Statutes

STATUTE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL PROMOTION

“TEMPLARI OGGI – aps”

Name and Headquarters

Art. 1) Pursuant to Law no. 383 of 7 December 2000 and the provisions of the Civil Code concerning associations, the Social Promotion Association named “TEMPLARI OGGI – aps” is hereby established.

The Association includes in its name the qualification APS (Associazione di Promozione Sociale – Social Promotion Association), which constitutes its distinctive feature and therefore will be included in communications addressed to the public and in any distinctive sign that the Association may adopt.

Art. 2) The Association has its headquarters in Rome (RM).

Purposes

Art. 3) The Association is non-profit and prohibits the distribution, even indirectly, of profits or operating surpluses, as well as funds, reserves, or capital during the life of the Association itself, unless such destination or distribution is required by law.

Profits or operating surpluses are used exclusively for carrying out the institutional activities and those directly related to them.

Art. 4) The Association intends to operate with activities of general interest pursuant to Art. 5 of Legislative Decree 117/2017 in the field of “enhancement and preservation of religious buildings and of cultural-historical significance,” with particular reference to points f), i), k), m) of Art. 5 of Legislative Decree 117/2017.

The Association carries out the following activities of social utility:

Create a website in order to extend to the online public the objectives and activities of the Association itself.

Safeguard and enhance abandoned churches, maintaining them in good condition and opening them to visitors whenever possible;

Keep open urban churches that are normally closed due to lack of custodians or other reasons, allowing visits for prayer even at special times for better service to the faithful;

Offer hospitality to the faithful visiting the church and provide order service during liturgical celebrations;

Specialize in the knowledge of the spiritual, artistic, and historical values of specific churches and make themselves available for guided services;

Work for the recovery of churches and related works of art, promoting at the same time the setting up of exhibitions or small museums and also encouraging the creation of multipurpose centers for cultural, artistic, and recreational events;

Propose historical-cultural conferences and conventions to promote the education of members and non-members;

Organize conferences and publications for the deepening of culture and history, with particular reference to the Middle Ages;

Propose and carry out historical-cultural conferences and conventions, publications, and informational materials on the history and tradition of the Chivalric Orders, particularly of the Pauperes commilitones Christi templique Salomonis known as the Templars;

Publish a periodic bulletin with information on the initiatives of the Association at national and regional level;

Duration

Art. 5) The duration of the Association is unlimited and it may only be dissolved by resolution of the Extraordinary General Assembly of Members.

Members

Art. 6) Membership in the Association is open to all persons (without any distinction of gender, race, ideas, or religion) who, sharing its spirit and ideals, intend to personally commit themselves to the achievement of the purposes provided by this Statute.

The members of the Association are:

• Founding members
• All individuals or third-sector entities who commit to contribute to the realization of the Association’s purposes and to observe this Statute.

The associative relationship and modalities are aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of the membership itself; therefore, participation in the life of the Association may not be temporary.

Public and/or private organizations participate through their appointed representative.

Art. 7) Admission to the Association is decided by the Board of Directors upon request of the aspiring member. Membership applications submitted by minors must be countersigned by the person holding parental authority. The parent signing the application represents the minor in all respects in relation to the Association and is liable to the Association for all obligations of the minor member.

Art. 8) All members have the right to:

• Participate in all activities promoted by the Association;
• Take part in the life of the Association, expressing their vote in the appropriate forums, including for the approval and modification of the Statute and of any regulations;
• Enjoy active and passive voting rights for the election of the Association’s Governing Bodies.

Minor members do not have active or passive voting rights, as better specified in Art. 16 of this Statute.

Art. 9) Members are obliged to observe the Statute, respect the decisions of the Association’s bodies, and pay the membership fees. Such fees are neither transferable nor revaluable.

The number of members is unlimited.

To more visibly express their belonging to the Association, members will wear during associative activities a simple white tunic with a red cross on the chest.

Art. 10) Membership is not temporary and is lost due to voluntary resignation, expulsion, or death.

Resignation must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors.

Expulsion is foreseen when the member does not comply with the provisions of this Statute and any regulations, defaults on payments, or engages in behavior that causes material or reputational damage to the Association. Expulsion is decided by the Board of Directors, by absolute majority of its members, and communicated by letter to the member concerned. Against such measure, the concerned member may appeal within 15 days of the date of notification of the expulsion; the appeal will be examined by the Assembly at its first ordinary meeting.

Art. 11) The loss, for any reason, of membership does not entitle to reimbursement of amounts paid to the Association.

Art. 12) The death of a member does not confer any rights within the Association to the heirs.

General Assembly of Members

Art. 13) The governing bodies of the Association are:

• The General Assembly of Members,
• The Board of Directors,
• The President,
• The Supervisory Body.

Art. 14) The General Assembly of Members is the sovereign body of the Association; it is composed of all members qualified at the time of the convocation and may be ordinary or extraordinary.

Art. 15) The Assembly is convened by the President at least once a year within four months from the close of the financial year for the approval of the annual financial report and, in any case, whenever the Board of Directors deems it appropriate, or upon request of at least half of the members, provided they are up to date with the payment of membership fees.

The notice of convocation must be issued at least five days before the date of the meeting by email/letter and by publication of the notice on the homepage of the Association’s website and/or posting the notice visibly in the premises where the activities are carried out. The notice must contain the date, time, and place of the first and second call, as well as the agenda.

Art. 16) All adult members in good standing with membership fees may attend the Assembly (ordinary or extraordinary) with the right to vote; each member has one vote. Minor members and their legal guardians or custodians have the right to receive the convocation and attend but without speaking or voting rights.

Attendance by proxy is allowed, to be given in writing exclusively to another member. Each member may hold no more than one proxy.

Voting at the Assembly may take place, as decided by the Assembly itself, by show of hands, roll call, or secret ballot.

Art. 17) The Assembly of Members has the following duties:

• In Ordinary Session:
  • Approve the annual financial report;
  • Elect the President and the Board of Directors, determining the number of members;
  • Elect replacements for resigning Board members;
  • Deliberate on any other ordinary and general-interest matters placed on the agenda.
• In Extraordinary Session:
  • Deliberate on transformation, merger, and dissolution of the Association;
  • Deliberate on proposals for amendments to the Statute;
  • Deliberate on any other extraordinary and general-interest matters placed on the agenda.

Art. 18) The Ordinary Assembly, chaired by the President of the Board of Directors who appoints among the members a secretary to record the minutes, is validly constituted in first call with the presence of 50% plus one of the members, and in second call regardless of the number of members present.

The Ordinary Assembly validly deliberates, both in first and second call, with the majority of 50% plus one of those present on all issues on the agenda.

At least one hour must pass between the first and second call.

Art. 19) The Extraordinary Assembly is chaired by a President appointed by the Assembly itself by simple majority, who in turn appoints among the members a secretary to record the minutes.

To amend the memorandum of association and the statute, the Extraordinary Assembly is validly constituted with the presence of at least three-quarters of the members and deliberates with the majority of 50% plus one of those present.

To deliberate the dissolution of the Association and the allocation of its assets, the favorable vote of at least three-quarters of the members is required.

Art. 20) All Assembly resolutions and financial reports, in addition to being duly transcribed in the Book of Assembly Minutes, are publicized to members by being displayed for thirty days after approval at the Association’s headquarters.

Board of Directors and President

Art. 21) The Board of Directors is the executive and management body of the Association and is elected by the Assembly every three years. It is composed of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members, including the President who is a member by right. Board members may be re-elected, and all positions are unpaid. The Board of Directors may be revoked by the Assembly of Members; it will in any case remain in office until the election of the new Board. In case of resignation of a Board member, the first non-elected candidate is co-opted.

Within the Board of Directors, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer are appointed. The President, who has the legal representation of the Association, may be delegated part of the powers of the Board of Directors.

Art. 22) The Board of Directors has the broadest powers for the ordinary and extraordinary management of the Association. In particular, it is responsible for:

• Decisions concerning ordinary and extraordinary expenses, operating and capital, for the management of the Association;
• Decisions relating to institutional, complementary, and commercial activities and services to be undertaken for the best achievement of the Association’s purposes;
• Decisions concerning the direction of employees and coordination of collaborators and professionals employed by the Association;
• Preparation of the annual financial report to be submitted to the approval of the Assembly within four months from the close of the financial year;
• Preparation of the annual report on activities carried out and goals achieved to be submitted to the Assembly;
• Presentation of a programmatic plan relating to activities to be carried out in the new social year;
• Establishing membership fees;
• The ability to appoint, among members outside the Board, delegates for carrying out specific functions established from time to time by the Board itself;
• Drafting and approving Administrative Regulations and proposals for amending the Statute to be submitted to the subsequent approval of the Assembly;
• Deliberation on the admission of new members.

Supervisory Body

Art. 23) Where required by law, or deemed necessary by the Assembly, a Supervisory Body shall be established. It is appointed by the Assembly and may also consist of a single member. The Supervisory Body remains in office for three years and its members may be re-elected. It monitors compliance with the law and the Statute and oversees the proper administrative, accounting, and financial management of the Association.

President

Art. 24) The President is the legal representative of the Association in all respects, represents it before third parties and in court, signs documents on behalf of the Association, convenes and chairs the Board of Directors, and ensures the execution of its resolutions.

In case of absence or impediment, the President is replaced by a Vice President or another member designated by the Board of Directors.

Assets and Financial Resources

Art. 25) The assets of the Association consist of:

• Movable and immovable property owned by the Association;
• Any funds, reserves, and surpluses accumulated during its activity;
• Any donations, inheritances, and bequests.

Art. 26) The financial resources of the Association are composed of:

• Membership fees;
• Contributions from public and private entities;
• Contributions from members and third parties;
• Income from commercial and productive activities that are ancillary and consistent with the Association’s statutory purposes;
• Any other income allowed by law.

Art. 27) The financial year of the Association begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st of each year.

Within four months from the end of the financial year, the Board of Directors must prepare the financial statements (or annual financial report) to be submitted to the Assembly for approval.

The financial statements must be deposited at the headquarters of the Association at least 10 days before the meeting of the Assembly convened for their approval. Members may request copies.

Dissolution and Allocation of Assets

Art. 28) In case of dissolution of the Association for any reason, the assets will be devolved, after liquidation, to other non-profit organizations of social utility or for purposes of public utility, according to the decision of the Assembly that resolves on the dissolution, and unless otherwise required by law.

Final Provisions

Art. 29) For matters not provided for in this Statute, the provisions of the Civil Code and applicable laws on the matter shall apply.

coming soon

Art. 1 – Denomination

The association between Catholic Christian Faithfuls called “Catholic Templars of Italy” (according to can 215/216 – Titulus I, de omnium christifidelium obligationibus et iuribus; can from 321 to 326 – Titulus V, Caput III, de christifidelium Consociationibus privatis of the Code of Canon Law)

Art. 2 – Duration

The duration of the Association is indefinite.

Art. 3 – Subject

The Association is a no profit. The Association aims to increase the Christian and Catholic

vocation in Italy and in the world; To promote and support with their own initiatives the apostolic activity of the Holy Roman Church. In the Association, laymen and clerics together, through common action, to the growth of a more perfect life, to the promotion of the public worship of the Eucharistic Rite and to other works of apostolate, as initiatives of evangelization especially among youth, acting piety and charity, animation of the temporal order through the Christian spirit (canon 298 – Canon Law Code)

Art. 4 – Purpose of action

The Association proposes in particular: * to awaken the values of the cavalry and the tradition of the poor knights of Christ, said Templars, through common prayers and meditation, the defense of the Catholic faith, and historical studies. * Preserve the countless abandoned churches, keeping them with decorum and opening them to the people of the faithful at least a few days a month; Especially by preventing its use to malicious operators. * Fighting against the invasive esotericism and magical, especially among youth; To intervene with initiatives of prevention and opposition against Satanists operating in our dioceses, and also to heal the nefarious legacies

Art. 5 – Actions

The Association, in communion with the Chaplains and the associated clerics, proposes to:

Have periodically spiritual retreats at Convents or places of worship preferably built before 1300 AD, in order to deepen the spirituality of the Christian Cavalry Orders with particular reference to the poor Knights of Christ called the Templars. It is understood that such retreats will be open to the participation of all baptized people who wish to join.

Organize at least 2 meetings every year for the purpose of listening to the Word of God through the Holy Gospels. The meetings provide for common prayers also during the night based on the Lord Prayer “Pater Noster”, Hail Mary “Ave Maria” and Glory “Gloria Patri” recited in Latin. The Chaplains will be available to impart the Christian and Catholic sacraments to all the associates. Hold conferences, conventions and public meetings dedicated to the evangelization of youth in particular through the eternal values of the Christian chivalry. To write publications aimed at deepening the Christian and Catholic tradition in particular according to the teachings of St. Bernard and other ancient Church Fathers, such as St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Clement of Alexandria, Origen.

Editing a periodic bulletin with information on the initiatives of the Association at national and regional level.

Create an internet site – included among Catholic sites – in order to broaden the objectives and activities of the Association to the telematic audience. Promote for its associates, in compliance with current regulations, travel and guided tours of exhibitions, monuments and places of art with particular regard to the Holy Land and the ancient pilgrimage destinations.

To activate sponsorships and forms of commercial advertising as well as to make any operation like real estate, financial and financial transactions necessary for the achievement of the institutional goals.

Join other cultural and recreationals organizations; Subscribe to participation shares of existing cultural and recreational societies and constitutes the means of achieving the institutional purpose of the Association.

The Association will be able to carry out activities directly related to the institutional or complementary ones, such as the promotion of the culture of spirituality and art during awareness-raising campaigns or the sale of shirts and brochures in order to obtain funds for The best usability of institutional activity.

Art. 6 – Location

The Association has its headquarter to the Templar Church of St. Fermo Maggiore in Verona. The Association may set up secondary offices.

Art. 7 – Heritage

The assets of the Association are: From the initial contributions paid by the founding members; From social quotas and any voluntary contributions from associates that may be required in relation to the needs and functioning of the Association; Any revenue and specific contributions for services provided by the Association; Contributions from public organizations and other private or legal people; From redemptions resulting from conventions or contributions from the State, Region, Province, City or any other public and private organizations both national and international; Any allowances, donations and legacies that the Board of Directors considers appropriate to accept; Revenues from marginal and commercial activities that are always included in the associative activities and objectives.

Art. 8 – Associates

Associates may be all those, natural persons or legal persons, associations and organizations that share the association goals. Are associates all people of age not less than eighteen years and legal entities who, upon a reasoned request, are admitted to the Board of Directors. Associates are divided into “ordinary” and “supporters”. At admission, ordinary associates will pay the membership fee to be set annually by the Board of Directors. Supporting members, may be admitted without the obligation to pay any fee. Acceptance of the application for admission by the Board of Directors gives the right to be enrolled in the members’ book. Members of the Association, in accordance with Cancellation 317 of the CDC, will be appointed Ecclesiastical Assistants or Chaplains who will care for the souls of the lay associates. Within the Association, a section will be set up to train members of the Christian and Catholic chivalry tradition with particular reference to the spirituality of the poor Knights of Christ called the Templars.

Associate quality is lost for death, resignation, or exclusion. Exclusion is deliberated by the Board of Directors with reasoned resolution.

Exclusion is the morality of more than six months in the payment of social security contributions or in the performance of activities contrary to or in competition with activities of the Association, or if the associate fails to comply with statutory provisions or regulations or resolutions of shareholders or Board of Directors. This measure must be notified to the declared declined member who, within thirty days of such communication, may appeal to the assembly by registered letter with the President of the Association.

Art. 9 – Associate’s Rights

The quality of the Associate grants the following rights governed by a specific Regulation drawn up by the Board of Directors: Attending the premises of the Association; Actively participate in the initiatives organized by the Association; Participate with their own compositions or artistic and cultural works; Present useful proposals for achieving the goals of the Association; Get information about associative activities.

Art. 10 – Obligations of the Associates

All Associates are required to comply with the Articles of Association and the deliberations of the National Board of Directors of the Association and internal regulations. The duties of all Ordinary Associates are: To pay within the time limit set by the National Board of Director the annual subscription fee for each business year, according to the amount determined and communicated by the National Board of Directors; Participate with assiduity in the associative activity; Respect the resolutions of the Members’ Assembly and those of the National Board of Directors; Promoting and disseminating the ideals of the Association; Abstain from individual or group initiatives that involve the Association directly or indirectly. Adherence to the Association is annual and coincides with the business year and is tacitly renewed year by year, unless notice is given by registered letter or legal mail by 31st of October of the year. In such a case, the qualification of Associate shall expire on 1 January of the following year.

Art. 11 – Associative Fee

The membership fee represents the contribution to the expenses incurred by the Association for the conduct of its institutional activities. Associative contribution is not conveyable, except for cause of death, and is not re-validated. Among the ordinary associates there is a uniform discipline of the associative relationship and the associative modalities. It is possible to determine – by the Board of Directors – the allocation of different amounts in correlation with the different contribution capacity for certain associates without giving them the right to benefit from more benefits. It is expressly excluded the temporality of each associate’s participation in associative life. It is envisaged that an associate may make a flat-rate and / or continuous contribution in the context of one or more associative activities in strictly implementing the purposes set out in Articles 3, 4 and 5. In that case, reimbursement of expenses is recognized and To be granted to the associate the payment of a remuneration proportional to the actual activity provided and determined annually by the Governing Board, subject to the approval of the Shareholders’ Meeting and, of course, within the limits provided for by the Law.

Art. 12 – Organs

Are the organs of the Association: – the Shareholders’ Meeting – the Board of Directors – the Chairman and the Vice Chairman – the Board of Auditors or the Auditor

Art. 13 – Assembly

The associates form the Assembly. Ordinary associates have the right to vote. Supporting

associates may attend meetings, but have no right to vote. The Assembly is convened by the Chairman and when motivated by at least one fifth of the associates is requested. For the validity of its constitution and its resolutions in first convocation, there must be at least half or one of ordinary members present or represented and resolutions will be taken by majority vote. In the case of a second convocation, the Shareholders’ Meeting shall be valid whatever the number of ordinary members or votes shall be and shall always act by a simple majority. For the extraordinary shareholders’ deliberations – regarding changes to the Articles of Association and the dissolution of the Association – it will be necessary, however, that at least three quarters of the ordinary members and the favorable vote of the majority of the present and second convocation, It is necessary to have at least two-thirds of the ordinary members and the deliberations will be taken with the favorable vote of the majority of ordinary members present. The Assembly will meet at least once a year when approving the annual report. The Assembly deliberates on: To the approval of the final budget and budget prepared by the Board of Directors and accompanied by a report on the progress of the cultural activity and the economic management of the association; At the appointment of the Board of Directors; At the appointment of the Board of Auditors or the Auditor; Approving and amending the articles of the association and the Regulations; To any other subject that the Board of Directors intends to submit. The Shareholders’ Meeting is convened at least eight days before to the date set for the meeting by written notice sent to each Associate or in case of urgency by fax or telegram or e-mail at least two days before the due date or with notice at Association at least fifteen days before the meeting. The notice of convocation must contain the indication of the place, day and time of the meeting on first and second convocation, the arguments to be discussed. They have the right to participate in the shareholders’ meeting in accordance with the payment of the membership fee. In full spirit of collaboration, membership and active participation in associative activities, the associate can not be represented by another associate or by a third party. Each Associate is entitled to one vote. The deliberations of the assembly will be transcribed in a special report.

Art. 14 – Administration

The Board of Directors consists of a number of members ranging from three to eleven. The Councilors are elected by the Shareholders’ Meeting, are in office for three years and are reelected. The members of the Board of Directors will be appointed as follows: No°2 members are selected among the founding members; No°2 members are appointed by the founding members; No°2 members are appointed by the existing Board of Directors, if any. The remaining members are appointed by the Assembly of Associates. The Board of Directors elects the Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and a Treasurer-Secretary. If a member of the Board of Directors resigns, the Council may co-opt the substitute between the founding members and remain in office until the expiration of the entire Board.

If the minimum number of members is missing, the entire Board of Directors will be deemed to dismissed.

Art. 15 – Board of Directors – convocation

The Board of Directors shall act by an absolute majority of its members. It is convened by the Chairman, the Vice Chairman or a third of its members. The Board of Directors is convened at least eight days before the meeting, by written communication sent by letter. In urgent cases, the convocation can be made by sending telegrams and e-mails forwarded at least two days before the scheduled date for the meeting. The Board of Directors is, however, validly constituted, even in the absence of such formalities of convocation, if all the members of the Board of Auditors or the sole auditor are present. Meetings are transcribed in a special report.

Art. 16 – Board of Directors – Operations

The Board of Directors is invested with all the powers of ordinary and extraordinary administration inherent in the management of the Association, with the exception of those that the law or the statute reserve to the Shareholders Meeting. The Board of Directors, by way of example: Prepares the budget and the final budget and submits them to the approval of the Shareholders’ Meeting; Determines the membership fees and determines how to obtain the funds required for ordinary and extraordinary management expenses; Compile a regulation to regulate and organize the activities of the Association and to be submitted to the Assembly for its approval; Performs the assignment of employees, the recruitment of employees by determining remuneration and retribution in accordance with the limits set by Legislative Decree 460/97 and in compliance with the relevant legislation; Program the activity of the association and directs all the activities necessary to pursue the aims of the association; Examines the applications for admission of new associates, decides the exclusions ex art.8 of this Statute; Appoint one or more directors to perform certain assignments or associative functions within the limits of delegated powers; May appoint prosecutors for certain acts or categories of acts and may use experts and professionals; Decides on the acceptance of any legacies or donations or deposits; Deliberates amendments to the By-Laws with the favorable vote of the majority of its members.

Art. 17 – President

The President, and in his absence or impediment, the Vice President, has the legal representation of the Association in the presence of third parties and in court and executes the resolutions of the Board of Directors and the Shareholders’ Meeting, observes the statutory provisions and the social rules. In case of absence or impossibility of exercising the office by both the President and the Vice Chairman, the Senior Boarder on appointment date assumes their duties. The President, if the Council has not appointed a different person, also has the following responsibilities: The responsibility for the retention of the datas ex L. 31.12.1996, no 675 (Privacy Act); The responsibility for safety in the workplace ex L. no.626 / 1994 and Legislative Decree 242/1996 and subsequent amendments.

Art. 18 – Auditors’ College

The Board of Auditors or the single Auditor is appointed by the Shareholders’ Meeting if it

becomes mandatory for exceeding the limits set by law. The Board of Statutory Auditors consists of three members, with appropriate professional and non-associate powers, whose function is to check the correctness of the management in relation to the statutory and statutory regulations, and prepare an annual report when approving the balance sheet. Auditors must be selected from among the members of the Register of Auditors.

Art. 19 – Budget

The exercise ends on December 31 of each year. By 30 April following the closure of the financial statements or in exceptional cases by June 30, the Board of Directors shall submit to the Shareholders’ Meeting the balance sheet for the previous year and by 31 December the balance sheet for the following year. Any profits or surplus of management shall be used solely for the execution of the activities referred to in Articles 4 and 5 of this Statute. The retained earnings or surpluses, as well as funds, reserves or capital will not be distributed, even indirectly, throughout the life of the Association, unless the destination or distribution is made by law or is made in favor of other associative operating entities Without profit or onlus that by law, statute or regulation are part of the same and unified structure.

Art. 20 – Supervision of the competent ecclesiastical authority

The Association recognizes the Holy Father Pope Francis and his successors as superior authority to which all the activities of the Association itself will be subordinate (canon 305 – Canon Code of Conduct)

Art. 21 – Dissolution

The Association extends in the following cases: Loss of all assets or if it has become insufficient with respect to the purposes; Achievement of purpose; Impossibility to operate or inactivate the assembly due to lack of associates; Resolves dissolution by the assembly of the associates; In other cases provided for by law. In the event of a dissolution of the Association, for any cause, the assets will be donated to the Catholic Church or other non-profit organization or for public utility purposes or to other non-profit organizations, after hearing the control body referred to in art .3 paragraph 190 of the law of 23 December 1996 no 662, except for a different destination imposed by the law in force at the time of dissolution.

Art. 22 – Compromise clause

All disputes between the Associates and the Association, between the members of the Board of Directors and the Association, will be dealt with at the trial of three arbitrators each appointed by each contending party and the third by the two arbitrators so appointed or in default by the President of the Tribunal Of Parma.

Art. 23- Final Provisions

For all matters not covered by this Statute, reference is made to the provisions of the Civil Code and the relevant laws.