Looking at the Rule - Paragraph 2

Looking at the Rule

 

This year Franciscans are celebrating the 800^th anniversary of the Later Rule. Our own Rule was revised in 1978. This is the fourth of a series of articles looking at that Rule.   

 

2. The Secular Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for perfect charity in their own secular state. By their profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in the manner of St. Francis by means of this rule approved by the Church.

 

Comments: The “family circle” is, of course, the Franciscan family – the First Order (friars), the Second Order (women religious), and the “Third Order,” the Secular Franciscans.

 

As Seculars we support and encourage the first two orders, as well as each other. But we also have a special call to “strive for perfect charity in their own secular state.” We seek to put the Franciscan charism into practice in world.

 

Although “secular,” we are professed members of an official order in the Church. We are more than just a group of lay people who get together regularly.

Pax et bonum