approval of the Goa Archbishop Patriarch. He shall have control over all
matters involving faith and morals and oversee the compliance with these
statutes. The minutes of all meetings shall be submitted to him within seven
days of their completion.
The Goa Unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima relates to the Archbishop Patriarch through its Spiritual
Adviser and /or Chairman/Vice-Chairman depending upon circumstances. He has the
right to assist in the process of revision for amendment of the statutes if
need arises.
k.
The Executive Committee shall
meet when they so desire, at least every two months. In an emergency executive
committee decisions could be taken by circulating a letter by post or any other
modern method of communication.
8.0 ELECTIONS AND DECISION
MAKING.
8.1
Members of the World Apostolate
of Fatima (GAU) shall be given fifteen days notice for all election either
through any of the Apostolate’s bulletins and /or announcements during meetings
or through an advertisement when financially viable.
8.2
A majority of the usually
active members shall constitute a quorum. In case there is no quorum, then the
meeting shall be adjourned by five minutes and the number of members present
after the said adjournment shall constitute the quorum for that meeting.
8.3
A person must get an absolute
majority of the votes in order to be elected.
8.4
If the votes are equal, then
the winning candidate shall be decided by the casting vote of the presiding
officer.
8.5
The Executive Committee of the
World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall nominate in advance the Presiding
Officer.
8.6
Executive Committee members
elected for a three year term, maybe re-elected for a further term of three
years to the same office. After a break of one term (3 years), He can be
re-elected to the same office. An exception to this rule is the post of the
Editor, who because of his technical and other expertise cannot be easily
replaced. Therefore, he remains elected as long as he enjoys the confidence of
the executive committee.
8.7
Decision making is empowered to
the Executive Committee. The Spiritual Adviser will be taken into confidence on
all matters.
8.8
Decisions by an absolute
majority of those present shall have the force of law.
9.0 FUNDS AND ASSETS.
9.1
There shall be no membership
fee or periodic subscription. Funds may be raised through voluntary
contribution from members, institutions and general public, according to the
protempore norms of the Archdiocese. Accounts will be submitted annually to the
Spiritual Adviser for approval.
9.2
The Treasurer of the World
Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) in consultation with other office bearers shall
establish particular norms to administer any goods the Apostolate may possess
for the advancement of the aims of the Apostolate.
10.0 AMENDMENTS OF STATUTES
10.1 Once approved by the Archbishop any changes/amendments to these
statutes will have to be made by the executive committee and approved at a
general body meeting, by more than two third of the members present. The final
approval should come from the Archbishop Patriarch.
11.0 DISSOLUTION OF THE WAF
Cl
Click below for:-Decree of Erection by Vatican: 7 Oct 2010
Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life on W.A.F.
W.A.F. USA Structural Flow Chart and Mission Guide for Diocesan Divisions
Public Ceremony of Decree of Erection on 3 Feb 2006, Vatican
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