(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Fall 2024 Issue #113)
by Layna Maher, OFS National Formation Commission Chair
Serving is a prominent characteristic of Franciscan leadership philosophy. St. Francis sees himself as a servant to God and those in his community.
When we look at the intentions and promises we make at the Rite of Admission and the Rite of Profession, two special, grace filled times, we see the word service. In the Rite of Admission we promise: to be of service to all through my secular state of life for the glory of God and to fulfill His plan of love on behalf of all people. In the Rite of Profession we see renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the service of His kingdom. In both of these rites, the words clearly recognize our call to care for the needs of others.
Our founder, St. Francis, has left us the great treasure of his writings that reinforce the call for serving others. He tells us in his testament:
After the Lord gave me brothers, no one showed me what I should do; but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the form of the Holy Gospel. FA:ED, vol. 1, 125
In the Later Admonition and Exhortation to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance (Second Version of the Letter to the Faithful) St. Francis says:
We must never desire to be above others, but, instead, we must be servants and subject to every human creature for God’s sake. FA:ED, vol. 1, 48.
St. Francis was a true servant leader choosing to work for the good of others. He demonstrated how to give priority to the needs of the community and show love and compassion for others. When Francis embraced the leper, one of the poorest and most marginalized members of society, he did so with loving service. Francis wasn’t simply looking for a project to complete. His loving service was leading him to the Father following in the footsteps of Christ.
St. Clare also models servant leadership for us. We can read in the Legend of St. Clare, Her Holy Humility [Chapter VIII] that:
Rarely would she give an order, instead she would do things spontaneously, preferring rather to do things herself than to order her sisters. She herself washed the commodes of the sick; she herself, with that noble spirit of hers, cleansed them not running away from their filth nor shrinking from their stench. She frequently and reverently washed the feet of the serving sisters who returned from outside and, after washing them kissed them. CA:ED 292.
We are also fortunate to have our Handbook for Secular Franciscan Servant Leadership. This is an excellent source and guidance document for all Secular Franciscans at every level of fraternity. This wonderful document can be found online at https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/wp-content/uploads/Servant_Leadership_Handbook_Aug_21_2024.pdf
Highlights from the Handbook include foundational ideas, guides for leaders, and practical aids on communicating, listening, engaging in dialogue, and reconciling differences. The handbook also features tips on collaboration problem solving and an attributes inventory to help fraternity members recognize strengths and areas to grow in.
But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26–28
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