Is God Calling You to the Secular Franciscan Order?
Is God Calling You?
Some Elements of a Franciscan Identity
Franciscans embrace gospel-values. We have a solid desire for spiritual growth and Personal Conversion is common in our lives. It happens when we recognize personal habits that go counter to the Franciscan spirit. We change them. The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order calls for a “radical interior change” to be carried out daily. We examine our attitudes, perspectives and ideas in dealing with others. Instead of a domineering, arrogant spirit we show a dedicated and respectful spirit, ready to dialogue.
A personal relationship with Jesus, and through him with the Trinity, is at the heart of our Franciscan identity. Thus our lives reveal relationships with everyone in a way that imitates Trinitarian love.
We avoid arrogance, creeping personal infallibility, or a dominating spirit. Instead, we seek to maintain respectful relationships even when we disagree with others.
We are passionate about our faith, but we listen, with respect, to other viewpoints in order to understand people who disagree with us. We seek to achieve union with people rather than contributing to separation.
The SFO is an autonomous Order with a life-giving union within the Franciscan family. The SFO is approved by the Church through ecclesial approval of the SFO Rule, Constitutions and other documents. The SFO is faithful to the Church and supports ways that enable the Church to show a gospel face to the world. Like St. Francis and Clare, we choose respectful ways to invite change in the Church. Our motivation is love for our Church, i.e. the People of God. We seek to help her reflect the Gospel at all times and in all places.
The SFO Rule requires us to seek peace; to be courteous and respectful of others; seeing the image of Christ in others; to learn the ways of contemplation; to give Jesus first place in our lives; to embrace conversion as an everyday occurrence. (cf. articles of the Rule-#4, #7, #13, #14, #15, #19)
SFO Profession requires the practice of gospel ideals in everyday life. We bring our Franciscan spirit wherever we go. We remain faithful to our Franciscan profession even when we happen to belong to groups that use violent and negative words or actions that are contrary to our Franciscan spirit. We do NOT engage in those negative actions. We choose to be faithful to our profession. Our Franciscan spirit does not support arrogance, a know-it-all approach, or a judgmental attitude.
A Secular Franciscan must have a strong desire for holiness with a good sense of mission and ministry…service to others. A Professed Secular Franciscan is expected to participate in fraternity ministry(s).
We have a sense of dedication to learn about and follow the gospel. Gospel living is demanding. A strong dedication to this pursuit is important.
It is helpful to have some knowledge of St. Francis and his life, a good sense of humor, and a spirit of optimism and hope. Membership in a local fraternity requires members to be practicing Catholics who are faithful to their beliefs.
