- A small community with its own constitution which is based on the
Gospel
- Considered a civil association by the State
- Considered a parish by the Church
- Laws, elections and decisions must be unanimously approved of
Nomadelfia is more a people than a community. It has its own history,
culture, law and language. It has its own way of life and its own tradition.
Its population is composed of men, women, priests, families and children.
HOW
TO BECOME A NOMADELFIAN. People are not born Nomadelfian; they deliberately
choose to become part of this community. Many children, once having come
of age, decide to leave the community. Those that wish to become Nomadelfian
are first put on a three year probation period. At the end of this trial
period, if they have been accepted, the contitution is signed at the altar
in front of the entire community.
Becoming a Nomadelfian means a life of dedication. A member may, however,
leave the community at any time.
ALL PROPERTY IS HELD IN COMMON. The economic resources come from
work, government assistance and benefactors, especially through activities
in the apostolate, publications, Entertainment Evenings and meetings.
Nomadelfians must obey the dispositions of the respective departments
and must be available for any job or transfer.
RELIGION. Nomadelfia bases itself on the Catholic religion. The
Church recognized the community and made it a parish in 1962. As far as
worship, doctrine and customs are concerned, Nomadelfia abides to the
worship, doctrine and customs of the Catholic Church.
THE
CONSTITUTION. For the Italian State, Nomadelfia is a civil association
organized as a co-operative labor association. The community is run on
a constitution which is based on the Gospel and democratic.
Those who effectively become part of Nomadelfia (which means signing the
constitution) make up the Assembly which exercises legislative
power and elects government representatives.
All laws, decisions and elections must be approved by the majority and
must be confirmed with a unanimous vote.
The Presidency exercises executive power and organizes daily life.
The Stewardship is in charge of administration.
The Council of the Elderly elects and checks the stewardship and
acts as arbitrator in case the Assembly has not decided unanimously.
The Judges' College intervenes when contrasting opinions arise
and makes certain that all the departments' acts are constitutional.
The Founder's Successor is a priest. His task is to guarantee that
life in Nomadelfia is in harmony with the founder's spirit, the Gospel
and the constitution.
From the NOMADELFIANS' CONSTITUTION
Art. 2
In order to become a Nomadelfian, one must meet a number of requirements.
The candidate must be 21 years of age and must be a practicing Catholic
who lives according to the teachings and discipline of the Apostolic Catholic
Church.
He must live only on what is given to him by the Association.
He must accept poverty, although he will have whatever necessary for a
decent life.
He must be generous in his manners and he may not work for a third party.
He may not hire workers and must not take part in activities for personal
or family benefit.
He must not speculate on the work of others.
Art. 6
The Nomadelfian community must live moderately, according to human needs,
to the spirit of the evangelical councils and
particulary according to the "Sermon of the Mountain".
Art. 47
Nomadelfians are not allowed to argue among themselves.
If a conflict arises between two or more Nomadelfians or postulators,
they are sent to a Judge who is appointed by the college to act as conciliator.
If a member does not accept the Judge's decision, he must leave the community
or else undergo a trial.
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