What have we received so precious that we must pass it on? In the early 18th century, so-called Speculative Freemasonry was organized by men of various origins looking for a structure in which they would feel free to voice their quest for mutual tolerance, for liberty of conscience, for union.

The Masons that came before us have entrusted us with a method that unveils itself gradually; after having assimilated the basic knowledge of one degree, we can integrate a new, complementary one. So the work is never done, and each situation calls for new study, new understanding, requiring us to reassess things humbly, though with dignity.

Symbols and ritualsare the tools that we were given to reach this goal. For the pivot of the Masonic method is symbolic thought, which fosters spiritual development. At first, an individual, intimate experience, it is then stimulated in the sisterly debate within our Lodge.

The Lodge is where it all happens,where everything becomes ordered, oriented, and sorted out. The ritual provides rhythm and order, with a place for every member. It thus becomes an educative structure where we learn how to relate to ourselves, to others, to the world. It is the day-by-day experience within the Lodges that shapes the relation of Freemasons with themselves, with their group and with society.

Masonic initiation is a quest for meaning, a desire to progress, to understand, in order to outgrow biases, social strictures and reductive clichés.

We rely on our method to work towards the ideal that we have freely chosen: the spiritual, moral, and material progress of mankind.