|
|
|
FRANCISCAN LAY
SPIRITUALITY
SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE SFO RULE
FOREWORD
The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order was revised several times since its first inception. The earliest known written “Rule” or Form of Life for the laity was the document produced by Cardinal Hugolino in 1221 called the Memoriale Propositi. This document made no mention of St Francis but was readily accepted by the first tertiaries who were called “The Brothers and Sisters of Penance.” They were inspired by St Francis’ way of life and they wanted to imitate him in some way while still remaining in their homes with their families. They gathered together to pray and carry out works of penance. In fact, it was not until 1289 that Pope Nicholas IV wrote his Rule for these penitents and deliberately included the name of Francis who had inspired them.
The Rule of Nicholas IV remained for five hundred years until the time of Pope Leo XIII who wrote a new Rule for these penitents. His version of the Rule had a social bent and this was because he wanted to use these men and women to carry out the social message of the Church. He saw this as his opportunity to have a big influence on Catholic life because the tertiaries were engaged in many charitable works in all spheres of society.
It was not until Pope Paul VI that there was another major change in the Rule of the Third Order of St Francis – as it was known at the time. Pope Paul VI was greatly influenced by the Second Vatican Council which insisted that all religious go back to the spirit of their founder and to renew their congregations in order to give a ‘face-lift’, as it were, to the image of religious life and religious groups. In 1978 the new Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order was published after a great deal of consultation and discussion.
The new Rule of Paul VI went back to the spirit of St Francis and concentrated more on spiritual principles for action rather than a series of laws to be observed. He breathed a new spirit into the Rule and gave the Order a new name to mark this change. They were no longer to be called the “Third Order of St Francis”, but the “Secular Franciscan Order” in order to bring out the secular nature of the Order. Within the Rule was contained a spirituality for the faithful and it is this aspect that I am seeking to bring out in the series of reflections that follow.
In presenting these reflections I have also added some stories with a sense of humour to give a sense of joy to our lives. Note that each reflection can be taken individually, even though I have tried to follow a rather logical order in their presentation. My wish is that many Secular Franciscans may find inspiration from these reflections and bring new life into their fraternities.
Wishing you every blessing,
Norbert Pittorino, ofm
Feast of St Clare, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: The Importance of the SFO Rule 1
Chapter 1: Listening to Francis (The Prologue) 2
Chapter 2: The SFO Identity 6
Chapter 3: Members of the Franciscan Family 8
Chapter 4: Brothers and Sisters in St Francis 10
Chapter 5: Franciscan
Chapter 6: Christ-Centred Spirituality 18
Chapter 7: Witnessing to the Gospel 20
Chapter 8: Sin and Forgiveness 22
Chapter 9: Brothers and Sisters of Penance 24
Chapter 10: Conversion: A Change of Attitude 26
Chapter 11: Praying the Liturgy of the Hours 28
Chapter 12: The Sacramental Life of the Church 30
Chapter 13: Praying the Liturgy: The Eucharist 32
Chapter 14: Adoring the Lord in Humility 34
Chapter 15: Eucharist: The Source of Life of the Fraternity 36
Chapter 16: Franciscan Devotions 38
Chapter 17: Living in Franciscan Simplicity 40
Chapter 18: Seeking “Purity of Heart” 42
Chapter 19: The Gift of Working 44
Chapter 20: Promoting Justice and Peace 46
Chapter 21: Secular Franciscans as Peace-Makers 48
Chapter 22: Marriage, a Sign of Commitment and Love 50
Chapter 23: Respect for all creatures 52
Chapter 24: Franciscan Devotion to Mary 54
Chapter 25: Our Father, St Francis 56
Chapter 26: Our Mother, St Clare of
Chapter 27: Patron Saints of the SFO - 1 60
Chapter 28: Patron Saints of the SFO – 2 62
Chapter 29: Patron Saints of the SFO – 3 64
Chapter 30: Being Missionaries for Christ 67
Chapter 31: Being Born to Eternal Life 69
Conclusion 71
Bibliography 72