| GENERAL STATUTES
OF THE MILITIA OF THE IMMACULATE
Article
1
The Militia of the
Immaculata, founded in Rome by St. Maximilian Kolbe on October 16, 1917, with the
Latin name Militia Immaculatae (MI), is a public association of the faithful that is universal and
international. It is open to the laity and clerics and is governed by the norms of canons
312-320 of the CJC [Code of Canon Law], by the directives of the Church and by the
present statutes.
According to the thought of the Founder, it can assume various names depending on
different cultural and environmental exigencies, but consistently keeping the
international abbreviation sign, MI.
Article 2
It is therefore an
association in which the members, mindful of the calling of all Christians to personal
holiness and to evangelization, and of Mary's mission of grace in the Church and in the
world, the fruit of her perfect union with the Holy Spirit (cf., SK-Writings of St.
Maximilian Kolbe, 634, 1224, 1229, 1310), recognize in the mystery of her Immaculate
Conception the focal point of their spirituality, theology and apostolate (Disc. of
Paul VI for the Beatification of Father Kolbe, 17.10.1971).
Article
3
The Militia of the
Immaculata was defined by Father Kolbe himself: "a global vision of Catholic life
under a new form, consisting in the bond with the Immaculata, our universal Mediatrix
before Jesus" (SK 1220).
In fact, the MI essentially intends to promote the extension of the Reign of Christ in the
world through the action of the Immaculata, encouraging all Christians - the laity,
religious and contemplatives - to place themselves at her service in the mission that she
has as Mother of the Church.
Article 4
The scope of the MI,
universal as its mission, consists:
1. In collaborating
in the conversion of all, so that "through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen
of Apostles, all peoples might be led as soon as possible to awareness of the truth"
(AG-Ad Gentes 42), to observance of the law of God and union with the Church,
"so that with the help of the Mother of God they may be one" (OE-Oriental
Ecclesiarum 30, MC-Marialis Cultus 33);
2. In collaborating in the sanctification of all persons and each person in
particular, after the example of the Immaculata, in whom the Church "joyfully
contemplates, as in a faultless image, what she, as a whole, wishes and hopes to be"
(SC-Sacrosanctum Concilium 103);
3. In obtaining the greatest glory for the "Most Holy and Undivided
Trinity" (LG-Lumen Gentium 69).
Article 5
The spirituality of the
MI consists in living the baptismal consecration in the light of the Immaculata, gift
of the Redeemer. On Calvary, he accomplishes the first act of entrusting, giving Mary to
the disciple and the disciple to Mary (Jn 19:25-27). The life of the disciple is
characterized by the presence of the Mother (RM-Redemptoris Mater 45).
Father Kolbe lived that vital relationship with Mary in a unique way, understood as a
"transformation in her," a "becoming her" (SK 508), in order to
reach a more perfect union with Christ.
Article 6
The MI affirms in
Christians the pre-eminence of the interior life, according to a principle dear to St.
Maximilian: "first of all, dedicate yourself completely to yourself and, in this way,
you will be able to give yourself completely to others . . . through the overflow of your
fullness" (SK 971, 980).
With regard to personal prayer, MI members will attend to, in particular, the daily
recitation of the ejaculatory prayer: "O Mary, conceived without sin . . ."
together with the "intentions" suggested monthly by the International Center.
Not to be neglected is the praiseworthy custom of wearing with devotion the Miraculous
Medal, an exterior sign of one's own belonging to the MI (cf. Original mission statement
of the MI).
Article 7
After the example of
Mary, Virgin in listening, Virgin in prayer, Virgin Mother, Virgin offering (RM
17-20), members of the Militia of the Immaculata recognize the fundamental value of
listening to the Word of God, of the liturgical celebration, of prayer, of charity towards
others, of offering one's own being, in order to collaborate with Christ in the salvation
of the world.
Article 8
Since the giving of
oneself to the Immaculata is not a transitory act, but a responsible and dynamic
acceptance of the state of conformation to her, in order to grow in the spirit of faith
and service, it is necessary that MI members be adequately formed according to the ideals
of the Association and in the apostolic style that characterizes it.
Therefore, members strive to deepen their own spiritual, theological, mariological and
pastoral formation, drawing on the richness of the Church's magisterium as well as the
various initiatives presented by the Association.
Article 9
The members of the MI
love the Church, Mother and Teacher, and offer themselves as a living and effective
presence for contributing to the growth of the ecclesial community.
Mission
Article 10
The fronts of action
for the members of the Militia of the Immaculata are three: oneself, one's surroundings,
the world. Indeed, the one who chooses to belong to the MI:
1. Begins his or her mission by conversion and personal sanctification; the
conquest of self for God is his or her first indispensable act;
2. Discerns, then in family, in neighbors, in the field of his or her work or free
time - the providential terrain to evangelize by example, a good word and the
dissemination of printed matter (SK 1127);
3. Finally, since the MI is a movement with an ecclesial dimension, the MI member
opens up his or her heart to every person and to the entire world.
Article 11
The members of the
Militia of the Immaculata make their own the mission of the Church: "to bear the
Gospel of Christ as a source of hope for all and a source of renewal for the society"
(ChL-Christifideles Laici 29).
Article 12
Recognizing in the Immaculata
"the new creature," the MI sees in her, perfect disciple of the Lord, the model
of the believer.
Article 13
The specific nature of
the MI consists in promoting the mystery of the Immaculate Conception, namely:
"to sow this truth in the hearts of all . . . and to take care of its growth and the
fruits of sanctification" (SK 486), contributing to the Christian formation of
consciences and to the new evangelization. Mary, sign of victory over evil and death,
"through her intimate participation in the history of salvation, while being preached
and honored, calls believers to her Son, to his sacrifice and to the love of the
Father" (LG 65).
Article 14
Therefore, MI members
strive to communicate love for the Immaculata by their witness in the various spheres
of social activity, permeating every human reality with evangelical spirit.
Consequently, they are called to carry out every activity with particular dedication, to
promote the protection of life, in service of the integral dignity of the person, while
proposing values of fraternity, justice and solidarity.
Article 15
All members of the MI,
aware of always and everywhere being missionaries, are such to the extent in which they
live the union with Christ Redeemer after the example of Mary.
In recognizing that the true missionary is holy, they give first place to the evangelical
vehicles of prayer, sacrifice and the witness of their life (RMi-Redemptoris Missio
90).
Father Kolbe also strongly recommends spreading the Miraculous Medal, a sign of Mary's
maternal concern for sinners and a propitious opportunity for their conversion.
Article 16
Persons who suffer
constitute a significant presence in the Association. Their consecration to the
Immaculata in offering up their own sufferings makes the entire Association a participant
in the redemptive mystery of Christ and renews its missionary thrust.
Article 17
Particular attention is
given to the presence of the youth. Every national center is to do everything possible
to organize the Youth Movement MI as an integral part of the Association. Regarding this
movement, the national director will set out a specific formative and pastoral itinerary.
Article 18
Members of the MI,
according to the meaning of article 8, avail themselves of the means that Father Kolbe
used with prophetic and Franciscan spirit, thereby becoming apostles "of the pen, the
microphone, the screen or whichever other means" (SK 382). The members are
active:
1. In the field of evangelization (announcing the Word, catechesis, care for the
young people's world, missions for the people, courses in spiritual formation, updating,
or Marian doctrine);
2. On the level of charity (human promotion, attention to emerging needs);
3. In the areas of mass media (editorial, radio and television, and data processing
activity, etc.).
Organization
and Government
Article 19
Essential to belonging to the MI is the total
entrusting, that is, the consecration of oneself to the Immaculate: body and soul, human
abilities and spiritual gifts.
No one can be enrolled in the Militia of the Immaculata without adequate preparation,
according to the norms of the national directory.
The rite of enrollment is celebrated following the ways of the place, while highlighting
two essential aspects: the act of consecration and the imposition of the Miraculous Medal.
The act is transcribed in the register of the Association at the center or a juridically
erected office.
Article 20
According to the directions of
Father Kolbe, in the MI the consecration can be lived out in three ways.
1. MI/1: Individually and spontaneously, according to the original statute drafted by the
founder himself,
2. MI/2: In an associative form, according to the norms of article 1 of the present
statutes,
3. MI/3: In a total and unconditional way, in legitimately autonomous bodies, devoted in
an exclusive manner to the cause of the Immaculata. This is precisely the case of the City
of the Immaculata [Niepokalanow], of the National Centers, of the Marian houses, of the
male and female institutes and congregations of Kolbean inspiration.
Article 21
The structures of the Association are the:
· International Center
· National Centers
· Regional centers
· Filial offices and local centers.
Article 22
The International Center carries out the
directive and coordinative work of the Association worldwide. Its task is to see that the
ideal and teaching of Father Kolbe are strengthened and developed through in-depth studies
and new projects, keeping pace with the Church, and making use of the contribution of
institutes of Kolbean inspiration, living witness of the multiform inheritance of the
saint.
Article 23
The International Center is made up of the:
· President
· Assistant
· Presidential Council.
The other centers are structured in a like manner within their respective scope of
influence.
Article 24
The governing bodies of the Association are the:
· Supreme Moderator
· General Assembly
· International President
· Presidential Council.
The administrative control body is the Board of Auditors.
Article 25
The Supreme Moderator of the MI is the Minister
General of the Friars Minor Conventual. He guarantees the exact interpretation of the
Kolbean charism and renews the historical bond of the Association with the Conventual
Franciscan Order to which St. Maximilian belongs.
The International Assistant is the delegate of the Supreme Moderator and is appointed by
him from among the religious of the same Order.
Article 26
The principal tasks of the International
Assistant are to:
1. Establish a continuity of relations between the Association and the Order of Friars
Minor Conventual.
2. Provide clarifications of guidance regarding doctrinal principles that have to guide
the various actions of the Presidential Council.
3. Give rise to an atmosphere of prayer within the Council that animates all its apostolic
activity.
4. Appoint the National Assistant, designated by the competent religious authority,
according to the norms of the national directory and the meaning of article 38 of the
present statutes.
Article 27
Given the universality of the Association, the
General Assembly of members is constituted in a representative nature by the:
· International President
· International Assistant
· Presidential Council
· National Presidents
· National Assistants
· Delegates of the MI Youth
Movement, according to the norms of the directory.
In the case of elections, the Supreme Moderator or his delegate presides at the Assembly
and has the faculty of confirming the eventual election of a religious to the office of
International President.
Article 28
It is the competence of the General Assembly to:
1. Elect, according to the norms of common law, the President-who can be a religious or a
lay person-and, on the President's suggestion, to elect the members of the Presidential
Council.
2. Discuss and approve the essential features of the activity to be carried out in the
various ecclesial situations.
3. Elect the Legal Representative of the Association.
4. Elect the Board of Auditors, composed of three members.
5. Discuss and approve; the report of the President and the balance sheet and budget of
the International Center.
6. Examine and evaluate the proposals of the Presidential Council and members in view of
the growth of the MI worldwide, also keeping in mind the administrative aspect.
7. Examine the reports of the National Centers.
The election of a religious to the office of President must be confirmed by the competent
major superior.
Article 29
It is the competence of the International
President, in collaboration with the Assistant, to:
1. Convoke and preside over the Presidential Council twice a year.
2. Call and preside over the General Assembly every six years.
3. Erect National Centers, after hearing the opinion of the Presidential Council.
4. Coordinate the work of the National Centers and to foster communion with the local
ordinaries.
5. Represent the Association before agencies of the Apostolic See.
6. Promote meetings, study conferences and the participation in activities promoted by
other institutions, bringing, where it is useful and opportune, the contribution of the
charism of the MI.
7. Engage those responsible on the local, regional and national level in the realization
of the official program of the Association.
8. Aggregate new MI offices and, for a just cause, to suppress or transfer offices already
aggregated.
9. With the advice of the Presidential Council and in agreement with the Supreme
Moderator, to resolve eventual conflicts within the Association.
Article 30
It is also the task of the President every year
to present to the Supreme Moderator a written report on the activity of the Association
and its administrative operation, according to the provisions of canon 319 of the Code of
Canon Law.
Article 31
The Association is non-profit. Its resources are
made up from the proceeds of the specific activities of the International Center, the
contributions of the National Centers, bequests, donations and various offerings,
third-party benefits, and possible subsidies from public and private corporations.
Article 32
The administration of goods is up to the
Presidential Council, which is invested with the faculty of carrying out or authorizing
all the acts and transactions permitted the Association, provided they are not reserved to
the General Assembly and they fall within the institutional aims.
Article 33
The International Presidential Council is
composed of the:
· President
· Assistant
· Vice-President
· Secretary
· Treasurer
· Two Councilors.
Article 34
The mandates or offices on the International
level last for six years and are renewable.
Services rendered by members in the exercise of any office undertaken within the
Association come under the category of voluntary work and, consequently, are intended as
gratis to all intents and purposes, except for the reimbursement of expenses upon the
presentation of a receipt slip.
Article 35
It is the competence of the International
Presidential Council to:
1. Propose, examine and approve projects and activities according to the aims of the MI.
2. Discuss and examine the report of the International President and the budget and
balance sheet presented by the Treasurer.
3. Express its opinion regarding the erection of National Centers.
4. On the instruction of the President, to prepare the list of three names for the Board
of Auditors to be presented for election by the General Assembly.
5. Approve the annual balance sheet and budget of the International Center.
It is also up to the same Council, on the proposal of the President and prior consultation
with the Supreme Moderator, to appoint the Director of the Miles Immaculatae, the official
organ of the Association.
Article 36
It is the task of the Board of Auditors to
examine the balance sheet and budget to be submitted for the approval of the General
Assembly.
Article 37
The MI International Center is located in Rome at
"Casa Kolbe," Via San Teodoro 42, of the Friars Minor Conventual, historically
Sede Primaria where St. Maximilian instituted the Militia of the Immaculata. All the other
offices, erected as Filial Offices, refer to their respective National Centers.
Article 38
The National Centers come under the authority of
the International Center with respect to the faithful interpretation and realization of
the aims of the Association, and are governed by their own directory, ratified by the
International Presidential Council on the basis of the present statutes.
It is the competence of the National President to present to the religious authority,
according to the norms of the national directory, a list of three names proposed by the
Assembly for the appointment of the National Assistant.
The same procedure is followed for the appointment of the Regional or Provincial
Assistant.
Article 39
With due regard for the unity of the Association,
every National Center, with the prior consent of the International Presidential Council,
is to work to obtain recognition as a juridical person according to the laws of the State.
A representative of the International Center shall be the first of the founding members of
the new juridical entity.
The consent of the International Center is required with respect to economic transactions
that exceed the limit established by the national directory.
In the event of the entity's cessation, the International Center shall take care of the
liquidation of its property with broader powers to convert assets into cash and satisfy
liabilities. The net balance is to be given to the same International Center.
In the eventuality of a legislative lacuna, individual cases are to be resolved by an
appropriate agreement.
Article 40
In territorial areas that are geographically
extensive, more than one Provincial or Regional Center can be recognized and instituted
with the characteristics and functions of a National Center.
Article 41
For the composition of a National Center, at
least five canonically erected local offices are required, while preserving the
geographical unity as foreseen by the International Directory.
It is for the National Center to coordinate and promote the Association throughout the
nation, through the work of Regional and Local Centers as well as Filial Offices.
The National President, elected by the Assembly according to the norms of common law and
the present statutes, is to be confirmed by the International President, who by right
presides at the meeting.
It is for the President to submit initiatives of greater importance for the approval of
the International Center, to which the President shall also send yearly a detailed
administrative report approved by the respective Presidential Council.
Article 42
To support the activity of the International
Center, the National Centers are to contribute economically with an annual sum to be
established by the General Assembly.
Article 43
The Filial Offices are to be erected in churches
or oratories by way of a formal request that the pastor/rector or the superior of a
religious community directs to the local ordinary, who appoints its ecclesiastical
Assistant.
In nations where a National Center is present, the pastor/rector or the superior of the
religious community must act in agreement with the National President.
Having taken place, the erection is to be communicated to the International President who,
together with the International Assistant, proceed to the aggregation.
The local centers do not need to be canonically erected.
Article 44
Groups formed in parishes, religious communities,
seminaries or other ecclesial situations are to refer to the Filial Offices and/or local
centers.
Each group carries on its own activity in harmony with the principles outlined by the
Regional and National Centers.
Validity of the
norms
Article 45
Eventual changes in the present
statutes must be decided by the General Assembly and submitted for approval to the Supreme
Moderator and the Apostolic See (cf. canon 314).
Article 46
With regard to what is not
expressly foreseen in these statutes, reference is to be made to the pertinent canonical
dispositions in force.
|
