On March 26, 2012 at the end of the five years “ad experimentum” approval of the statutes of the Franciscans of Mary, His Eminence Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, consigned to Reverend Father Santiago Martin, founder of the association and diocesan priest of the Archdiocese of Madrid, the Decree of Final Approbation of the Statutes.
Father Santiago Martin stressed his appreciation and joy of this moment as a significant goal that had been reached in the history of this new association, which was born in Spain in 1988. He says:
“I am sure that for any founder of an ecclesial association, the definitive approbation of their statutes by the Church is a moment of jubilation and peace. This is exactly how I feel. I have a deep gratitude toward God, the Most blessed Virgin, and the Holy Father together with all the persons who have accompanied me since the very beginning of the foundation until today. This is the concluding phase of a way and the beginning of a new one. All has to be done, so that the Lord is more known and loved.”
Further information about the charism and background of the Franciscans of Mary this new association can be found in our Directory of international associations of the faithful on line.
