“The hope of renewal hinges upon returning to the origins and to the spiritual experience of Francis of Assisi and of the brothers and sisters of penance who received from him their inspiration and guidance. This renewal also depends upon openness to the Spirit in the signs of the times.”
Walters exhibit showcases medieval missal used by St. Francis of Assisi at Archdiocese of Baltimore
The spirituality of the secular Franciscan is a plan of life centered on the person and on the following of Christ, rather than a detailed program to be put into practice (Const. OFS 9.1; cf. Rule OFS 5).
The Digests are very helpful for Initial Formation and On-Going Formation. Eight of the Digest (4 pages each) are in one file on our National website.
“Let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do . . . going from gospel to life and life to the gospel” (O.F.S. Rule, articles #8 and #4). How are Secular Franciscans called to pray communally, privately and liturgically? Consider these reflections in a digest article by Teresa Baker, OFS.
Francis, like all Medieval Christians, had a special devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. As we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, here is an article that discusses the importance of Mary in Franciscan life.
“How big is love?”
Are you wounded? Were you wounded by someone or some experience that impacts you to this day? Do you carry those experiences like baggage that weigh you down and impede your joy in life? Did you ask for healing, but God seemingly ignores your plea?
As a recovering perfectionist, although I have been professed for more than 24 years, my spiritual stretching or limberness has varied throughout the years. Physically, I’ve never been able to bend over and touch my toes without bending my knees. Spiritually, I continue to work on allowing God to lead.
Using a Franciscan lens, Christ, the center of the Blessed Trinity, is the one who reveals to us a loving and fruitful relationship between all of creation and the Trinity—God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. My prayer for you is that Christ, the hope of glory, will dwell in your heart now and forever more.