SAINT FRANCIS “forma minorum” Model and Formator of all Franciscans
FRANCISCAN VOCATION From the Holy Spirit through the Church through St Francis through a Franciscan?
FRANCISCAN VOCATION Live the Gospel “Christ poor and crucified” Like Saint Francis
FRANCISCAN VOCATION either SECULAR or RELIGIOUS
SECULAR VOCATION In the secular state: lay clerical (diocesan)
SECULAR VOCATION In temporal affairs: family society
FRANCISCAN FORMATION n n Initial Ongoing
FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY Commitment expressed: n n in public liturgy before the Fraternity through n n promise (secular) vows (religious)
TRUE VOCATION not only ritual Requires: n n n adequate formation acknowledgement by the Fraternity a lifelong response
FRANCISCAN CHARISM l. God’s gift to St Francis l“rebuild my Church”
ONE CHARISM common to all Franciscans l “various ways and forms” distinguish Family members l
PARTICIPANTS l. Professed friars, Clares, and Secular Franciscans Others: l. Secular Institutes l. Franciscan Youth etc.
FRANCISCAN FAMILY n The SFO an integral part, related to the First Order n Called to live the charism in secular life
FRANCISCAN FAMILY n First, Second, and Third Orders: equal members n No “four Families” linked to four friar Orders n Autonomy of members not affected
FRANCISCAN FAMILY UNION to promote formation n Franciscan Federation of Australia Associations are members n Franciscans of NSW, and other States Individuals are members
FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY Fraternity life is essential for: n. Entry n. Formation
SFO MEMBERSHIP ADULTS • Minimum age 18 years • Vocation decided • Permanent, for life
FRANCISCAN YOUTH MEMBERSHIP YOUNG PEOPLE Maximum age 34 years n Vocation not decided n Temporary, while young n
FRANCISCAN YOUTH FRATERNITY n n Not junior SFO Different formation