RITUAL OF THE SECULAR FRANCISCAN ORDER |
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Part I: Rites for Entering
the Secular Franciscan Order Preface
I. The Nature of Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order 1. Many men and women, married and single, and many members of the diocesan clergy are called by God to follow the way of perfection of the gospel life after the example and manner of Francis of Assisi, to share his charism, and to make it present in the world. They promise to follow Jesus Christ and to live the gospel in fraternity by entering the Secular Franciscan Order. In this way they manifest the priceless gift of baptism and realise it in a fuller and more fruitful way. 2. The Church has always esteemed highly this form of life prompted by the Holy Spirit “for the good of the Church and the human community”[1]. By means of the rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV, Leo XIII and Paul VI, the Church has made sure that this form of life is suitably adapted to her needs and expectations in the conditions of changing times. 3. The Secular Franciscans, gathered together in fraternity and in oneness of spirit with all the People of God, celebrate the mystery of salvation, revealed and communicated to us in Christ, with prayers and thanksgiving, and by renewing their commitment to a new life. [1] PAUL VI, Apostolic Letter “Seraphicus Patriarcha” (24 June 1978), in AAS 70(1978)454. |
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