Celebrating the Anniversary of our Franciscan Profession

Mary Francis Charsky, International Councilor

Recently I was at a Mass and ceremony on the 25th anniversary of Profession for a Sister of St. Francis. What an inspiration it was! This was a reminder for me and all of us present about what a gift our Profession is to us. It was a reminder that during our years as Franciscans, we make a sincere effort to make present the charism of our common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of the church. Also we aim to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the Kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. We joined in thanksgiving of sister’s commitment to the ongoing conversion and change of heart. Those present were reminded about our daily conversion efforts.

The Franciscan Priest who was the celebrant of the Mass was celebrating the 17th anniversary of his Profession too. On that day we reflected on The Testament of St. Francis. “But as the Lord has given me to speak and write the rule and these words simply and purely, may you understand them simply and without gloss and observe them with a holy activity until the end. And whoever observes these things let him be blessed in heaven with a blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son with the Most Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, and all the powers of heaven and all the saints. And as far as I can, I, little brother Francis, your servant, confirm for you, both within and without, this most holy blessing.”
We congratulated Sister and Father for their fidelity and dedication to their vocation. There is a bond of unity among Franciscans which strengthens the bonds of fraternal life within the community.

Please consider using the ceremony on the anniversary of Profession from our Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order for the significant anniversaries, for example, the 25th and 50th anniversaries. Consider also to read the ceremony on the anniversary of your Profession on your anniversary date each year. This is a way to renew our commitment to the gospel life once a year according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order until the end of our days. In the ceremony we are reminded to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters. We are to give witness to younger people of the great gift we received from God, our Franciscan calling. Our goal is to go forth as witnesses and instruments of the Church’s mission among all people proclaiming Christ’s love by our life in words and actions.

What a tremendous witness and encouragement for our brothers and sisters! All praise be yours, O Lord, through all that you have made. Amen.

“Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessings” forever and ever. Amen. (St. Francis of Assisi, “Canticle of the Creatures” in FA:ED 1:113)