Udział świeckich w Kościele lokalnym i powszechnym. Rada Regionu Gdańskiego Franciszkańskiego Zakonu Świeckich na przestrzeni Kapituł w latach 1989–2016

Abstract

The history of Franciscan tertiary has lasted for over eight centuries and has always been connected with penitential movement. The tradition tells that the Franciscan Order was founded in 1221. The Pope Paul VI confirmed the rule for the tertiaries with his letter Seraphicus Patriarcha. After its introduction, the Order became the autonomous association of church and the tertiaries from all the world were the noticeable community on the international, national, regional and local level. Fraternities of the secular Franciscan Order provide the church the strengthening of catholicity and the unique experience of universal brotherhood. The region of Gdansk has developed one of such communities. Nowadays, in the new structures of the tertiary movement, the Gdansk community has started its tenth term of office in order to serve the secular Franciscans. The region includes the tertiary communities from Gdansk archdiocese, diocese of both Pelplin and Torun. This study attempts to present its history from the date of foundation to the present time.