The essence of a community is fraternal life. For San Francisco fraternal life was fundamental for the beginning of the franciscan fraternity. So much that the exhortation to the friars sent on mission was to be mothers to each other. Mother is mother. It is taht which cares and anticipates the needs of her sons.

Therefore, we should be mothers to each other. We should care for the brother as Christ Himself would care for them. Independent of having affinity or not, we should care for the brother or sister and anticipate his/her necessities.

If necessary carry your brothers/sisters at your side…if necessary give your life for them.

Ademir Costa

translated from Portuguese