Education, Gatherings, etc.
Formation
7/26/25
What Makes Secular Franciscans Different from Other Catholics? (Part Five)
This week we look at Our Relationship to our Founder
Our knowledge of and relationship to our founder is an important part of our lives as Franciscans. We trace the founding of our Order to one of the greatest of the Church’s saints who sets the example for us. As a matter of fact, at our profession we promise to live the gospel by following in the footsteps of St. Francis. (See Rite of Profession quoted in week #1.) We are blessed to have writings by St. Francis to rely on to ensure that we remain faithful to the Franciscan charism. Reading his prayers and letters gives us years of material for meditation and imitation and makes clear the path we are to follow.
There are some 30 writings known to have been composed by St. Francis or which have been reliably attributed to him. These constitute a real treasure for Franciscans. By comparison, only four writings by Francis’s contemporary St. Dominic, founder of the Dominicans, survive. The writings of St. Francis offer Secular Franciscans an opportunity to encounter him personally. They let St. Francis speak for himself.
Over the course of one’s life as a Secular Franciscan, there is time to read everything written by St. Francis, but to begin, consider the five documents listed below. Each of these, along with a brief and informative introduction, can be accessed in the three-volume set Early Documents or at the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition website, https://franciscantradition.org/ .
The Prayer Before the Crucifix -- This simple and short prayer for conversion is Francis’s plea for God’s mercy to “enlighten the darkness” of his heart and to give him the spiritual gifts necessary to obey God’s command. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 40
The Earlier Exhortation (The first version of the Letter to the Faithful) serves as the Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Rule of 1978. Addressed to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, it offers a form of life Francis intended for the lay penitents associated with his movement. Earlier Exhortation: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 41
A Letter to a Minister reveals how important mercy and minority were to Francis and presents his own idea of servant leadership. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 97
The Admonitions are a collection of undated writings by St. Francis that are a window on how Francis understood the gospel life and how he viewed life in fraternity. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 128
A Letter to Brother Leo presents Francis as an intimate and caring brother. There is no way of knowing the circumstances Francis refers to—specifically, a conversation between him and Leo along the road—but there is no mistaking Francis’s love and compassion. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 122
The Canticle of Brother Sun is Francis’s great poem of praise to God through his creatures. It makes explicit the connection between Francis and nature (kinship with creation) and establishes Francis as a poet and troubadour of God.CA:ED, p. 391
An irony of our time is that the writing most associated with St. Francis is one he never wrote: the “Prayer of St. Francis,” also called the “Peace Prayer” (“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”) likely originated in France around 1912, first appearing in a spiritual magazine published in Paris. Although devout, these words were never uttered by Francis and should not eclipse his authentic prayers. Similarly, many sayings attributed to Francis (e.g., “Preach the gospel; if necessary, use words.”) are not found in the documents. The authoritative sources will yield a trove of inspiring quotations more trustworthy and meaningful than those erroneously attributed to him on internet pages and elsewhere.
Along with being thoroughly familiar with our Rule of Life and with the Gospels, we should also know about and internalize the life and writings of St. Francis. In this way, the Franciscan charism becomes firmly implanted in our minds and hearts, and we are more easily able to live out our vocation as Secular Franciscans.
Thank you to National Formation Commission member, Justin Carisio, OFS, for his collaboration on this post.
To discuss or to answer in your journal.
+Why do you suppose the writings of the founder of an order would be of great assistance to his or her followers? Please explain.
+Please read some or all of the readings referenced above.--Note what touched you.--What did you read that will strengthen your vocation? Why?--Which one would you choose to share with your fraternity? How would you present it? 6/13/2025 In anticipation of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on June 19th (in some dioceses June 22), we examine again our devotion to the Eucharist as followers of St. Francis.
St. Francis was devoted to the Eucharist. In the first Admonition, he says. “This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many] ;{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life .{snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves .{snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 129)
As we follow in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, we, too, are devoted to the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Let’s take a look at our Rule and Constitutions.
Rule Article 8: … “Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist….”
General Constitutions Article 14.2: (Refers to Art. 8 of the Rule) “The Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church. Christ unites us to himself and to one another as a single body in it. Therefore, the Eucharist should be the center of the life of the fraternity. The brothers and sisters should participate in the Eucharist as frequently as possible, being mindful of the respect and love shown by Francis, who, in the Eucharist, lived all the mysteries of the life of Christ.”
“The Holy Spirit builds up, animates, and sanctifies the Church. He prepares us to go out and bring others to Christ. He opens our minds to understand Christ's death and Resurrection. He makes present for us the mystery of Christ, especially in the Eucharist, and brings us to communion with God that we may bear much fruit. (Cf. CCC - no. 737) United States Catholic Catechism for Adults - USCCB - Page 109
GC Article 53.2 & 4 (Refers to Articles 6 & 8 of the Rule) 2.”The fraternity should come together periodically, also as a Church community to celebrate the Eucharist in a climate which strengthens the fraternal bond and characterizes the identity of the Franciscan family. Where, for whatever reason, this particular celebration may not be possible, they should participate in the celebration of the larger Church community.”
N.B. “The Eucharist, celebrated with parish members, draws us to the Church. It keeps us in touch with the local
parish and diocesan community. The fraternity may periodically celebrate Eucharist at their fraternity gatherings.
This celebration is recommended for special occasions - e.g. Professions, jubilees of profession, a memorial Eucharist for the deceased of the SFO or other important occasions.” Cf. Benedict XVI's quote from Sacramentum Caritatis on page 184-185 (Franciscan Journey p. 177)
“Within the Church the Eucharist is the center of our lives. Attending a parish Eucharist is highly encouraged. We need to be consistently present at the gathering of the People of God. It reminds us of our union with the Church.” (Franciscan Journey p. 178)
A good video by Bishop Barron on the Eucharist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Real Presence)
Through our example, we help others to realize that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. Please think about your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist as you answer the questions below.
+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Think about what our Rule and Constitutions say about the Eucharist. How are you opened up by these words to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you?
+In what ways can you show special reverence for the Eucharist?
This week we look at Our Relationship to our Founder
Our knowledge of and relationship to our founder is an important part of our lives as Franciscans. We trace the founding of our Order to one of the greatest of the Church’s saints who sets the example for us. As a matter of fact, at our profession we promise to live the gospel by following in the footsteps of St. Francis. (See Rite of Profession quoted in week #1.) We are blessed to have writings by St. Francis to rely on to ensure that we remain faithful to the Franciscan charism. Reading his prayers and letters gives us years of material for meditation and imitation and makes clear the path we are to follow.
There are some 30 writings known to have been composed by St. Francis or which have been reliably attributed to him. These constitute a real treasure for Franciscans. By comparison, only four writings by Francis’s contemporary St. Dominic, founder of the Dominicans, survive. The writings of St. Francis offer Secular Franciscans an opportunity to encounter him personally. They let St. Francis speak for himself.
Over the course of one’s life as a Secular Franciscan, there is time to read everything written by St. Francis, but to begin, consider the five documents listed below. Each of these, along with a brief and informative introduction, can be accessed in the three-volume set Early Documents or at the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition website, https://franciscantradition.org/ .
The Prayer Before the Crucifix -- This simple and short prayer for conversion is Francis’s plea for God’s mercy to “enlighten the darkness” of his heart and to give him the spiritual gifts necessary to obey God’s command. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 40
The Earlier Exhortation (The first version of the Letter to the Faithful) serves as the Prologue to the Secular Franciscan Rule of 1978. Addressed to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, it offers a form of life Francis intended for the lay penitents associated with his movement. Earlier Exhortation: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 41
A Letter to a Minister reveals how important mercy and minority were to Francis and presents his own idea of servant leadership. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 97
The Admonitions are a collection of undated writings by St. Francis that are a window on how Francis understood the gospel life and how he viewed life in fraternity. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 128
A Letter to Brother Leo presents Francis as an intimate and caring brother. There is no way of knowing the circumstances Francis refers to—specifically, a conversation between him and Leo along the road—but there is no mistaking Francis’s love and compassion. FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 122
The Canticle of Brother Sun is Francis’s great poem of praise to God through his creatures. It makes explicit the connection between Francis and nature (kinship with creation) and establishes Francis as a poet and troubadour of God.CA:ED, p. 391
An irony of our time is that the writing most associated with St. Francis is one he never wrote: the “Prayer of St. Francis,” also called the “Peace Prayer” (“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…”) likely originated in France around 1912, first appearing in a spiritual magazine published in Paris. Although devout, these words were never uttered by Francis and should not eclipse his authentic prayers. Similarly, many sayings attributed to Francis (e.g., “Preach the gospel; if necessary, use words.”) are not found in the documents. The authoritative sources will yield a trove of inspiring quotations more trustworthy and meaningful than those erroneously attributed to him on internet pages and elsewhere.
Along with being thoroughly familiar with our Rule of Life and with the Gospels, we should also know about and internalize the life and writings of St. Francis. In this way, the Franciscan charism becomes firmly implanted in our minds and hearts, and we are more easily able to live out our vocation as Secular Franciscans.
Thank you to National Formation Commission member, Justin Carisio, OFS, for his collaboration on this post.
To discuss or to answer in your journal.
+Why do you suppose the writings of the founder of an order would be of great assistance to his or her followers? Please explain.
+Please read some or all of the readings referenced above.--Note what touched you.--What did you read that will strengthen your vocation? Why?--Which one would you choose to share with your fraternity? How would you present it? 6/13/2025 In anticipation of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) on June 19th (in some dioceses June 22), we examine again our devotion to the Eucharist as followers of St. Francis.
St. Francis was devoted to the Eucharist. In the first Admonition, he says. “This is my Body and the Blood of my new covenant [which will be shed for many] ;{snippet Mk 14:22} 11 and Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life .{snippet Mk 14:24} 12 It is the Spirit of the Lord,{snippet Jn 6:55} therefore, That lives in Its faithful, That receives the Body and Blood of the Lord. 13 All others who do not share in this same Spirit and presume to receive Him eat and drink judgment on themselves .{snippet 1 Cor 11:29}”(The Admonitions: FA:ED, vol. 1, p. 129)
As we follow in the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, we, too, are devoted to the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the Eucharist. Let’s take a look at our Rule and Constitutions.
Rule Article 8: … “Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist….”
General Constitutions Article 14.2: (Refers to Art. 8 of the Rule) “The Eucharist is the center of the life of the Church. Christ unites us to himself and to one another as a single body in it. Therefore, the Eucharist should be the center of the life of the fraternity. The brothers and sisters should participate in the Eucharist as frequently as possible, being mindful of the respect and love shown by Francis, who, in the Eucharist, lived all the mysteries of the life of Christ.”
“The Holy Spirit builds up, animates, and sanctifies the Church. He prepares us to go out and bring others to Christ. He opens our minds to understand Christ's death and Resurrection. He makes present for us the mystery of Christ, especially in the Eucharist, and brings us to communion with God that we may bear much fruit. (Cf. CCC - no. 737) United States Catholic Catechism for Adults - USCCB - Page 109
GC Article 53.2 & 4 (Refers to Articles 6 & 8 of the Rule) 2.”The fraternity should come together periodically, also as a Church community to celebrate the Eucharist in a climate which strengthens the fraternal bond and characterizes the identity of the Franciscan family. Where, for whatever reason, this particular celebration may not be possible, they should participate in the celebration of the larger Church community.”
N.B. “The Eucharist, celebrated with parish members, draws us to the Church. It keeps us in touch with the local
parish and diocesan community. The fraternity may periodically celebrate Eucharist at their fraternity gatherings.
This celebration is recommended for special occasions - e.g. Professions, jubilees of profession, a memorial Eucharist for the deceased of the SFO or other important occasions.” Cf. Benedict XVI's quote from Sacramentum Caritatis on page 184-185 (Franciscan Journey p. 177)
“Within the Church the Eucharist is the center of our lives. Attending a parish Eucharist is highly encouraged. We need to be consistently present at the gathering of the People of God. It reminds us of our union with the Church.” (Franciscan Journey p. 178)
A good video by Bishop Barron on the Eucharist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgy_TFeIyiM&t=126s (Real Presence)
Through our example, we help others to realize that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine. Please think about your relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist as you answer the questions below.
+Why is the Eucharist important to you as a Catholic? As a Franciscan?
+How do you prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Christ?
+How is the Eucharist tied to our Franciscan spirituality?
+Think about what our Rule and Constitutions say about the Eucharist. How are you opened up by these words to allow the Holy Spirit to transform you?
+In what ways can you show special reverence for the Eucharist?
Jpic
CHRISTIAN VIEW OF IMMIGRATION
The US has historically not treated minority groups well. Slavery with its cruel punishment, separation of families, and other abominations treated slaves as less than human. The Ku Klux Klan, whose members indiscriminately hung Afro-Americans, placed restrictions on their ability to vote, and insisted on separate schools. The Chinese immigrants were allowed in our country for the sole purpose of building the railroad system in the West under cruel conditions. Hispanics were also treated without any dignity, as if they were second class citizens. Recently, Asian citizens were attacked by whites. The majority of these acts were based on the false ideology of the superior race (which Hitler himself endorsed and as a result, 6 million Jews were exterminated). Our recent policy has been to deport illegal immigrants from our southern border, instead of working to reform our immigration laws. Pope Francis called this shameful and was criticized by certain politicians. Immigration is not just a political issue but a moral one, and on this is where Pope Francis based his condemnation. SCRIPTURE:
Old Testament:Leviticus 19:33-34 – “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall do him no wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourner with you as a native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Zecharia 7:9-10 – “Thus says the Lord: render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another. Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourners and the poor and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
New Testament:Matthew 25-40 – “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
POPES:
Pope Francis – “Brothers and sisters, we can all agree on one thing: migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts. It needs to be said clearly: those who systematically work by all means to drive away migrants, and this, when done deliberately and knowingly, is a grave sin.”
Pope Benedict XVI – “The atmosphere of welcoming is increasingly necessary in confronting today's diverse forms of distancing ourselves from others. This is profoundly evident in the problem of millions of refugees and exiles, in the phenomenon of racial intolerance as well as intolerance towards the person whose only fault is a search for work, and better working conditions outside of their own country, and in the fear of all who are different and thus seen as a threat.”
BISHOPS:
Bishop Nicolas D'Marzio – “The reality is that our current system is immoral. While many condemn the presence of undocumented in our land, we willingly accept their hard labor, these contributions to our economy, and cultural and religious spirit which enriches our communities. While we accept these contributions, we do so at the expense of human beings who come not to honor us but to help us. They are often ridiculed, exploited and abused. This must stop, and this immoral system must be changed.”
Bishop Thomas Wenski – “The so called illegals are not so because they defy the law, but because the law does not provide them with any channels to regularize their status in our country which needs their labor. They are not breaking the law, the law is breaking them.”
OTHERS:
George Washington – “I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and accepting part of mankind, to whatever nation they may belong.”
James Madison – “America was dependent on her immigration for her settlement and prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them had advanced more rapidly in population, agriculture, and the arts.”
John Kennedy – “Immigration policy should be generous, it should be fair; it should be flexible. With such a policy, we can turn to the world and our poor with clean hands and a clear conscience.”
John Steinbeck – “The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.”
Barak Obama – “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful migrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young engineers are included in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.”
UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS ON IMMIGRATION:
Principles:1.) People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families.
2.) A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration.
3.) A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy.
(For further explanation of these Principles, see “USCCB Document on Immigration”)
PAX ET BONUM Joseph W. Strychasz OFS
The US has historically not treated minority groups well. Slavery with its cruel punishment, separation of families, and other abominations treated slaves as less than human. The Ku Klux Klan, whose members indiscriminately hung Afro-Americans, placed restrictions on their ability to vote, and insisted on separate schools. The Chinese immigrants were allowed in our country for the sole purpose of building the railroad system in the West under cruel conditions. Hispanics were also treated without any dignity, as if they were second class citizens. Recently, Asian citizens were attacked by whites. The majority of these acts were based on the false ideology of the superior race (which Hitler himself endorsed and as a result, 6 million Jews were exterminated). Our recent policy has been to deport illegal immigrants from our southern border, instead of working to reform our immigration laws. Pope Francis called this shameful and was criticized by certain politicians. Immigration is not just a political issue but a moral one, and on this is where Pope Francis based his condemnation. SCRIPTURE:
Old Testament:Leviticus 19:33-34 – “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall do him no wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourner with you as a native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Zecharia 7:9-10 – “Thus says the Lord: render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another. Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourners and the poor and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
New Testament:Matthew 25-40 – “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
POPES:
Pope Francis – “Brothers and sisters, we can all agree on one thing: migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts. It needs to be said clearly: those who systematically work by all means to drive away migrants, and this, when done deliberately and knowingly, is a grave sin.”
Pope Benedict XVI – “The atmosphere of welcoming is increasingly necessary in confronting today's diverse forms of distancing ourselves from others. This is profoundly evident in the problem of millions of refugees and exiles, in the phenomenon of racial intolerance as well as intolerance towards the person whose only fault is a search for work, and better working conditions outside of their own country, and in the fear of all who are different and thus seen as a threat.”
BISHOPS:
Bishop Nicolas D'Marzio – “The reality is that our current system is immoral. While many condemn the presence of undocumented in our land, we willingly accept their hard labor, these contributions to our economy, and cultural and religious spirit which enriches our communities. While we accept these contributions, we do so at the expense of human beings who come not to honor us but to help us. They are often ridiculed, exploited and abused. This must stop, and this immoral system must be changed.”
Bishop Thomas Wenski – “The so called illegals are not so because they defy the law, but because the law does not provide them with any channels to regularize their status in our country which needs their labor. They are not breaking the law, the law is breaking them.”
OTHERS:
George Washington – “I had always hoped that this land might become a safe and agreeable asylum to the virtuous and accepting part of mankind, to whatever nation they may belong.”
James Madison – “America was dependent on her immigration for her settlement and prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them had advanced more rapidly in population, agriculture, and the arts.”
John Kennedy – “Immigration policy should be generous, it should be fair; it should be flexible. With such a policy, we can turn to the world and our poor with clean hands and a clear conscience.”
John Steinbeck – “The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.”
Barak Obama – “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful migrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young engineers are included in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.”
UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS ON IMMIGRATION:
Principles:1.) People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families.
2.) A country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration.
3.) A country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy.
(For further explanation of these Principles, see “USCCB Document on Immigration”)
PAX ET BONUM Joseph W. Strychasz OFS