Statutes

CONTENTS IN THIS PAGE: 

STATUTES OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA:

1] INTERNATIONAL

2] ASIAN

3] INDIAN NATION

4] GOA ARCHDIOCESAN UNIT

1] INTERNATIONAL STATUTES OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA

INTRODUCTION

1." Make ready the way of the Lord, clear him a straight path" (Mk I, 3). The message of Fatima is a new intervention by God in the history of people. It has a universal character that echoes the Gospel in the freshness and simplicity of the first Christian cathechesis, precisely by calling to prayer and penance, that will guide us to conversion, to "metanoia", to change of life.

"Be converted so that your sins will be forgiven" (Acts 3: 19); “Do not offend Our Lord any more because He is too much offended" (Apparition of October 13, 1917)

Indeed, the message of Fatima is an echo of the Word of God revealed in Christ.
The message of Fatima, by proclaiming God's primacy repeats for people the true way of the Gospel: "This is the time of fulfilment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the Gospel!" (Mk 1, 15).

2. The apparitions at Fatima clearly indicate that Our Blessed Lady is asking us for a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Trinity leading to amendment of life, for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners, for a more genuine devotion to the Eucharist, devotion to the rosary and for consecration to Her Immaculate Heart. The urgent necessity for a response to this Message, and for the active promotion of it, in the interest of salvation of souls and of peace, is by God's grace the moving force behind the spread of the Apostolate of Fatima throughout the world.

3. In the words of Pope John Paul II: "The evangelical call to repentance and conversion, uttered in the Mother's (Fatima) message, remains ever relevant. It is more relevant today, still more urgent" (Pope John Paul II, May 13, 1982 at Fatima, Portugal).

"Fatima, in its message and its blessing, is conversion to God. Here we can sense the testimony of the redemption of mankind, by the intercession of her, who with her foot crushed and will ever crush the head of the old serpent" (May 12, 1991 at Fatima).

"It is as though here the words pronounced on Golgotha had resounded with a new echo"
May 13, 1992 at Fatima).

According to the divine plan, “a woman clothed with the sun” (Rv 12:1) came down from heaven to this earth to visit the privileged children of the Father.  She speaks to them with a mother’s voice and heart. 

The message of Fatima is a call to conversion, alerting humanity to have nothing to do with the “dragon” whose “tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth” (Rv, 12:4).  Man’s final goal is heaven, his true home, where the heavenly Father awaits everyone with his merciful love.   Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000


God does not want anyone to be lost; that is why 2,000 years ago he sent his Son to earth, ‘to seek and to save the lost’ (Lk19:10).  And he saved us by his death on the cross.  Let no one empty that Cross of its power!  Jesus died and rose from the dead to be ‘the first-born among many brethren’ (Rom 8:29).  Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000.

In her motherly concern, the Blessed Virgin came here to Fatima to ask men and women “to stop offending God, Our Lord, who is already very offended”.  It is a mother’s sorrow that compels her to speak; the destiny of her children is at stake.  For this reason she asks the little shepherds: ‘Pray, pray much and make sacrifices for sinners; many souls go to hell because they have no one to pray and make sacrifices for them”.   Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000.

“And if we have not yet seen the complete fulfilment of the final part of this prophecy, we are going towards it little by little with great strides.  If we do not reject the path of sin, hatred, revenge, injustice, violations of the rights of the human person, immorality and violence, etc.”  Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000.

“And let us not say that it is God who is punishing us in this way; on the contrary it is people themselves who are preparing their own punishment.  In his kindness God warns us and calls us to the right path, while respecting the freedom he has given us; hence people are responsible”.  Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000.

ARTICLE I. NAME.
The name of the organization is the World Apostolate of Fatima (the "World Apostolate"). It is a public international association of the faithful being a juridical person.

The World Apostolate shall maintain an office at Domus Pacis in Fatima, Portugal. Its address is P.O. Box 38 2496 Fatima, Portugal.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE.
The purpose of the World Apostolate is:
(1)     the promotion of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and
the strict adherence to the tenets of the Gospel;
(2)     the personal sanctification of adherents through faithful adherence
to the message of Fatima;
(3)     the promotion of the common good by the spreading of the message
of Fatima; and
(4)     in addition to these three general purposes the World Apostolate
has the specific purpose of promoting the Pledge given by each member
of the World Apostolate of Fatima
The World Apostolate of Fatima collaborates with many other expressions of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, manifested in various ways approved by the Church.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP.
A. Individual members of the World Apostolate. The minimum required for adherence to the principles of the World Apostolate is the making of a pledge, promising: 

( 1) to offer up every day the sacrifices demanded by one's daily duty to the faithful observance of God's law; (2) to say five decades of the Rosary daily while meditating on the mysteries; (3) to wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of personal consecration to our Lady and (4) on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.

Members in spreading the message of Fatima shall be united with the Holy Father, and the bishops in union with him. When acting in the name of the World Apostolate, they must keep within the terms of the message of Fatima and the authorized practices of the Apostolate.
Individual members may participate in the affairs of the World Apostolate only through the activities of their respective National Organization.

B. National Organizations. National organizations of the World Apostolate shall be of the following categories:

(1 ) Principal Nations 
Nations whose Bishops’ Conference or several Diocesan Bishops of the nation have recognized the Apostolate of Fatima by written document have the status of a National Center. In addition, these nations have held a national election of officers in recent years. Those nations shall also bein compliance with their obligations under Article VII of this Constitution. Each Principal Nation shall have and provide proof of the approval of its Diocesan Ordinary

 (2) Advancing Nations 
Nations who have one or more Bishops who have given recognition to the Apostolate of Fatima within the nation but have not held national election of officers have the status of Advancing Nations.

(3) Beginning Nations 
Nations wherein individual members and group Prayer Cells exist but have not received recognition of the Diocesan Bishop nor held national elections have the status of Beginning Nations.
The Board of Trustees shall have the right to add to or change the requirements subject to approval at the next subsequent International Council meeting.

The Board of Trustees shall establish a credentials committee to whom all disputes as to classification of a National organization or membership shall be referred.

Those Principal Nations which execute these statutes shall be the initial members of the World Apostolate. Thereafter, a Principal Nation may become a member by: (I) executing a form approved by the Board of Trustees, (2) providing that form with the approval from the appropriate ecclesiastical authority, and (3) acceptance of the Principal Nation by the Board of Trustees.
If there is a dispute as to whether a Principal Nation may become a member that dispute shall be referred to the Credentials Committee

ARTICLE IV. INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL.
An International Council shall be convoked at least once every four years during the second week in November commencing in November 1999.
Extraordinary council meetings may be called upon written request of forty per cent of the delegates from the preceding International Council or upon the request of the board of trustees. All time limitations and other conditions of these statutes shall remain in effect for such extraordinary meetings.

The meetings of the International Council shall take place at Domus Pacis, its owner shall make the necessary facilities available for such meetings.

A. Notice. Notice of an International Council meeting shall be made by the International Secretariat, by the most efficient means available, six months in advance of the meeting.

B. Delegates. (1) Each Principal Nation shall be entitled to name two delegates to the International Council, a priest and a lay person.  The delegates shall be elected by their respective National Organization. 

(2) Each Principal Nation shall provide the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if applicable) of its delegate to the International Secretariat no later than sixty days prior to the first date of the International Council meeting.

(3) The International Secretariat shall certify the list of Principal Nations entitled to send a delegate and the list of delegates and shall provide the complete list to each Principal Nation using the most efficient means of communication at least thirty days prior to the first date of the International Council.

(4) Each delegate shall be allowed one vote on each issue placed before the International Council for a vote. In the event that a delegate is unable to attend the International Council, that person may name an attending delegate (proxy) to vote in his or her place. Proxies shall be in writing, addressed to the International Secretariat and signed by the non-attending delegate. No attending delegate shall be permitted to hold more than one proxy.

C. Attendance by Non-Delegates. Representatives of Principal Nations (other than Delegates), Advancing Nations, and Beginning Nations shall be permitted to attend the International Council meeting but shall not be allowed to participate in the proceedings in any manner.
All non-delegate attendees shall provide proof of the approval of their attendance by their local Ordinary.

D. Agenda. The agenda for the International Council meeting shall be prepared by the person or persons designated by the Board of Trustees and shall be provided by the International Secretariat to the delegates no later than thirty days prior to the first day of the International Council. Such notice shall be provided by the most efficient means available.

E. The International Council shall select, from its members, a Board of Trustees, consisting of nine members who shall serve until the next International Councilor until his/her successor is elected and qualified, as follows:
(1) International President
(2) International Vice President
(3) International Treasurer
(4) International Secretary
(5) (5) Trustees

F. Quorum. One third of the number of Principal Nations must be present in order for the International Council to have a quorum present and for it to conduct business.

G. Voting. All voting shall be done by secret ballot and a relative majority of those present and voting shall be required for a matter to be approved.

The members shall first elect the International President on a ballot for that office. The members shall next elect the International Vice President, International Treasurer and International Secretary on individual ballots for each office.

The remaining five trustees shall be elected in a single ballot. On each ballot each person named on a majority of the ballots cast shall be named a Trustee. If, on any ballot, there shall remain a vacancy or vacancies, the succeeding ballot shall contain as many names as there are remaining vacancies. On each succeeding ballot the person receiving the fewest votes on the preceding ballot shall be removed from such succeeding ballot.

Each ballot submitted shall contain the names of as many persons as there are vacancies on the Board and no person may be named more than once on any given ballot.
Any ballot which does not conform to the requirements of this section shall be deemed void and shall not he counted

H. The President of the International shall preside over the International Council and all meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition.

ARTICLE V. BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
A. The affairs of the World Apostolate of Fatima shall be managed by the Board of Trustees.

B. The names of the trustees selected by the International Council shall be submitted to the Bishop of Leiria/Fatima within seven days of the conclusion of the International Council. If the Bishop shall fail to confirm any person or persons so elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the remaining trustees by meeting in telephone conference called with at least two weeks notice.

C. Meetings of the Board of Trustees. The board shall meet at least once each year at Domus Pacis. Arrangements for such meetings shall be coordinated between the manager of Domus Pacis and the International Secretariat. The cost of accommodating such meeting shall be borne by Domus Pacis and credited against the United States imposition.
Other meetings may be convened (i) at the request of the International President or (ii) by a majority of the members of the board.
Such meeting may be conducted by telephone conference call provided that each member shall have received one week's notice of such meeting.

D. The International President shall preside over all board meetings.

E. Episcopal Moderator - recognizing the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the importance of the message of Fatima to that teaching, the Bishop of Leiria/Fatima is hereby designated as the Episcopal Moderator of The World Apostolate of Fatima.
The Episcopal Moderator shall have control over all matters involving faith and morals and shall, in addition oversee The World Apostolate's compliance with these statutes.
The minutes of each meeting of the International Council and Board of Trustees shall be submitted to the Episcopal Moderator within seven days of their completion, which shall be no later than thirty days from the completion of such meeting.

The Episcopal Moderator may veto any action of the Council or Board if he finds that such action violates the faith and morals of the Catholic Faith or these statutes.
The Episcopal Moderator shall notify the Board or Council of any such action within two weeks of his receipt of the minutes.
The Episcopal Moderator shall be an Ex Officio member of all committees of the World Apostolate.

ARTICLE VI. OFFICERS.
International President. The International President shall convoke and preside at meetings of the International Council and Board of Trustees and shall insure that the policies of the organization are carried into effect. The President shall be an Ex Officio member of all committees.

Vice President. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President upon his request or his inability or unavailability to preside.

Secretary. The Secretary notifies members of regular and special meetings with a copy of the proposed agenda; keeps and maintains a record of minutes of meetings, distributes copies to those entitled and handles correspondence. The Secretary may perform such duties through the International Secretariat.

Treasurer. Insures that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursements according to generally accepted accounting practices and shall provide a complete, independent accounting report prepared by a qualified firm. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for preparation of the organization's budget and its presentation to the Board of Trustees for approval annually.

ARTICLE VII. BUDGET .
At each annual meeting of the Board of Trustees the Treasurer shall submit a budget prepared with the cooperation of the International Secretariat for consideration by the Board.

The income shall consist of any gifts or bequests made by any person together with revenue raised by annual imposition on the Principal Nations, or any revenues available from the operation of Domus Pacis as described in an agreement among Sede Internacional do Exercito Azul, International and the Blue Army of Our lady of Fatima U.S.A Inc.

Each Principal Nation shall provide to the International Secretariat, no later than June 30 of each year a copy of its annual budget, certified by its Treasurer to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent (1%) of the annual revenue of such Principal Nation's budget.
The International Secretariat shall prepare and forward to each Principal Nation her calculation of the imposition no later than July 31 of each year. 

Each Principal Nation shall pay to the International Secretariat the amount of the imposition no later than December 31 of each year.

In the event of a failure of any Principal Nation to provide its budget or pay the imposition by December 31 of any year the International Secretariat shall notify the involved nation and permit it six months to provide the requested information or payment. If the Principal Nation fails to cure its default within the specified time period the board of trustees may take further action at its next meeting. Further action may include monetary penalties or the removal of the offending nation from the list of Principal Nations.

In the event any nation contests the accuracy of the imposition it shall pay the uncontested portion and refer the dispute to the Board of Trustees for resolution.
Payment in kind or in discharge of World Apostolate of Fatima's obligations by any Principal Nation to third parties shall be applied in partial satisfaction of the imposition.

ARTICLE VIII. INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT.
The World Apostolate of Fatima shall have a permanent agent, appointed by the Board of Trustees located at Domus Pacis whose duties shall include the following:

A. Provide for all notices required by these statutes.
B. Provide copies of minutes of each meeting of the Board of Trustees to each member.
C. Keep and maintain appropriate bank accounts as directed by the Board of Trustees.
D. With the Treasurer, administer the budget of World Apostolate of Fatima
E. Keep and maintain the archives of World Apostolate of Fatima
F. Maintain a flow of information among the various nations including Advancing and Beginning Nations.

ARTICLE IX.  YOUTH APOSTOLATE.
In keeping with Vatican II  regarding apostolate for youth, the World Apostolate must dedicate itself to the youth in all its centres of the world according to the youth program.

ARTICLE X. RESOURCES.
The Resources of the organization are from voluntary contributions and from the impositions on Principal Nations as described in Article VII.
No officer or member of the organization shall be personally liable for the obligations of the organization if such officer or member has taken action in good faith for the benefit of the organization.

The World Apostolate of Fatima may acquire, possess, administer, encumber, or transfer any type of property: real, personal or mixed. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law.
Agreement of two-thirds of the membership of the Board of Trustees is necessary to acquire, transfer or encumber property.

ARTICLE XI. RULES AND RESOLUTIONS.
The norms of the Code of Canon Law shall be followed in the absence of specific rules, regulations or Bylaws.
Proposed resolutions may be submitted in advance of or at the International Council meeting.

ARTICLE XII. AMENDMENTS.
Amendments to this Constitution require a two-thirds vote of the quorum assembly of the International Council with written notification to the delegates at least ninety days in advance. Said amendments will be considered effective when approved by two-thirds vote of the International Council quorum assembly.

ARTICLE XIII. RECOURSE TO CANON LAW.
In all matters not covered by these statutes, the current and applicable Canon Law will be applied. Canon Law will also be applied in the case of the dissolution of this organization and the distribution of its goods.

ARTICLE XIV.  EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Constitution will become effective on November 22, 2004.
NOTE: In case of any conflict between the application of this statute in different languages, the English version will prevail.

http://www.apostoladomundialdefatima.org/html/statutes.html

2] Asian RegionAL STATUTES OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA

1.0          Introduction

1.1          "Make ready the way of the Lord, clear Him a straight path" (Mk I, 3). The message of Fatima is a new intervention by God in the history of people. It has a universal character that echoes the Gospel in the freshness and simplicity of the first Christian catechesis, precisely by calling to prayer and penance, that will guide us to conversion, to "metanoia", to change of life.

"Be converted so that your sins will be forgiven" (Acts 3: 19); “Do not offend Our Lord any more because He is too much offended" (Apparition of October 13, 1917).

Indeed, the message of Fatima is an echo of the Word of God revealed in Christ.

The message of Fatima, by proclaiming God's primacy repeats for people the true way of the Gospel: "This is the time of fulfilment. The reign of God is at hand! Reform your lives and believe in the Gospel!" (Mk 1, 5).

1.2          The apparitions at Fatima clearly indicate that Our Blessed Lady is asking us for a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Trinity leading to amendment of life, for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners, for a more genuine devotion to the Eucharist, devotion to the rosary and for consecration to Her Immaculate Heart. The urgent necessity for a response to this Message, and for the active promotion of it, in the interest of salvation of souls and of peace, is by God's grace the moving force behind the spread of the Apostolate of Fatima throughout the world.

1.3          In the words of Pope John Paul II: "The evangelical call to repentance and conversion, uttered in the Mother's (Fatima) message, remains ever relevant. It is more relevant today, still more urgent" (Pope John Paul II, May 13, 1982 at Fatima, Portugal).

"Fatima, in its message and its blessing, is conversion to God. Here we can sense the testimony of the redemption of mankind, by the intercession of her, who with her foot crushed and will ever crush the head of the old serpent" (May 12, 1991 at Fatima).

"It is as though here the words pronounced on Golgotha had resounded with a new echo" (May 13, 1992 at Fatima).

According to the divine plan, “a woman clothed with the sun” (Rev 12:1) came down from heaven to this earth to visit the privileged children of the Father.  She speaks to them with a mother’s voice and heart. 

The message of Fatima is a call to conversion, alerting humanity to have nothing to do with the “dragon” whose “tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth” (Rev, 12:4).  Man’s final goal is heaven, his true home, where the heavenly Father awaits everyone with his merciful love”.  ( Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000)

God does not want anyone to be lost; that is why 2,000 years ago he sent his Son to earth, ‘to seek and to save the lost’ (Lk19:10).  And he saved us by his death on the cross.  Let no one empty that Cross of its power!  Jesus died and rose from the dead to be ‘the first-born among many brethren’ (Rom 8:29).  (Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000).

In her Motherly concern, the Blessed Virgin came to Fatima to ask men and women “to stop offending God, Our Lord, who is already very offended”.  It is a mother’s sorrow that compels her to speak; the destiny of her children is at stake.  For this reason she asks the little shepherds: ‘Pray, pray much and make sacrifices for sinners; many souls go to hell because they have no one to pray and make sacrifices for them”.   (Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000).

“And if we have not yet seen the complete fulfilment of the final part of this prophecy, we are going towards it little by little with great strides.  If we do not reject the path of sin, hatred, revenge, injustice, violations of the rights of the human person, immorality and violence, etc.”  (Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000).

“And let us not say that it is God who is punishing us in this way; on the contrary it is people themselves who are preparing their own punishment.  In his kindness God warns us and calls us to the right path, while respecting the freedom he has given us; hence people are responsible”.  (Pope John Paul, II, May 13, 2000).

1.4          Pope Benedict XVI stated on Nov 2007, “I am pleased to think of Fatima as a school of faith with the Virgin Mary as the teacher; there she established her “chair” to teach young visionaries, and then the multitudes, the eternal truths and the art of praying, believing and loving….” 

1.5          On 13 Oct 1930, the Church firstly declared as worthy of credence the vision of the children in Cova da Iria, Fatima on the days between 13th of May and October 1917 and secondly permitted officially the devotion of Our Lady of Fatima.

2.0          name

2.1       The name of the organization is the World Apostolate of  Fatima, Asian Region (WAF, Asian Region). The World Apostolate of  Fatima, Asian Region shall maintain offices

a) C/o Dr. Celcio Dias 102/1 Punzale, Assolna, Salcette Goa India 403 701

b) C/o Miss Nida Ruiz, Cardinal Rosales Pastoral Center, Patria de Cebu, Inc. P. Burgos Street, 6000 Cebu city Philippines

3.0       PURPOSE.

            The purpose of the World Apostolate is:

3.1          The promotion of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and  the strict adherence to the tenets of the Gospel;

3.2          The personal sanctification of adherents through faithful adherence to the message of Fatima;

3.3          The promotion of the common good by the spreading of the message of Fatima; and

3.4          In addition to these three general purposes the World Apostolate has the specific purpose of promoting the Pledge given by each member of the World Apostolate of Fatima

The World Apostolate of Fatima collaborates with many other expressions of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, manifested in various ways approved by the Church.

4.0       MEMBERSHIP.

4.1          Individual members of the World Apostolate. The minimum required for adherence to the principles of the World Apostolate is the making of a pledge, known as the “Heaven’s Peace  Plan” promising: 

(1) to offer up every day the sacrifices demanded by one's daily duty to the faithful observance of God's law; (2) to say five decades of the Rosary daily while meditating on the mysteries; (3) to wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of personal consecration to our Lady and (4) on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.

Members in spreading the message of Fatima shall be united with the Holy Father, and the bishops in union with him. When acting in the name of the World Apostolate, they must keep within the terms of the message of Fatima and the authorized practices of the Apostolate.

Individual members may participate in the affairs of the World Apostolate only through the activities of their respective National Organization.

4.2          National Organizations. National organizations of the World Apostolate shall be of the following categories:

a)        Principal Nations Nations whose Bishops’ Conference or several Diocesan Bishops of the nation have recognized the Apostolate of Fatima by written document have the status of a National Center. In addition, these nations have held a national election of officers in recent years. Those nations shall also be in compliance with our International statutes. Each Principal Nation shall have and provide proof of the approval of its Diocesan Ordinary

b)      Advancing Nations Nations who have one or more Bishops who have given recognition to the Apostolate of Fatima within the nation but have not held national election of officers have the status of Advancing Nations.

c)      Beginning Nations Nations wherein individual members and group Prayer Cells exist but have not received recognition of the Diocesan Bishop nor held national elections have the status of Beginning Nations.

If there is a dispute as to whether a Principal Nation may become a member that dispute shall be referred to the Asian Regional Board of trustees or the International  board of trustees.

5.0       MANNER OF ACTION

5.1       Heaven’s peace plan: Our Lady gave the world the ‘Heaven’s Peace Plan’ which the World Apostolate of Fatima endures to spread through its members who sign the pledge to offer up everyday sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duties, to recite daily at least five decades of the Rosary meditating on the mysteries, to wear the Brown Scapular as a reminder and sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to observe the Five First Saturdays of Reparation leading to amendment of life for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.

5.2       Rosary cells: Members will strive to form Rosary Cells in Parishes and Dioceses and promote the Five First Saturday Devotion and the Message of Fatima with the cooperation/blessings of the Parish Priest and Bishop but without really putting any extra pressure/load on him.

5.3       The Eucharist: Members should also promote genuine devotion to the Eucharist by organizing Holy Hours, Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Vigils, Prayer cells and daily Mass.

5.4       Leadership: Members should not only actively participate in all Parish activities but assume leadership roles in activities such as Diocesan Pastoral Council, Parish Pastoral Council, small Christian communities, etc.

5.5       Diocesan pastoral plan: Members should acquaint themselves with the priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and work for the implementation of the same.

5.6       Family: The family is a “Domestic Church” and a “School of deeper humanity” must be the focus of our concern. Members will achieve this by Promoting Family Rosary, which is the best form of family prayer.

5.7       sound catholic education: The World Apostolate of Fatima will provide sound Catholic Education to members on subjects like the Eucharist, the Message of Fatima, the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, The Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the First Saturday Devotion and love for the Parish Church through its magazine “The Messenger of the World Apostolate of Fatima” and any other Church approved materials.

5.8       fight against abortion: The members of the World Apostolate of Fatima will promote the yearly One World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharistic for Peace and Life Program Asian Regional Centre. 

5.9       Coordination: The World Apostolate of Fatima, Asian Region will work in co-ordination with the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference Office of the laity.

5.10    Suggestions:

a.    Pilgrimages: Members are to join and support pilgrimages organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima.

b.    Divine mercy: Members are to strive to gain proper knowledge and further the devotion to the Divine Mercy of God, according to the teachings of the church.

c.    Pilgrim virgin: Members are to assist Pilgrim Virgin Visits, which have proper permission of the Diocesan Authority.

d.    Unity: Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima are to be united with the Holy Father, their bishops and Priests.

e.    Charity: Members are to be charitable towards the needs of the neighbor especially the poor and the marginalized.

f.     New society: Members are to get involved in the transformation of the world to build a new society.

g.    People of good will: Members are to work hand in hand with people of good will to usher in the Kingdom of God.

6.0       Asian REGIONal COUNCIL and Congress

An Asian Regional Council and Congress shall be convoked at least once every three years. Extraordinary council meetings may be called upon written request of forty per cent of the delegates from the preceding Asian Regional Council or upon the request of the Asian Regional board of trustees. All time limitations and other conditions of these statutes shall remain in effect for such extraordinary meetings. The meetings and Congresses of the Asian Regional shall take place at a host nation who shall make the necessary facilities available for such meetings and Congresses.

6.1          Notice. Notice of an Asian Regional meeting and Congresses shall be made by the host nation, by the most efficient means available, at least six months in advance of the meetings and Congresses.

6.2           

6.3          Delegates. (1) Each Principal Nation shall be entitled to name two delegates to the Asian Region, a priest and a lay person.  The delegates shall be elected by their respective National Organization. 

            (2) Each Principal Nation shall provide the name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if applicable) of its delegate to the host nation  no later than sixty days prior to the first date of the Asian Regional meeting.

            (3) The Asian Regional Centre along with our International Secretariat shall certify the list of Principal Nations entitled to send delegates.

            (4) Each delegate shall be allowed one vote on each issue placed before the Asian Regional Council for a vote. In the event that a delegate is unable to attend the Asian Regional Council, that person may name an attending delegate (proxy) to vote in his or her place. Proxies shall be in writing, addressed to the Asian Regional Centre and signed by the non-attending delegate. No attending delegate shall be permitted to hold more than one proxy.

6.4          Attendance by Non-Delegates, Representatives of Principal Nations (other than Delegates), Advancing Nations, and Beginning Nations shall be permitted to attend the Asian Regional Council meeting and Congress but shall not be allowed to participate in the proceedings in any manner.

All non-delegate attendees shall provide proof of the approval of their attendance by their local Ordinary.

6.5          Agenda. The agenda for the Asian Regional Council and Congress shall be prepared by the person or persons designated by the Board of Trustees and shall be provided by the host nation to the delegates no later than fifteen  days prior to the first day of the Asian Regional Council on Congress. Such notice shall be provided by the most efficient means available.

6.6          The Asian Regional Council shall select, from its members, a Board of Trustees, consisting of five members who shall serve until the next Asian Region Council or until his/her successor is elected and qualified, as follows:

(1)          Asian Regional  President

(2)          Asian Regional  Vice President

(3)          Asian Regional  Treasurer

(4)          Asian Regional  Secretary

(5)          Trustee (1)

6.7          Quorum. One third of the number of Principal Nations must be present in order for the Asian Regional Council to have a quorum present and for it to conduct business.

6.8          Voting. All voting shall be done by secret ballot and a relative majority of those present and voting shall be required for a matter to be approved.

The members shall first elect the Asian Regional President on a ballot for that office. The members shall next elect the Asian Regional  Vice President, Asian Regional  Treasurer and Asian Regional  Secretary on individual ballots for each office.

The remaining one trustee shall be elected in a single ballot. On each ballot each person named on a majority of the ballots cast shall be named a Trustee. If, on any ballot, there shall remain a vacancy or vacancies, the succeeding ballot shall contain as many names as there are remaining vacancies. On each succeeding ballot the person receiving the fewest votes on the preceding ballot shall be removed from such succeeding ballot.

Each ballot submitted shall contain the names of as many persons as there are vacancies on the Board and no person may be named more than once on any given ballot.

Any ballot which does not conform to the requirements of this section shall be deemed void and shall not be counted.

6.9          The International President shall preside over the First Asian Regional Council.  Subsequent Asian Regional Council meetings and Congresses shall be presided by the Asian Regional President. All meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition.

7.0       BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Asian Regional council

7.1          The affairs of the Asian Region of the World Apostolate of Fatima shall be managed by the Board of Trustees.

7.2          The names of the trustees selected by the Asian Regional Council shall be submitted to the Episcopal Moderator within seven days of the conclusion of the Asian Regional Council. If the Bishops shall fail to confirm any person or persons so elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the remaining trustees by meeting in telephone conference called with at least two weeks notice.

7.3          Meetings of the Asian Regional Board of Trustees: The board shall meet at least once every three years at a designated host nation. Other meetings may be convened (i) At the request of the Asian Regional President or (ii) by a majority of the members of the board.

Such meeting may be conducted by telephone conference call, email or any modern communication provided that each member shall have received even 24 hours notice of such meeting.

7.4          The Asian Regional President shall preside over all board meetings.

7.5          Episcopal Moderator - recognizing the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the importance of the message of Fatima to that teaching, the Federation of Asian Bishops conference, office of Laity is requested to appoint the Episcopal Moderator out of the Bishops recommended by the Asian Regional Council of the WAF  

7.6          The Episcopal Moderator shall have control over all matters involving faith and morals and shall, in addition oversee The World Apostolate's compliance with these statutes.

The minutes of each meeting of the Asian Regional Council and Board of Trustees shall be submitted to the Episcopal Moderator within seven days of their completion, which shall be no later than thirty days from the completion of such meeting.

The Episcopal Moderator shall notify the Board or Council of any such action within two weeks of his receipt of the minutes.

The Episcopal Moderator shall be an Ex Officio member of all committees of the World Apostolate.

8.0       OFFICERS.

8.1          Asian Regional President. The Asian Regional President shall convoke and preside at meetings and Congresses of the Asian Regional Council and Board of Trustees and shall insure that the policies of the organization are carried into effect. The President shall be an Ex Officio member of all committees.

8.2          Vice President. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President upon his request or his inability or unavailability to preside.

8.3          Secretary. The Secretary notifies members of regular and special meetings and Congresses with a copy of the proposed agenda; keeps and maintains a record of minutes of meetings and Congresses distributes copies to those entitled and handles correspondence. The Secretary may perform such duties through the Asian Regional Centres and International Secretariat.

8.4          Treasurer. Insures that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursements according to generally accepted accounting practices and shall provide a complete, independent accounting.

8.5          Trustee and above officers: The Trustee and above Officers, aside from attending and participating in the discussion, deliberation of the Board of Trustees during its meetings, should get  involved in the activities of the various committees in their respective country, make observations, inquiries and analysis and submits reports with recommendations to the Board of Trustees concerning the various aspects of the Fatima Apostolate.

9.0          YOUTH and children APOSTOLATE.

In keeping with Vatican II regarding apostolate for youth, the World Apostolate must dedicate itself to the youth in all its centres of the world according to the youth program. It must promote the yearly one World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharist for Peace and Life Program before the Most Blessed Sacrament.

10.0       RESOURCES. 

            The Resources of the organization are from voluntary contributions.

No officer or member of the organization shall be personally liable for the obligations of the organization if such officer or member has taken action in good faith for the benefit of the organization. The World Apostolate of Fatima may acquire, possess, administer, encumber, or transfer any type of property: real, personal or mixed. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Canon Law. Agreement of two-thirds of the membership of the Board of Trustees is necessary to acquire, transfer or encumber property.

11.0       RULES AND RESOLUTIONS.

The norms of the Code of Canon Law shall be followed in the absence of specific rules, regulations or Bylaws. Proposed resolutions may be submitted in advance of or at the Asian Regional Council meeting.

12.0       AMENDMENTS.

Amendments to this Constitution require a two-thirds vote of the quorum assembly of the Asian Regional Council with written notification to the delegates at least ninety days in advance. Said amendments will be considered effective when approved by two-thirds vote of the  Asian Regional Council quorum assembly.

13.0       RECOURSE TO CANON LAW.

In all matters not covered by these statutes, the current and applicable Canon Law will be applied. Canon Law will also be applied in the case of the dissolution of this organization and the distribution of its good.

14.0       EFFECTIVE DATE.

This Constitution will become effective on 12 Sep, 2009. .

           

Asian Principal, Advancing and Beginning Nations

PRINCIPAL NATIONS

India

Indonesia

South Korea

Malaysia

Philippines

Sri Lanka

ADVANCING NATIONS

Myanmar

Pakistan

Singapore

Thailand

Taiwan

Nepal

BEGINNING NATIONS

Bangladesh

3] NATIONAL STATUTES OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA - INDIA

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1       The World Apostolate of Fatima is an organized movement of Christ’s faithful in the Church. In 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She came to warn the world to stop offending God.  She asked for prayer, penance and sacrifice. 

She promised the great blessing of world peace and the triumph of her Immaculate Heart if her requests were fulfilled.  All of this was confirmed by a spectacular miracle of the sun witnessed by over 70,000 people on October 13, 1917. 

1.2       On 13 Oct 1930, the Church firstly declared as worthy of credence the vision of the children in Cova da Iria, Fatima on the days between 13th of May and October 1917 and secondly permitted officially the devotion of Our Lady of Fatima.

1.3       The World Apostolate of Fatima was started in that same year as the Blue Army in the Parish Church of Plainfied, New Jersey (U.S.A), by Msgr. Harold Colgan to spread Our Lady’s warning and promise of peace. The World Apostolate of Fatima quickly became an International Apostolate with millions of members with national centers in many countries around the world

1.4       The Statutes of the Indian National Council of the World Apostolate of Fatima- India were first approved on 3rd May 2000, reviewed on 15th May 2005 and again on 20^th September 2009. The same are being revised now due to the erection of the World Apostolate of Fatima as a Public International Association of the Faithful by the Holy See and approval of its International Statutes.

1.5       The Pontifical Council of the Laity, at Vatican City, on 7 October 2010, Commemorative Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary decreed:

In light of articles 131-134 of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus for the Roman Curia and according to canon 312, §1, 1° of the Code of Canon Law, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decrees:

1°) The confirmation of the erection of the World Apostolate of Fatima as a public international association of the faithful, with a juridical personality, according to canons 298-­320 and 327-329 of the Code of Canon Law.

2°) The definitive approbation of the Statutes of this association, duly authenticated by this Dicastery and deposited in our Archives.

1.6       The Charisma of the World Apostolate of Fatima as an international public association of the faithful of pontifical decree is the New Evangelization and formation of the laity through the authentic Message of Fatima. This is the most important ecclesiastical pastoral mission of the Catholic Church, to proclaim the Good News of salvation to all:

CONVERSION, MEDITATIVE PRAYER, PENANCE, EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AND REPARATION, ENTRUSTMENT TO GOD THROUGH THE CONSECRATION TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY. By proclaiming the primacy of God in today’s world, the WAF contributes to build the Kingdom of God on earth, “a new civilization of love” through a “new Marian Pentecost” that will constitute the authentic TRIUMPH OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY announced at Fatima” 

2          NAME
2.1       The name of the organization is the World Apostolate of Fatima, India, WAF (India).

3.0       PURPOSE.
            The purpose of the World Apostolate is:
3.1       The promotion of the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the strict adherence to the tenets of the Gospel; 

32        The personal sanctification of adherents through faithful adherence to the Message of Fatima;

3.3       The promotion of the common good by the spreading of the Message of Fatima; and

3.4       In addition to these three general purposes the World Apostolate has the specific purpose of promoting the Pledge given by each member of the World Apostolate of Fatima. The World Apostolate of Fatima collaborates with many other expressions of devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, manifested in various ways approved by the Church. 

4.0       MEMBERSHIP.
4.1       Individual members of the World Apostolate.  The minimum required for adherence to the principles of the World Apostolate is the making of a pledge, known as the “Heaven’s Peace Plan” promising: (1) to offer up every day the sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duty to the faithful observance of God’s law; (2) to say five decades of the Rosary daily while meditating on the mysteries; (3) to wear the brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of personal consecration to God through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, soul of the Message of Fatima. (4) On the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, confess and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.

Members in spreading the message of Fatima shall be united with the Holy Father and the bishops in union with him. When acting in the name of the World Apostolate, they must keep within the terms of the message of Fatima and the authorized practices of the Apostolate.

4.2       Permission must be obtained from & local ordinary (Diocesan Bishop) in organizing a Diocesan unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima. A priest of Diocesan authority shall be appointed with the concurrence of the local ordinary as the Diocesan Spiritual Advisor / Director. A Diocesan Executive Committee made up of delegates from the Parishes shall be elected. The Diocesan Executive Committee can co-opt members to make the Executive Committee more effective and vibrant. Each Diocesan unit is directly under the local Diocesan Bishop.

5.0       MANNER OF ACTION

5.1       Peace Plan:  Our Lady gave the world the ‘Heaven’s Peace Plan’ which the World Apostolate of Fatima endures to spread through its members who sign the pledge as explained above.  This should lead to amendment of life for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.

5.2       Rosary Cells:  Members will strive to form Rosary Cells in Parishes and Dioceses and promote the Five First Saturday Devotion, Consecration / Entrustment and the Message of Fatima with the cooperation/blessings of the Parish Priest and Bishop but without really puffing any extra pressure/load on them.

5.3       The Eucharist:  Members should also promote genuine devotion to the Eucharist by organizing Holy Hours, Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Vigils, Prayer cells and daily Mass.

5.4       Leadership:  Members should not only actively participate in all Parish activities but assume leadership roles in activities such as Diocesan Pastoral Council, Parish Pastoral Council, Small Christian communities, etc.

5.5       Diocesan Pastoral Plan:  Members should acquaint themselves with the priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, and work for the implementation of the same.

5.6       Family:  The family as a “Domestic Church” and a “School of deeper humanity” must be the focus of our concern. Members will achieve this by Promoting Family Rosary, which is the best form of family prayer.

5.7       Sound Catholic Education: The World Apostolate of Fatima will provide sound Catholic Education to members on subjects like the Eucharist, the Message of Fatima, the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, the First Saturday Devotion and love for the Parish Church through its magazines “The Messenger of the World Apostolate of Fatima” and “First Saturdays A Treasure from Fatima” and any other Church approved materials.

5.8       Fight Against Abortion:  The World Apostolate of Fatima, India will promote the yearly One World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharist for Peace and Life Program.

5.9       Coordination: The World Apostolate of Fatima- India will work in co-ordination with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the Conference of Catholic Bishop’s of India (CCBI).

5.10     Recommendations: 
            a. Pilgrimages:  Members should join and support pilgrimages organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima.

            b. Divine Mercy:   Members should strive to gain proper knowledge and further the devotion to the Divine Mercy of God, according to the teachings of the Church.

            c. Pilgrim Virgin:   Members should assist Pilgrim Virgin Visits, as per our Pilgrim Virgin program, which have proper permission of the Diocesan Authority. 

            d. Unity:   Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima should be united with the Holy Father, their Bishops and Priests.

            e. Charity:  Members should be charitable towards the needs of the neighbour especially the poor and the marginalized.

            f. New Society:  Members should get involved in the transformation of the world to build a new society.

            g. People of Good Will:  Members should work hand in hand with people of good will to usher in the Kingdom of God.

6.0       NATIONAL COUNCIL

6.1       Members can consist of two delegates chosen by and from the members of each Diocesan Executive committee. They can be a Spiritual Director / Advisor and Chairman of each Diocesan Unit, in accordance with the terms of the bylaws or regulations. They shall meet in a National Council, at least once every 3 years with a notice of at least three months in advance.

6.2       Special meetings maybe called by the National Chairman with at least one month’s notice to the members. Extra - Special meetings maybe called at a shorter notice by Email or any other modem methods of communication, without physical presence of the members.

6.3       Each member shall be eligible to vote at the National Council meeting and shall be eligible for election to the National Executive Board of Trustees.

            Nominations may be made by any delegate by submitting the name of a qualified member or from the floor during the National Council Meeting and the receipt of a second to that nomination.

The quorum of the National Council meeting shall be one third of the eligible delegates.   A simple majority vote of the eligible delegates is necessary for the decisions and elections. Voting for elections will be done by secret written ballot, except for those instances in which there is only one nominee for a given position.

Members who cannot be present at the National Council meeting may select a substitute from among their own Diocesan Unit by written proxy. A member may hold and cast one proxy vote.

6.4       The National Ecclesiastical Advisor and in his absence the National Executive Board Chairman shall preside over the National Council meeting and all meetings shall be conducted pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.

6.5      Current National Executive Board members are ex Officio delegates in the next National Council Meeting. The duty of the current Executive Board will conclude with the conclusion of next National Council Meeting. The new Board will take charge at the conclusion of the National Council Meeting. (Resolution passed unanimously at the 10th WAF National Council Meet in Calcutta on 04 Feb 2019).

7.0       NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

7.1       The affairs of the World Apostolate of Fatima, India shall be managed by the National Executive Board of Trustees which shall consist of 4 members. The Members shall serve a term of three years. They shall work in close coordination with the National Center.

7.2       The names of the trustees selected by the National Council shall be submitted to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor within seven days of the conclusion of the National Council Meet, if the National Ecclesiastical Advisor fails to confirm, any person/s so elected, such vacancy shall be filled by the remaining trustees by meeting in email or telephonic conference called with at least two weeks notice.

7.3       A quorum for meeting of the National Executive Board of Trustees shall be 3 members. A majority of those present and voting shall be necessary for the approval of actions by the National Executive Board of Trustees.

7.4       The National Executive Board of Trustees may, from time to time create such positions for the proper management and operation of the organization as maybe necessary.

7.5       The National Executive Board of Trustees shall meet at least once every year in — coordination with the National Center. This could be achieved even by any modem means of communication such as email or conference call.

7.6       These / other meetings may be convened 1) at the request of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor or 2) by a majority of the National Executive Board members or 3) at the request of the National center. Such meetings may be conducted by email or telephone conference or any other modem communications means, provided that each member received even 24 hrs notice of such meeting.

7.7       The Chairman shall preside over all board meetings.

7.8       National Ecclesiastical Advisor: a) Recognizing the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the importance of the Message of Fatima to that teaching, a Bishop is designated as the National Ecclesiastical Advisor of the World Apostolate of Fatima (India).

b)         The National Ecclesiastical Advisor shall have control over all matters involving faith and morals and shall, in addition oversee the World Apostolate’s compliance with these statutes.

c)         The minutes of the meetings of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees shall be submitted to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor within seven days of their completion which shall not be later than thirty days from the completion of such meeting.

d) The National Ecclesiastical Advisor shall be an Ex-Officio Member of all committees of the World Apostolate, India. 

8.0       OFFICERS 
            The officers of the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall be elected to a term of three years. They shall work in “team spirit” and in close coordination with the Indian National Centre.

8.1 National Executive Board Chairman:  (in the absence of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor) shall convoke and preside at meetings of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall ensure that the policies of the Apostolate are carried into effect. The National Chairman shall be an Ex-officio member of all Committees and shall prepare the agenda after consultation with other members.

8.2       National Executive Board Vice Chairman: helps and assists the National Chairman whenever that officer is impeded.

8.3       National Executive Board Secretary: notifies members of regular and special meetings with a copy of the proposed agenda; keeps and maintains records of minutes of meetings and special meetings, distribute copies to those entitled and handles correspondence. He may perform such duties through the National Center. 

8.4       National Executive Board Treasurer: Ensures that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursements according to generally accepted practices and shall provide a complete independent accounting report. The National Treasurer shall also be responsible for preparation of the Apostolate’s budget and its presentation to the National Executive Board of Trustees for approval annually. Accounts will be submitted annually to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor for approval. The National Treasurer will be responsible for handling the Apostolate’s literature.

8.5       The Indian National Council, National Executive Board of Trustees and National Center, will follow the decisions made by the International Council meeting (General Assembly), the International Board of Trustees and the Asian Regional Board / Council of the WAF and by no means will take resolutions contrary to those approved by the above bodies. The authority of the International and Regional Boards of the WAF supersede those of the National bodies.

9.0 THE INDIAN NATIONAL CENTRE: serves the World Apostolate of Fatima to supervise and coordinate all activities in accordance with the policies established.

9.1       It shall work in team spirit with the National Executive Board of Trustees and shall report to the National Ecclesiastical Advisor.

9.2       The Goa Archdioceses Unit through its Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima is the designated National Centre as per the World Apostolate of Fatima International Secretariat since 1997. This Executive Committee consists of Chairman, Vice- Chairman, General Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Coordinator, Executive Trustee, and Editor.

9.3       It is managed by the National Centre Chairman.

9.4       Its office is presently located at Panaji, Goa. The change of location must be approved by a majority of 2/3 of the National Council and the National Executive Board of Trustees together with the National Centre officers, with the approval of the National Ecclesiastical Advisor. Proper written handling—taking over of all files, correspondence, books and all materials and accounts must be ensured.

9.5       The National Centre shall keep and maintain the archives of the World Apostolate of Fatima.

10.0     INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL
10.1     Since Indian is a Principal Nation, the World Apostolate of Fatima (India) is entitled to send 2 delegates to the International Council a priest and a lay person depending on affordability. These delegates are to be elected by the National Center officers.

10.2     Following the International Statutes, each Principal Nation like India shall provide to the International Secretariat, no later than June 30 of each year a copy of its annual budget, certified by its Treasurer to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent (1%) of the annual revenue of such Principal Nation’s budget which is to be paid to the International Secretariat.

11.0     YOUTH AND CHILDREN APOSTOLATE.
In keeping with Vatican II regarding apostolate for youth, the World Apostolate must dedicate itself to the youth according to the youth program. It must promote the yearly One World Praying Children-of-the-Eucharist for Peace and Life Program before the Most Blessed Sacrament
 

12.0     RESOURCES
The resources of the Apostolate are from voluntary contributions or donations or gift or bequests or the like. The World Apostolate of Fatima (India) may acquire, posses, administer, encumber or transfer any type of property; real, personal or mixed. These powers shall be exercised in accordance with the prevailing local laws and the Code of Canon Law. 

Each Diocesan Unit shall provide to the National Centre, no later than 30 April of each year a copy of its annual budget certified by its Chairman and Spiritual Advisor / Director to be true and accurate. The imposition shall be one percent of the annual revenue of each Diocesan Unit which is to be sent to the Indian National Centre.
No officer or member of the Apostolate shall be personally liable for the obligations of the organization if such an officer or member has taken action in good faith for the benefit of the Apostolate.

13.0     DISMISSAL
            A member may be dismissed by the National Executive Board of Trustees and / or the National Centre in consultation with the National Ecclesiastical Advisor for a conduct contrary to the good or to the aims of the Apostolate and its current Statutes.

14.0 `   RULES AND RESOLUTION The norms of the Code of Canon Law shall be followed in the absence of specific rules, regulations or bylaws. Proposed resolutions maybe submitted in advance of or at the National Council meeting

15.0     THE MAGAZINES “The Messenger of the World Apostolate of Fatima” and “The First Saturdays - A Treasure from Fatima” AND WEBSITES WorldFatimaTv.org | WorldFatimaIndia.blogspot.in  | WorldFatimaAsia.blogspot.in  |  Children-of-the-Eucharist.blogspot.in  |  www.worldfatima.com are published and printed to promote the Message of Fatima and give news about the Apostolate.

16.0     AMENDMENTS to these statutes require a 2/3 vote of the quorum National Council Assembly with written notification to the diocesan delegates with at least 30 days advance. Said amendments will be considered approved when passed by 2/3 vote of the National Council assembly and then approved by the National Ecclesiastical Advisor. 

17.0     RECOURSE TO CANON LAW in all matters not covered by these Statutes, the current and applicable Canon Law will be applied. Canon law will also be applied in the case of the dissolution of this Apostolate and the distribution of its goods.

           18.0     EFFECTIVE DATE These Statutes will become effective on 21^st November 2012.

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Sr.  Savita Parmar                                                                    Sr. Theresa Parmar

(Ahmedabad)                                                                           (Ahmedabad)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  William Carvalho                                                                Fr. Alex Britto

(Baroda)                                                                                   (Baroda)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Callistus Fernandes                                                            Mr. Victor Mascarenhas

(Bombay)                                                                                  (Bombay)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Godfrey Fernandes                                                            Mr. James Lingam

(Calcutta)                                                                                 (Calcutta)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Elias Martis                                                                       Fr. Britto D’Silva

(Gulbarga)                                                                                (Karwar)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Alfie D”Silva                                                                      Fr. M V Sunny

(Karwar)                                                                                   (Raiganj)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Babla Mandal                                                                     Fr. Dileep Thannickal

(Raiganj)                                                                                  (Jagdalpur)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Fr.  Biju Uppanmackal                                                               Sr. Antoinette Fernandes

(Jagdalpur)                                                                              (Krishnagar)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Ms. Lucy Gabriel                                                                       Mr. Reginald D’Souza

(Delhi)                                                                                      (Gandhinagar)

_____________________                                                      _________________________

Mr. Anthony R V Viegas                                                            Mr. Francis  Barreto

(Goa)                                                                                         (Goa)

Approved:   Sd/-

(+ Peter Machado)

Bishop of Belgaum & Ecclesiastical Advisor of the World Apostolate of Fatima

http://worldfatimaindia.blogspot.com/p/national-statutes-of-world-apostolate.html

4] STATUTES OF W.A.F. GOA ARCHDIOCESAN UNIT

CP/2315/2008

            These Statutes of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Goa Archdiocesan Unit) are hereby approved provisionally for a period of two years, at the end of which the same – revised, if necessary – shall be submitted for their definitive approval. We invoke God’s abundant blessings upon all the members of the WAF (G. A. U.) and pray to our Heavenly Father, through the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary, that they may grow in holiness and strive for the sanctification of all our faithful in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.

            Archbishop’s House, Panjim, Goa, 13^th August, 2008.

                                                                                    ______________________

                                                                                         (+ Filipe Neri Ferrao)

                                                                                    Archbishop of Goa and Daman

1.0    INTRODUCTION

1.1    The World Apostolate of Fatima  is an organized movement of Christ’s faithful in the Church. In 1917 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She came to warn the world to stop offending God. She asked for prayer, penance and sacrifice. She promised the great blessing of world peace and the triumph of her Immaculate Heart if her requests were fulfilled. All of this was confirmed by a spectacular miracle of the sun witnessed by over 70,000 people on October 13, 1917.

1.2    The World Apostolate of Fatima  was started in that same year as the Blue Army in the Parish Church of Plainfied, New Jersey (U.S.A), by Harold Colgan to spread Our Lady’s warning and promise of peace. The World Apostolate of Fatima quickly became  an International Apostolate with millions of members with national centers in many countries around the world.

1.3    The World Apostolate of Fatima  was started in Goa in 1954 with Fr.  Servulo Piedade as it’s President.

1.4    The Pontifical Council of the Laity, at Vatican City, on 7 October 2005, Memory of the Blessed Mary Virgin of the Rosary decreed:

1º     The erection of the World Apostolate of Fatima as a public International association of the faithful, according to canons 298-320 and 327-329 of the code of Canon law.

2º     The approval of the Statutes of the association, duly authenticated by this Dicastery and deposited in our Archives.

2.0    THE MISSION OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA.

2.0    Our Lady gave the means to change the world, to turn the hearts of men and women back to God, to end the wars and strife, to end the horror of abortion. The Mission of the World Apostolate of Fatima, therefore, is to make efforts to renew our commitment to fulfilling the requests Our Lady made at Fatima. It is our endeavour to spread the message throughout the world and especially India in general and Goa in particular and assist men and women of good will to respond to her requests.

Our Lady of Fatima asked for a deeper love and reverence for the Holy Trinity leading to amendment of life, for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners, for a more genuine devotion to the Eucharist, devotion to the Rosary, the Five First Saturdays devotion and for consecration to her Immaculate Heart. The World Apostolate of Fatima’s mission is to live this message and make it known.

2.1    Pope John Paul II  says “The message of Fatima is addressed to every human being. The message of Fatima is more relevant and more urgent than when it was given 65 years ago”. (Pope John Paul II, May 22, 1982, Fatima, Portugal).

Hence the urgent necessity for a response to this Message, and the active promotion of it in the interest of salvation of souls and peace, is by God’s grace, the motivating force behind the Apostolate of Fatima throughout the world.

3.0.      GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE WORLD APOSTOLATE OF FATIMA

3.1    Personal Sanctification The members of the World Apostolate of Fatima endeavour to achieve personal sanctification through faithful adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and active compliance with and promotion of the message of Fatima.

3.2    Commitment Members commit themselves and get others to commit to reciting the Rosary, offer up sacrifices demanded by the daily duty, wear the Scapular of Our Lady and observe the Five First Saturdays.

3.3    Strong Church Committed members make committed families and thus they strengthen Holy Mother The Church.

3.4    Sincere Repentance Jesus ushered in the Kingdom of God. “The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the Gospel”. (Mk.1:15). The message of Fatima flows from the Gospel. It aims at man’s interior transformation, at the defeat of sin within him and the strengthening of goodness and at the attainment of holiness (Pope John Paul II, 7^th June, 1997). With our acceptance of God’s love through a sincere repentance, begins a mighty movement of personal and social liberation.

3.5    Active Work for the salvation of humanity especially by spreading the message of Fatima.

4.0    MEMBERSHIP

4.1    Peace Plan With the above purpose in mind, the founders of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Blue Army) formulated the Fatima ‘Pledge’ also known as ‘Peace Plan’ with the following minimum conditions for membership:

a.    To offer up everyday the sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duties and the faithful observance of God’s Law.

b.    To recite at least five decades of the Rosary while meditating on its Mysteries.

c.    To wear the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a sign and reminder of one’s consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

d.    Observe the Five First Saturdays of five consecutive months by fulfilling the following conditions:

1.    Confess within 8 days

2.    Receive Holy Communion

3.    Recite minimum five decades of the Rosary and keep company with Our Lady for fifteen minutes meditating either on five or all the twenty mysteries of the Rosary.

4.    All this to be done with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The idea of the Five Saturdays is obviously to make us persevere in the devotional acts for these Saturdays and overcome initial difficulties. Once this is done, Our Lady knows well that person would become devoted to her Immaculate heart and persist in practicing such devotion on all First Saturdays working thereby for personal reform and for the salvation of others.

4.2    Type of Members

a.    Ordinary member: Any member who signs the pledge to fulfill the required conditions.

b.    Promoter member: A promoter member is one who undertakes to help actively in spreading the message of Fatima with prior approval of the executive committee provided he fulfills the following conditions:

1.    Age 18 years and above

2.    Exemplary Catholic life

3.    True sense of devotion to Our Lady

4.    Good Knowledge of the First Saturday Devotion and the message of Fatima and zeal to implement it.

5.11    MANNER OF ACTION

5.12    PEACE PLAN: Our Lady gave the world the ‘Heaven’s Peace Plan’ which the World Apostolate of Fatima endures to spread through its members who sign the pledge to offer up everyday sacrifices demanded by one’s daily duties, to recite daily at least five decades of the Rosary meditating on the mysteries, to wear the Brown Scapular as a reminder and sign of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to observe the Five First Saturdays of Reparation leading to amendment of life for prayer and penance in reparation for sin and for the conversion of sinners.

5.13    ROSARY CELLS: Promoter members will form Rosary Cells in Parishes and promote the Five First Saturday Devotion with the cooperation/blessings of the Parish Priest but without really putting any extra pressure/load on him.

5.14    THE EUCHARIST: Members should also promote genuine devotion to the Eucharist by organizing Holy Hours, Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Vigils, Prayer cells and daily Mass.

5.15    LEADERSHIP: Members should not only actively participate in all Parish activities but assume leadership roles in activities such as Parish Pastoral Council, small Christian communities, etc.

5.16    DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN: Members should acquaint themselves with the priorities of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2002, and work for the implementation of the same.

5.17    FAMILY: As the Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2002 says “The family as a “Domestic Church” and a “School of deeper humanity” must be the focus of our concern. Members will achieve this by Promoting Family Rosary, which is the best form of family prayer.

5.18    SOUND CATHOLIC EDUCATION: The World Apostolate of Fatima will provide sound Catholic Education to members on subjects like the Eucharist, the Message of Fatima, the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, the First Saturday Devotion and love for the Parish Church through its magazine “The Fatima Messenger” as well as the monthly bulletin “The First Saturdays a Treasure from Fatima”.

5.19    FIGHT AGAINST ABORTION: The horrors of Abortion will be highlighted in the Fatima Messenger as well as the monthly bulletin “The First Saturdays a Treasure from Fatima”.

5.20    COORDINATION: The World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) will work in co-ordination with the Diocesan Center for Lady Apostolate (DCLA).

5.21    RECOMMENDATIONS:

h.    PILGRIMAGES: Members should join and support pilgrimages organized by the World Apostolate of Fatima.

i.      DIVINE MERCY: Members should strive to gain proper knowledge and further the devotion  to the Divine Mercy of God, according to the teachings of the church.

j.      PILGRIM VIRGIN: Members should assist Pilgrim Virgin Visits, which have proper permission of the Diocesan Authority.

k.    UNITY: Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima should be united with the Holy Father, their Archbishop and Priests.

l.      CHARITY: Members should be charitable towards the needs of the neighbour especially the poor and the marginalized.

m.   NEW SOCIETY: Members should get involved in the transformation of the world to build a new society.

n.    PEOPLE OF GOOD WILL: Members should work hand in hand with people of good will to usher in the Kingdom of God.

5.22    MARY’S INTERCESSION:

The Diocesan Pastoral Plan 2002 ends with the following: “May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother and the Mother of India, accompany us on this journey…” The members of the World Apostolate of Fatima will depend a lot on her powerful intercession to guide, lead and help us achieve our goals and objective through the powerful weapons of the Rosary, Scapular and the Five First Saturday Devotion which pulls all devotees to the Church and Sacramental life. May she lead us all to Jesus her Son Our Saviour and Redeemer.

        6.0  DISCIPLINE 

6.1       The Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall have the authority to dismiss or suspend any promoter member for a just reason subject to the right of appeal to the executive committee in consultation with the Spiritual Adviser.

6.2       An up to date list and addresses of all members especially promoter members should be maintained.

6.3       The World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall meet at least once in every six months.

7.0    ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT.

7.1    The World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall elect every three years an executive committee which shall consist of:

a.    Chairman,

b.    Vice-Chairman,

c.     A General Secretary,

d.     An Assistant Secretary

e.    A Treasurer,

f.     An Assistant Treasurer,

g.    A Coordinator,

h.    An Executive Trustee,

i.      An Editor.

7.2    The Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall request the Archdiocesan Authority to nominate a priest from the Archdiocese as Spiritual Adviser. The term of the Spiritual Adviser will be three years. He can be re-nominated

7.3    The Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) can co-opt members to make it more effective and vibrant.

7.4     Duties

a.    The Chairman shall chair each meeting and in his absence either the Vice-Chairman or any senior most member present He shall ensure that the policies of the Apostolate are carried into effect.

b.    Vice-Chairman helps and assists the Chairman especially whenever the Chairman is impeded.

c.    The General Secretary notifies concerned members of meetings with a copy of the agenda, maintains record of minutes of meetings, distributes copies to those entitled, and maintains a register of those present at the meeting.

d.    The Assistant Secretary will assist the General Secretary especially in the absence of the General Secretary.

e.    The Treasurer ensures that accurate records are kept of all receipts and disbursement and submitted annually to the spiritual Adviser for approval. He will be responsible for handling the Apostolate’s literature and other goods.

f.     The Assistant Treasurer will assist the Treasurer especially in the absence of the Treasurer.

g.    The Coordinator with his experience will oversee all activities/functions of the apostolate such as meetings, retreats, night vigils etc.

h.    Executive Trustee shall advise the Committee based on his experience and knowledge of the Message of Fatima and the Apostolate.

i.      The Editor publishes and prints the Apostolate’s literature to promote the message of Fatima.

j.      Spiritual Adviser: Recognizing the importance of strict adherence to the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church and the importance of the message of Fatima to that teaching, a priest of Archdiocesan authority is “designated as the Spiritual Adviser of the Goa Unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima; subject to the approval of the Goa Archbishop Patriarch. He shall have control over all matters involving faith and morals and oversee the compliance with these statutes. The minutes of all meetings shall be submitted to him within seven days of their completion.

The Goa Unit of the World Apostolate of Fatima relates to the  Archbishop Patriarch through its Spiritual Adviser and /or Chairman/Vice-Chairman depending upon circumstances. He has the right to assist in the process of revision for amendment of the statutes if need arises.

k.    The Executive Committee shall meet when they so desire, at least every two months. In an emergency executive committee decisions could be taken by circulating a letter by post or any other modern method of communication.

8.0    ELECTIONS AND DECISION MAKING.

8.1    Members of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall be given fifteen days notice for all election either through any of the Apostolate’s bulletins and /or announcements during meetings or through an advertisement when financially viable.

8.2    A majority of the usually active members shall constitute a quorum. In case there is no quorum, then the meeting shall be adjourned by five minutes and the number of members present after the said adjournment shall constitute the quorum for that meeting.

8.3    A person must get an absolute majority of the votes in order to be elected.

8.4    If the votes are equal, then the winning candidate shall be decided by the casting vote of the presiding officer.

8.5    The Executive Committee of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) shall nominate in advance the Presiding Officer.

8.6    Executive Committee members elected for a three year term, maybe re-elected for a further term of three years to the same office. After a break of one term (3 years), He can be re-elected to the same office. An exception to this rule is the post of the Editor, who because of his technical and other expertise cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, he remains elected as long as he enjoys the confidence of the executive committee.

8.7    Decision making is empowered to the Executive Committee. The Spiritual Adviser will be taken into confidence on all matters.

8.8    Decisions by an absolute majority of those present shall have the force of law.

9.0    FUNDS AND ASSETS.

9.1    There shall be no membership fee or periodic subscription. Funds may be raised through voluntary contribution from members, institutions and general public, according to the protempore norms of the Archdiocese. Accounts will be submitted annually to the Spiritual Adviser for approval.

9.2    The Treasurer of the World Apostolate of Fatima (GAU) in consultation with other office bearers shall establish particular norms to administer any goods the Apostolate may possess for the advancement of the aims of the Apostolate.

10.0  AMENDMENTS OF STATUTES

10.1  Once approved by the Archbishop any changes/amendments to these statutes will have to be made by the executive committee and approved at a general body meeting, by more than two third of the members present. The final approval should come from the Archbishop Patriarch.

11.0  DISSOLUTION OF THE WAF

11.1  Should the Goa Archdiocesan Unit cease to exist, any goods in its possession, shall pass on to the National Council after settling all debts if any.

11.2  Any immovable property/properties owned by the World Apostolate of Fatima, Goa Archdiocesan Unit or the trust of the WAF (GAU) shall pass on to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman in case of dissolution.

CP/4845/2017

            We do hereby grant our approval to the proposed amendment to the Statutes of the “World Apostolate of Fatima, Goa Archdiocesan Unit”, viz. The addition of Article 11.2 to the existing  Statutes.

            Archbishop’s House, Panjim, Goa, 07.10.2017.

                                                                                    ______________________

                                                                                         (+ Filipe Neri Ferrao)

                                                                                    Archbishop - Patriarch

Contact: Dr Celcio Dias, Goa India  +919822981418   celciodias86@gmail.com

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