Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

DECREE, Record number: 52741/2012

Among the different ways in which the Holy See expresses its concern towards the Institutes of Consecrated life, and care in order to protect their internal cohesion, it constantly reinforces a serene communion of intentions and feelings between the component members of a religious family.

It is possible that in the structure of an Institute, that for somewhat diverse reasons, tensions and mis­ understandings arise which are detrimental to the community in which it is very necessary to follow a common process of human development and personal sanctification (Fraternal life in community n . 35), both to witness to the Church and to the world the divine origin of the vocation to the consecrated life (ibid., n . 10) , by providing a meaningful service to the Church, an expression not only of efficiency, competence and zeal, but above all a true and profound religious sense (Consecrated Life , n . 45).

Therefore, as a result of the information received concerning considerable discomfort among the religious of the Congregation of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate Conception because of the style of government and the decisions recently taken by the Superior General, the Reverend Father Stefano M Manelli, this Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life , in order to protect the values ??of unity and fellowship, has seen fit to appoint and hereby appoints by this Decree

Rev Dr Monsignor VITO ANGELO TODISCO, Apostolic Visitor
ad inquirendum et referendum
for all houses and sodalities of the Congregation of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate.

The Visitor cited, at the end of his office, will have the task of transmitting to this Department a detailed report of its operations and its findings in the aforementioned religious family, especially on the state of the communities visited and the life of fraternal communion, on the style of Government of the Superior General and his decisions especially in liturgical matters, the training of young men and of candidates for the priesthood and the relationship with the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate , indicating, in conclusion, suggestions that he deems appropriate.

In the performance of this engagement, the Visitor can secure the cooperation of a co-visitor, designated by him and approved by this Department.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary.

Given at the Vatican, July 5, 2012.

Joao Braz de Aviz Cardinal Prefect

Joseph W. Tobin, CSsR
Archevêque Secrétaire