Intercontinental Christian Fraternity of the Chronic Sick and Physically Disabled

OFFICIAL NAME

ACRONYM

FCIPMH (Fraternité Chrétienne Intercontinentale des Personnes Malades Chroniques et Handicappées Physiques)

ALSO KNOWN AS

Frater

ESTABLISHED

1945

HISTORY

Frater was established in Verdun by Fr Henry François. Recognised in 1957 by the Assembly of Cardinals and Archbishops of France, it spread rapidly to other countries in Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. On 11 February 1995, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed recognition of the Fraternité Chrétienne Intercontinentale des Personnes Malades Chroniques et Handicappées Physiques as an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right.

IDENTITY

Frater was created at the very heart of sickness and physical limitations, and the desire to overcome them. Its main objective is to evangelise the sick and disabled through personal and community relations (group life) and commitment to building up a new society based on respect for human dignity. The Fraternity pursues these aims by involving the sick and disabled people themselves, making the most of their talents and encouraging them to overcome the limitations imposed upon them by their condition, to become the craftsmen of their own lives by becoming aware of the role which is rightly theirs in society and in the Church. The pedagogy used by the Association is based on the restoration of self-esteem, growth in the exercise of citizenship (rights and duties); learning to live in community and to live the Gospel in an ecumenical spirit (accepting differences). The actions that are typical of Frater include visits to the sick and disabled by other sick and disabled people, holding meetings, retreats, courses, study days and assemblies.

ORGANISATION

Frater - which is made up of the chronic sick and physically disabled and those who wish to share their aspirations with them - is governed by the Intercontinental Committee, a permanent representative body responsible for the whole Fraternity, made up of members of the International Team, a representative of each affiliated country, a representative of each non-affiliated country, the officials of the Continental Teams, the Intercontinental Councillor and Deputy Councillor; the Intercontinental Council, which is responsible for assisting the Intercontinental Committee and is composed of the Intercontinental Team, two delegates of each Continental Team, one delegate for each country which does not have a continental assembly, and guests invited by the Intercontinental Team; the Intercontinental Team, with executive functions, made up of the Intercontinental Coordinator, two other chronic sick or disabled members, the Intercontinental Councillor; and the Continental Assemblies, which research and study specific issues relating to the continent in question.

MEMBERSHIP

Frater has 51 member associations in 51 different countries, as follows: Africa (12), Asia (7), Europe (12), North America (10) and South America (10).

WORKS

Frater manages homes and rehabilitation centres in France, Belgium, Brazil and Spain.

PUBLICATIONS

Carta às nações, six monthly. The member associations also have their own publications at the national level.

WEB SITE

www.fratinter.org

HEADQUARTERS

Frater

Maset de Frater

Avda. Los Pinos, 242

12100 GRAO CASTELLÓN - España

Tel. [+34] 964 282992