Franciscan Lay Habit

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oct211945re

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Can Lay Secular Franciscan’s ware brown clothing to honor their vocation?
 
I’m glad to hear that we are free to exercise our individuality, as long as it does not add to confusion between lay and ordained ministers. I just feel that wearing something other than my ordinary clothing will remind me what and why I am a O.F.S., and that I chose to
be a vision of Christ to the world.
 
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If you are really concerned, it might actually be best to ask the leaders of your community.
 
It is my understanding that it is permitted to wear whatever you like provided you don’t give the impression that you are a ordained priest or religious. So for instance one could wear brown trousers, a sand or mustard coloured shirt or jumper and a crucifix without any problem. One could also dress modestly and simply with sober coloured clothing, navy or grey. Nothing that would draw attention to ourselves.

However if one were to wear an actual habit that closely resembled the habit of a friar , monk or priest then that could lead to confusion and possible problems.

The best witness to Christ of course is how we live our lives and not how we dress.
 
A contributing editor to my Yahoo Groups beautifully described how the two panels of his scapular were his cloister walls. He is a Benedictine Oblate who wears all black. I’m thinking he also wears a St Benedict medal.

But, yes, wear the spiritual habit first so you don’t discredit the physical habit when you do wear it.
 
This is an issue you must take to those responsible for you, in your order. And your local Ordinary will also have authority over this.

This is not something to take up on your own.
 
OP, what do others wear at your fraternity meeting?

I had a black and white Dominican cross on bunting, white Gunne Sax blouse and black prairie skirt. Nobody fussed about it. Also wore black jeans, black turtleneck and white Oxford shirt with black pin stripes, with the bunting cross, to Sunday Mass in college.

I think the OP just wants to wear brown slacks and shirt with their Tau cross. I see no harm in doing so. Mayhaps they can wear such to fraternity meeting, and ask if it’s ok. Have another set of clothes in the car in case it’s not ok.
 
When we were children, members of the “Children of Mary” wore a habit to Mass, but not at home. I remember us boys had a blue cassock and a blue belt with a rosary attached. But, to differentiate from clergy, we had a detachable collar which overplayed the top of the cassock in the same way the choristers of Westminster Cathedral dress, without the tie. The girls wore blue dresses and blouses, white shirts and also fastened a rosary to their belt.

OH and we wore a big Miraculous Medal with a blue ribbon around our necks. But not just every Mass, only for special ones. Feast days and such.
 
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These outfits were beautiful I am very nostalgic of this time the
 
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