Continuing Formation in the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this thesis is to discover in the Capuchin Constitutions and alI texts relating to them, the original proposal of the Capuchins regarding the philosophy behind the concept of continuous renewal and updating. This essentially is an attempt to integrate Continuing Formation within that of the Franciscan Capuchin formation, calling attention to changes in menta!ity, attitudes, educational systems and in the !ife itself of the fraternity of the Order faced with the challenge of the so called Continuing Formation. A tentative approach to our theme of Continuing Formation eschews methodological illumination in order to elaborate or adjust adequate programs to the continuaI promotion of the Capuchin. It means, in the ultimate analysis, understanding not only the challenge for changing the way one sees himself but also the challenge of self-education and an ability to embrace new concepts which makes the fraternity the principal educational means of its own members. ln his book Adult Education in Practice , Professor Robert Peers expressed a prophetic phrase which accurately summarizes the role of Continuing Formation: All education must be a process of adjustment of the individual to the world in which he lives. But since his world is constantly changing, this adjustment must be a continuous process and not something which is