OurRule…

Its History…

and its Application

A Quick Trip Down Memory A Quick Trip Down Memory LaneLane

Our History – Our History – WWhat happened?hat happened?

WhatWhat’s’s different? different?What will happen next?What will happen next?

* Most Orders in existence at the * Most Orders in existence at the time of St. Francis - such as time of St. Francis - such as Augustinians & Benedictines - Augustinians & Benedictines - followed a monastic way of life.followed a monastic way of life.

• Francis and his brother friars, on Francis and his brother friars, on the other hand, lived in the world the other hand, lived in the world & in true poverty… & in true poverty… they they followed Jesus’ followed Jesus’ example of:example of:

Prayer andPrayer and … … MinistryMinistry––> Action> Action in the world! in the world!

* * Members of the Third Order of St. Francis, Members of the Third Order of St. Francis, having family responsibilities, also followed having family responsibilities, also followed Jesus’ example by living a life of prayer and Jesus’ example by living a life of prayer and

action, but their poverty differed from that of action, but their poverty differed from that of the friars in that they followed the gospel value: the friars in that they followed the gospel value:

“…poor in spirit”. (Matt 5:3)“…poor in spirit”. (Matt 5:3) Poor, poor Clare – Poor, poor Clare –

The papacy denied her and The papacy denied her and her companions the right to her companions the right to live in complete poverty as live in complete poverty as Francis did… and, so, they Francis did… and, so, they were relegated to live a were relegated to live a monastic life style – this was monastic life style – this was NOT what Clare wanted… nor NOT what Clare wanted… nor did the Pope expect a fight!did the Pope expect a fight!

But First… How Did We Get But First… How Did We Get Here?Here?

In 1206 Francis was inspired to pray in front In 1206 Francis was inspired to pray in front of of the the CrucifixCrucifix at at the Church ofthe Church of San San Damiano Damiano when…when…

Jesus spoke to him!Jesus spoke to him!

““Francis, Francis, go rebuild my go rebuild my house house which as you which as you see is falling apart.” see is falling apart.”

Rebuild the Church… ???Rebuild the Church… ???

He was stunned… and didn’t realize the scopeHe was stunned… and didn’t realize the scopeor full meaning of Jesus’ wordsor full meaning of Jesus’ words

Francis got to work rebuilding the Porziuncola Francis got to work rebuilding the Porziuncola and a few other small churches.and a few other small churches.

But this was But this was NOTNOT the beginning the beginning of Franciscanism!of Franciscanism!

On 24 February 1209, after Mass at the Queen of On 24 February 1209, after Mass at the Queen of the Angels Church the Angels Church (aka. (aka. The PorziuncolaThe Porziuncola ) ), , Francis asked the priest to explain the morning’s Francis asked the priest to explain the morning’s gospelgospel……

The story had been of about JesusThe story had been of about Jesus sending his disciples out to preach. sending his disciples out to preach. “Take “Take no silver, or gold or copper for no silver, or gold or copper for your your belts; no sack for your belts; no sack for your journey… the laborer journey… the laborer is worth is worth his wage.” (Mt. 10: 9,10) his wage.” (Mt. 10: 9,10)

Francis exclaimed:Francis exclaimed:

““This is what I wish, this is This is what I wish, this is what I what I seek, this is what I seek, this is what I long to do with long to do with all my heart.”all my heart.”

-1209 –1209 – The Three CompanionsThe Three Companions

Two Friends, Two Friends, Bernard da QuintavalleBernard da Quintavalle & &Peter CatanioPeter Catanio wanted to join Francis & to live wanted to join Francis & to live

as he lived.as he lived.

But, not knowing what to do with their But, not knowing what to do with their possessions, Francis suggested that they and possessions, Francis suggested that they and

he he visit the Church of San Nicolo for consultation.visit the Church of San Nicolo for consultation.

The Church of San NicoloThe Church of San Nicolo Once there, Francis opened the Once there, Francis opened the ““Book of Book of the Gospels”the Gospels” three times… in honor of the three times… in honor of the

Blessed TrinityBlessed Trinity The texts found each time had similar The texts found each time had similar

messages!messages!( Matt. 19:21, Lk. 9:3, Matt. 16:24)( Matt. 19:21, Lk. 9:3, Matt. 16:24)

Francis Proclaimed:Francis Proclaimed:““O Brothers, this is our life and rule…O Brothers, this is our life and rule…and the life and the rule of all thoseand the life and the rule of all thosewho wish to join us. Go therefore,who wish to join us. Go therefore,and act on what you have heard.”and act on what you have heard.”

And What Was the Message?And What Was the Message?

The Evangelical Counsels!The Evangelical Counsels!** Sell what you haveSell what you have

** Give the money to the poorGive the money to the poor** And then come follow me And then come follow me

And they did! And then took the habit And they did! And then took the habit of poverty which Francis had already of poverty which Francis had already

adopted.adopted.

Yes, it all began 800 years Yes, it all began 800 years ago…ago…

With the First Order…With the First Order…

at the Church of San Nicoloat the Church of San Nicolo April 16, 1209 April 16, 1209

By definition, all Orders must be By definition, all Orders must be hierarchicalhierarchical… each must have a … each must have a

Rule of LifeRule of Life and and General General ConstitutionsConstitutions..

Our Order was erected under the authority Our Order was erected under the authority of Rome (not a local Bishop). Therefore, of Rome (not a local Bishop). Therefore, our Order is directly accountable to the our Order is directly accountable to the desires/needs of the Papacy – and the desires/needs of the Papacy – and the Papacy can even change our Rule!Papacy can even change our Rule!

The purpose of a Rule isThe purpose of a Rule is to bring order to an Order – to enact to bring order to an Order – to enact

a common goal and a common a common goal and a common lifestylelifestyle..

St. Francis wrote a Rule for the Brothers and St. Francis wrote a Rule for the Brothers and Sisters of Penance in 1221…Sisters of Penance in 1221…

But… the original text was lost!But… the original text was lost!However, its content was preservedHowever, its content was preserved

through a through a revisedrevised text issued in 1228… text issued in 1228…

Francis’ Rule sustained “The Francis’ Rule sustained “The Third Order” for the next 68 Third Order” for the next 68

years…years…UNTILUNTIL1289…1289…

Pope Nicholas IV, ofmPope Nicholas IV, ofmRevised the RuleRevised the Rule

Apostolic Constitution “Apostolic Constitution “Supra Montem”Supra Montem”September 16, 1289September 16, 1289

The Nicholine Rule, added three The Nicholine Rule, added three articles:articles:

1)1) In its prologue, Blessed Francis is named In its prologue, Blessed Francis is named as founder of the Order (But Francis had as founder of the Order (But Francis had already been canonized in 1228)already been canonized in 1228)2) The Order must have Franciscan 2) The Order must have Franciscan Friars as Friars as Spiritual AssistantsSpiritual Assistants3)3) The Order should not select a The Order should not select a specific apostolate, but instead, specific apostolate, but instead, its its members were to live good members were to live good Christian Christian lives in brotherhood.lives in brotherhood.

ApostolatesApostolates would follow and bear would follow and bear FRUIT !!!FRUIT !!!

The following 600 years The following 600 years were filled with good times were filled with good times

and bad…and bad…------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1300’s 1300’s The Pope was kidnapped & the papacy The Pope was kidnapped & the papacy

was moved to Avignon, France. It was moved to Avignon, France. It remained there under seven popes remained there under seven popes and was not returned to Rome until and was not returned to Rome until

1378.1378.

1400’s1400’s ------ A Time of Total A Time of Total Confusion !!!Confusion !!!

- Three Popes at the same time- Three Popes at the same time

- Many Priests trained only to say Mass!- Many Priests trained only to say Mass!

- - Church hierarchy was corrupt!Church hierarchy was corrupt! Bishoprics were Bishoprics were sold sold Bishops absent from their dioceseBishops absent from their diocese Hierarchy amassed money & powerHierarchy amassed money & power

14921492 -- Christopher Columbus -- Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue, sailed the ocean blue,

and…and…

discovered the New discovered the New World!World!

This opened the doors leading This opened the doors leading to the expansion of missionary to the expansion of missionary

fields all over the world.fields all over the world.

(The Next 400 years)(The Next 400 years)

1500-1900 1500-1900

-- The Period of -- The Period of ReformationReformation

& the Inquisition --& the Inquisition --

The names of Martin Luther, John The names of Martin Luther, John Calvin and Johann Hess were Calvin and Johann Hess were

spoken everywhere.spoken everywhere.

The Council of TrentThe Council of Trent was called in was called in

response to the Reformationresponse to the Reformation The ReformistsThe Reformists became people of became people of “The “The

Book”Book” (The (The BBible)ible) CatholicsCatholics became people of became people of TraditionTradition & &

Liturgy.Liturgy. Daily Mass became common; adoration Daily Mass became common; adoration

of the Blessed Sacrament become of the Blessed Sacrament become popular.popular.

The decisions of the Council caused the The decisions of the Council caused the divide between the Church and divide between the Church and Reformists to deepen. Reformists to deepen.

Galileo Galileo excommunicatedexcommunicated

The Period of EnlightenmentThe Period of Enlightenment BeginsBegins

Galileo introduced the scientific view that Galileo introduced the scientific view that the the SUN SUN is the center of the universe… is the center of the universe…

NOT NOT the earth !the earth !

This was against Church teaching!This was against Church teaching!And Rome was not happy!And Rome was not happy!

--1888 -- --1888 -- The Third OrderThe Third Orderwas sent in a new was sent in a new

direction!direction! Pope Leo XIII Pope Leo XIII (Third Order)(Third Order) -- Decided that -- Decided that The Rule of the Third Order of St. FrancisThe Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis

no longer met the needs of the Church. no longer met the needs of the Church. He updated the rule to apply to “modern He updated the rule to apply to “modern life” by issuing a Papal life” by issuing a Papal Bull:Bull: "Misericors "Misericors Dei Filius"Dei Filius" (3 May 1888).(3 May 1888).

Prayer and Indulgences were to become Prayer and Indulgences were to become the most important aspects of the Order the most important aspects of the Order

Jesus was NOT mentioned in this Rule - Jesus was NOT mentioned in this Rule - NORNOR was the gospel or Ministry (action) was the gospel or Ministry (action)

The Leonine RuleThe Leonine Ruleconsisted of a series of consisted of a series of

numbered rules – not just numbered rules – not just one one *** Rule! *** Rule!

*** ***- It consisted of three chapters, followed- It consisted of three chapters, followed

by an appendix of three chapters.by an appendix of three chapters.

- It set out indulgences and privileges of- It set out indulgences and privileges of third order membersthird order members

- It adapted the old Rule as best it could- It adapted the old Rule as best it could and modified whatever seemed outdated.and modified whatever seemed outdated.

The Third of Order of St. Francis The Third of Order of St. Francis followed the Leonine Rule for followed the Leonine Rule for the next five generations…the next five generations………and its numbers grew!and its numbers grew!

– – a period of time whena period of time when

HISTORY HAPPENDHISTORY HAPPEND

FAST !!!!FAST !!!!

1902 – Production of 1902 – Production of automobilesautomobiles

began began

1903 - Man Can Fly! 1903 - Man Can Fly! The Wright BrothersThe Wright Brotherswere the first to take were the first to take

to the air!to the air!

19451945 the unthinkable… the unthinkable…An Atomic Bomb destroyedAn Atomic Bomb destroyedNagasaki… a major CatholicNagasaki… a major CatholicPopulation center in Japan.Population center in Japan.

WWII came to an end.WWII came to an end.

1914-1918 - The First World War1929 –The Great

Depression1939 –World War II began1939 –World War II began1941 - Pearl Harbor 1941 - Pearl Harbor bombed, bombed, & USA & USA entered the Warentered the War

- 1948 - - 1948 - The Dead Sea Scrolls are The Dead Sea Scrolls are

DiscoveredDiscovered

Catholic Biblical scholarship began in Catholic Biblical scholarship began in earnestearnest

uunder Pope Pius XIInder Pope Pius XII

The Psalms Scroll with transcription.

< 1957 – Russia launched < 1957 – Russia launched the first the first satellite intosatellite intospace – Sputnik!space – Sputnik!

1958 – USA launches1958 – USA launchesits first satellite –>its first satellite –> Explorer I !!!Explorer I !!!

<><> The Space Race is on!The Space Race is on!

The 50’s & 60’s!The 50’s & 60’s!

1956 – Elvis Presley is the 1956 – Elvis Presley is the King of Rock N Roll MusicKing of Rock N Roll Music

1960 – John Kennedy –1960 – John Kennedy – a Catholic - elected a Catholic - elected aass 3535th th president of the USA…president of the USA…

And assassinatedAnd assassinated in 1963in 1963 - 1969 -- 1969 -

Neil Armstrong is first Neil Armstrong is first man to walk on the moon.man to walk on the moon.

But, then, earlier in the But, then, earlier in the 60’s…60’s…

SomethingSomething

BIG BIG Happened !Happened !

Pope John XXIII Pope John XXIII (Third Order)(Third Order) called for a called for a Church Council with these words: Church Council with these words:

“Open a window and let in some fresh “Open a window and let in some fresh air.”air.”

The Vatican II Ecumenical CouncilThe Vatican II Ecumenical Council

Vatican II DocumentsVatican II Documents

-- Lumen GentiumLumen Gentium

-- Gaudium et spesGaudium et spes

-- Perfectae CaritatisPerfectae Caritatis

““Lumen Gentium”Lumen Gentium” * *The Dogmatic Constitution on the The Dogmatic Constitution on the

Church*Church*- Is the basis for all remaining documents- Is the basis for all remaining documents- Speaks of the People of God: the- Speaks of the People of God: the laity, religious & ordainedlaity, religious & ordained

- Speaks of living the gospel- Speaks of living the gospel (Article 4 of our Rule ?) (Article 4 of our Rule ?) & the Church’s call to holiness& the Church’s call to holiness

““Gaudium et spes”Gaudium et spes”Pastoral Constitution On The Church InPastoral Constitution On The Church In **** The Modern World ******** The Modern World ****

Addresses work, universe (ecology), Addresses work, universe (ecology), marriage, family, respect for human marriage, family, respect for human life, education, economic & social life, life, education, economic & social life, political life, warfare and peace.political life, warfare and peace.

Articles 13-19 of our Rule are Articles 13-19 of our Rule are based in this documentbased in this document

““Perfectae Caritatis”Perfectae Caritatis”““Decree On The Up-To-Date Renewal Decree On The Up-To-Date Renewal **** of Religious Life” ******** of Religious Life” ****

Those in religious orders take Those in religious orders take vowsvows for lifefor life. We . We Secular Franciscans make Secular Franciscans make public promisespublic promises for for lifelife. Our Order and the various religious orders . Our Order and the various religious orders have each been have each been canonically erectedcanonically erected within the within the Church.Church.

This document required all religious orders to re-This document required all religious orders to re-examine their examine their “General Constitutions”“General Constitutions” and and “Rule “Rule of Life”of Life” so as to be in harmony with their charism so as to be in harmony with their charism and the needs of the Church. We were required to and the needs of the Church. We were required to do so as well.do so as well.

““General Constitutions”:General Constitutions”:a document that guides interpretationa document that guides interpretation

of an Order’s Rule & of an Order’s Rule & it must agreeit must agreewith with Canon LawCanon Law..

<><> AndAnd becausebecause Canon LawCanon Law must agree must agree with with all the Church’s teachings (the all the Church’s teachings (the

Council’s Council’s documents included), we had documents included), we had to to waitwait for for Canon LawCanon Law to be rewritten to be rewritten

before we could address our before we could address our GC’sGC’s. .

Canon Law Approved - Canon Law Approved - 1983!1983!

Code of Canon Law:Code of Canon Law: 301.3301.3 Associations of the Christian faithful Associations of the Christian faithful

which are erected by competent ecclesial which are erected by competent ecclesial authority are called authority are called Public AssociationsPublic Associations

303303 Associations whose members lead an Associations whose members lead an apostolic life & strive for Christian perfection apostolic life & strive for Christian perfection while living in the world & who share the spirit while living in the world & who share the spirit of some religious institute under the higher of some religious institute under the higher direction of that same institute are called direction of that same institute are called third third orders or some other appropriate nameorders or some other appropriate name. . (SFO)(SFO)

The “Third Order of St. Francis” The “Third Order of St. Francis” is a is a Public AssociationPublic Association and and

changed its namechanged its name… … it became it became the the

Secular Franciscan OrderSecular Franciscan Order ! !- The Order was- The Order was no longerno longer consideredconsidered

““third class”,third class”, but recognized asbut recognized asa a true ordertrue order

(Benedict XV 1921, Pius XII 1956, JP II 1988)(Benedict XV 1921, Pius XII 1956, JP II 1988)

But We But We HHad ad MMore ore WWork ork TTo o DDo!o!

-- The Order did its homework, The Order did its homework, re-wrote our Rule, and submitted it re-wrote our Rule, and submitted it

to the Papacy for approval.to the Papacy for approval.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After several attempts,After several attempts,

our Ruleour Rulewas finally approved and…….was finally approved and…….

The Rule TodayThe Rule Today ……it was Promulgated by Pope Paul VIit was Promulgated by Pope Paul VI

(THIRD ORDER)(THIRD ORDER) He wrote:He wrote:

“… “… we approve & confirm with our we approve & confirm with our apostolic authority & sanction the Rule of apostolic authority & sanction the Rule of The Secular Franciscan Order… we The Secular Franciscan Order… we abrogate the previous rule of what was abrogate the previous rule of what was formerly called the Franciscan Third formerly called the Franciscan Third Order.”Order.”

Signed:Signed:““Given at Rome at St. Peter’sGiven at Rome at St. Peter’s

under the ring of the Fishermanunder the ring of the Fishermanon June 24, 1978…”on June 24, 1978…”

The Rule of 1978The Rule of 1978

The Rule was delivered to our MinisterThe Rule was delivered to our MinisterGeneral and it took effect October 4, 1978General and it took effect October 4, 1978

BUT…BUT…

Manuela Mattioli, OFS, Minister General Manuela Mattioli, OFS, Minister General said:said:

““We must still arrange for the We must still arrange for the renewal of the Constitutions and renewal of the Constitutions and

Statutes.”Statutes.”

We HaveWe Have Returned Returned to our roots!!! to our roots!!! (Perfectae Caritatis)(Perfectae Caritatis)

Our Rule again reflects Francis’ Our Rule again reflects Francis’ vision for the Ordervision for the Order

20002000 - Our General Constitutions - Our General Constitutions were promulgated!!!were promulgated!!!

What’s Different?What’s the same?

- During our first 700+ years there was virtually no link between fraternities-– we now know each other and

work together.- The Order’s identity came

thru the Franciscan Friars ---– now we must take charge of

our Order.

Under the Leonine Rule:Under the Leonine Rule:

We wore a small scapular and cordWe wore a small scapular and cord*** Today we wear a Tau*** Today we wear a Tau

Our dress was to be simple and quiet---Our dress was to be simple and quiet---*** Today, if I were bold, I could *** Today, if I were bold, I could wear a nose ring! wear a nose ring!

(But, why?)(But, why?)

Under the Leonine RuleUnder the Leonine Rule wwe were e were to stay away from profane to stay away from profane

spectacles:spectacles:*** Many took that to mean they should *** Many took that to mean they should avoid movies, plays & Las Vegas.avoid movies, plays & Las Vegas.

- Not according to the Rule today- Not according to the Rule today,,… … but we should always give good but we should always give good exampleexample

*** We were to exercise moderation in *** We were to exercise moderation in eating!!!eating!!!- Still a good idea!- Still a good idea!……but this is not in the Rule either!!!but this is not in the Rule either!!!

Under the Leonine RuleUnder the Leonine Rule we were to we were to take communion once a monthtake communion once a month

*** Our GC’s suggest that we attend*** Our GC’s suggest that we attend mass & receive communion often mass & receive communion often

Our prayer life was specific & spelled out Our prayer life was specific & spelled out *** Today, our GC’s suggest prayer forms *** Today, our GC’s suggest prayer forms to be used, such as Adoration or recitingto be used, such as Adoration or recitingThe HoursThe Hours (Art. 14) (Art. 14)

We were required to make a willWe were required to make a will*** Today, this is strongly recommended *** Today, this is strongly recommended by our General Constitutions (Art. 23)by our General Constitutions (Art. 23)

The SFO LIFEThe SFO LIFETODAY…TODAY…

Is Governed by our Rule!Is Governed by our Rule!

Opens with a Prologue (written by Opens with a Prologue (written by St. Francis) concerning those who St. Francis) concerning those who do/do not do penance, followed by do/do not do penance, followed by three Chapters and a Blessing of three Chapters and a Blessing of St. FrancisSt. Francis

And it is…And it is…

Simple and to the Simple and to the PointPoint

<> Chapter 1 – The Secular Franciscan <> Chapter 1 – The Secular Franciscan OrderOrder

Article 1 - 3Article 1 - 3

<> Chapter 2 – The Way of Life<> Chapter 2 – The Way of LifeArticles 4 – 19Articles 4 – 19

<> Chapter 3 – Life in Fraternity<> Chapter 3 – Life in FraternityArticles 20 - 26Articles 20 - 26

* Chapter I * * Chapter I *

Defines who we areDefines who we are States our purposeStates our purpose Places us in the Franciscan FamilyPlaces us in the Franciscan Family

AND…AND…

This Rule replaces the previous Rules:This Rule replaces the previous Rules:Memoriale Propositi (1221)Memoriale Propositi (1221)

Nicholine Rule (1284)Nicholine Rule (1284)and Leonine rule (1889)and Leonine rule (1889)

* Chapter II ** Chapter II * What our Rule of Life isWhat our Rule of Life is How & where we should find JesusHow & where we should find Jesus EvangelizationEvangelization Prayer lifePrayer life Mary’s place in our livesMary’s place in our lives Obedience, Poverty & ChastityObedience, Poverty & Chastity Love, Dignity & ServiceLove, Dignity & Service JPIC (formerly commissions) – Justice, JPIC (formerly commissions) – Justice,

Work, Family, Ecology, & PeaceWork, Family, Ecology, & Peace

* Chapter III ** Chapter III * Fraternities – local, regional, national, Fraternities – local, regional, national,

internationalinternational Elected Fraternity CouncilsElected Fraternity Councils Local Fraternities to be established Local Fraternities to be established

CanonicallyCanonically Admission to Order / ProfessionAdmission to Order / Profession Frequent Meetings and Fraternal LifeFrequent Meetings and Fraternal Life Financial ResponsibilitiesFinancial Responsibilities Make Request of Religious Franciscan Family Make Request of Religious Franciscan Family

for a well prepared and suitable Spiritual for a well prepared and suitable Spiritual AssistantAssistant

- About a life that mirrors gospel values

- About Formation- About a life of prayer that leads to a

deepening of our relationship with God and service to others.

- About witnessing Christ to the world- About living in the spirit of the

Beatitudes- About life in fraternity and the

Franciscan Family

What is our Rule about ??? What is our Rule about ??? It is a Rule of Prayer It is a Rule of Prayer

and and Action !!!Action !!!

Formation is AboutFormation is AboutGrowing in FaithGrowing in Faith

Formation is not about information…Formation is not about information…it is about being formed and re-formedit is about being formed and re-formed

Formation is not just for those who Formation is not just for those who join us in Orientation and Inquiry.join us in Orientation and Inquiry.

Formation is not just for CandidatesFormation is not just for Candidates

Formation is on-going for Formation is on-going for Fraternities Fraternities and Councilsand Councils

at all levelsat all levels

The First Order and TOR are The First Order and TOR are still jointly required to supplystill jointly required to supply

Spiritual AssistanceSpiritual Assistancefor thefor the

Secular Franciscan OrderSecular Franciscan Order

… … but how will they manage with a but how will they manage with a shortage of Friars?shortage of Friars?

Lay Spiritual AssistantsLay Spiritual Assistants Have you heard?!! Documents have Have you heard?!! Documents have

been approved by the Conference of been approved by the Conference of General Ministers in Rome that allow General Ministers in Rome that allow

LSAs to function in the place of a FriarLSAs to function in the place of a Friar The LSA is to be appointed byThe LSA is to be appointed by

the Friar Provincialthe Friar Provincial The LSA functions as an AgentThe LSA functions as an Agent of the First Order and/or TORsof the First Order and/or TORs

We Are Not To Be Left We Are Not To Be Left Orphans!Orphans!

LSAs have already been appointed to LSAs have already been appointed to some Local Fraternitiessome Local Fraternities

LSAs have been appointed to a Regional LSAs have been appointed to a Regional Fraternity --- OURS! --- St. Francis Region!Fraternity --- OURS! --- St. Francis Region!

Could LSAs be appointed to National and Could LSAs be appointed to National and Inter-national Fraternities?Inter-national Fraternities?

YES! It’s Possible!YES! It’s Possible! Many fraternities have been without a SA due Many fraternities have been without a SA due

to the shortage of Friars. The Holy Spirit has to the shortage of Friars. The Holy Spirit has been working overtime and directed the Friars been working overtime and directed the Friars to think outside the box… and there we were! to think outside the box… and there we were!

… … And with a little training… WOW!!!And with a little training… WOW!!!

What Happens Now?What Happens Now?Open the Rule and see!Open the Rule and see!

The values and goals of The values and goals of St. FrancisSt. Francis have returned! (Art. #1)have returned! (Art. #1)

We belong to an We belong to an International OrderInternational Order (Art. #2)… that is (Art. #2)… that is 400,000 strong!400,000 strong!

We exist “to meet the needs and We exist “to meet the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times.” the conditions of changing times.” (Art. #3)(Art. #3)

Are Our

Hearts

On Fire for

the Lord?!!

Francis Said:

“ Preach the Gospel Always

AndUse Words When Necessary.”

It Takes A Real Commitment

ToFollow Our Rule

• We promised to MIRROR the gospel with our lives…& THEN allow the gospel to MIRROR our lives (See Rule, Art. 4)

• We promised to rebuild the church (evangelize) in communion with our pope and bishops and priests

NOW…NOW…

It’s Up To You and meIt’s Up To You and me … …and the Lord!and the Lord!

(and not in that order)(and not in that order)

Consider the FollowingConsider the Following1. Why was it important to revise our Rule?1. Why was it important to revise our Rule?2. What’s the same? What changed?2. What’s the same? What changed?3. Why is the history between 1200 & 19003. Why is the history between 1200 & 1900 important to understand our Order?important to understand our Order?4. Why do some groups still want to follow4. Why do some groups still want to follow the Rule of 1221 or the Rule of 1888?the Rule of 1221 or the Rule of 1888?5. Where will the Rule of 1978 take us?5. Where will the Rule of 1978 take us?