The St. Louis Fraternity of the Franciscan Third Order
The St. Louis Fraternity Council
Michael J. Ruggiero, SFO, M.A., Minister
313 Hoosick Street, Troy NY 12180
E-Mail: michaelruggiero79@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: 518-242-0882
Nicholas Barbera, SFO, Vice-Minister
Anita Clemente, SFO, Formation Director
Emily Thompson, SFO, Treasurer
August 26, 2009
To: Br. Christopher Fishkin, SFO
E-Mail itineranthermit@aol.com
Fr: Michael J. Ruggiero, SFO, M.A., Minister
Dear Brother Christopher:
It is my pleasure to inform you, after consideration of your recent petition for active status, in accordance with Article 18, number 7a of the National Statutes of the Secular Franciscan Order and consultation with a majority of the Fraternity Council, that as of this date, August 26, 2009, all ecclesiastical officials in the universal Church are to recognize you as an active member in good standing with the St. Louis Fraternity of the Franciscan Third Order (Secular Franciscan Order), Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Region, fraternity #71-141.
The aforementioned date is not meant to imply (nor is it to be considered to infer) that you were at any time a lapsed member. On the contrary, after thorough investigation and discussion with an eye witness, your profession as an eremetical member, dispensed from mandatory attendance and the giving of monetary contributions, in accordance with Article 18, Number 7a of the National Statutes was valid as of July 22, 2001.
Thus, in accordance with the General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order, Article 51, number 2 c and e, and the authority given me by this article and this number, and Article 50, number 2b and h and the authority given the Council of the St. Louis Fraternity by this article and number, as Minister of the Fraternity and Council I affirm on behalf of the Council and by a majority of the members of the Council - for all officials of the universal Church - that Christopher Fishkin, as of August 26, 2009, is to be considered an active member of the St. Louis Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, #71-141, of the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Region.
Brother Christopher, please note that you are presently under my authority as Minister and I respectfully request that you formally transfer into a local fraternity in Hawaii by January 1, 2010 (though both your eremetical status and exemption under Article 18, 7a of the National Statutes are to be respected). Please notify me by E-Mail when you are ready to transfer and I will forward you the appropriate document.
Should any Diocesan officials have any questions, they may correspond with me in writing at the above address. Please inform them that under General Constitutions Article 51, number 2c, I alone "represent the fraternity in all its relations with ecclesiastical and civil authorities."
May our Lord Bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you, may He look upon you with kindness and give you his peace. May the Lord bless you, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Respectfully,
Michael J. Ruggiero, SFO, M.A.
Minister
cc: The Fraternity Council
