Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity Community Director Sister Louise Hembrecht not only was present for the recent International Franciscan Conference of the Institutes of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis (IFC-TOR) General Assembly in Assisi, Italy, but she also was on the leadership team making sure all things happened smoothly. Rooted in Christ – On Fire with the Spirit – Go . . . Transform the World was the theme of the days. A beautiful theme to keep alive for a life time!
How did IRC-TOR come to be?
IFC-TOR was established in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council which called for all religious families to renew and update themselves by returning to the source of their foundation. Members of Institutes saw the necessity to renew the Rule so that it would meet the needs of the present day. In March 1982 a Rome general assembly approved a new draft. It was presented to Pope John Paul II who promulgated it.
General superiors also expressed the wish that a permanent structure be set up to ensure that the common bond of their Franciscan heritage and continued cooperation among all. A general assembly met in Assisi in 1985 and has continued including this most recent one in 2013.
Click here to check out the organization’s website for Franciscan resources.
