Franciscan religious question... anyone?

[puzzleannie]

we have a Franciscan nun serving in our parish. her order wears habits and veils, is very traditional in their discipline, and her work is always orthodox, her demeanor correct, and her service impeccable. She lives in a home provided by the parish, but is required by her order to reside with at least one other sister, to maintain community life, and to visit the main convent once a week and to attend chapter meetings.

In most religious orders there are different “flavors” within the order, and many have a great deal of independence in their rule and discipline. Some also have members who disregard same. It is just as unfair to characterize all Franciscans by the behavior of some, as it would be to criticize all Catholics based on the actions of some.

 

[BlestOne]

we have a Franciscan nun serving in our parish. her order wears habits and veils, is very traditional in their discipline, and her work is always orthodox, her demeanor correct, and her service impeccable. She lives in a home provided by the parish, but is required by her order to reside with at least one other sister, to maintain community life, and to visit the main convent once a week and to attend chapter meetings.

In most religious orders there are different “flavors” within the order, and many have a great deal of independence in their rule and discipline. Some also have members who disregard same. It is just as unfair to characterize all Franciscans by the behavior of some, as it would be to criticize all Catholics based on the actions of some.

I wasn’t saying all Franciscans… I was ASKING if this was a Franciscan thing that they replace he/Him/Father with the word God… and if there was a reason… because we have mostly Dominicans with just this one Franciscan and I didn’t know… my apologies if it sounded like I was criticizing all Franciscans.

 

[leonie]

I wasn’t saying all Franciscans… I was ASKING if this was a Franciscan thing that they replace he/Him/Father with the word God… and if there was a reason… because we have mostly Dominicans with just this one Franciscan and I didn’t know… my apologies if it sounded like I was criticizing all Franciscans.

In this area, I associate Franciscan sisters with being liberal/borderline unfaithful Catholic nuns because of the direction they have taken.

But, the Franciscans (from India) that have come into the area at the invitation of Archbishop are the model of the Catholic, devout, faithful nun that I envision from reading the lives of the Saints.

I think some Franciscan communities had their mission/rule misdirected by the craziness of the sixties and seventies.

When I read about state of religious communities since the time of the first monasteries, I think this is a problem that has occurred over and over. A reformer comes along, recaptures the rule and spirit of the founder, and brings his community back in line with the original charism.

Maybe it seems like more Franciscans have fallen prey to losing their charism because there are so many Franciscans in the US–they are more visible. .

I’m sure your suspicions are correct. A nun that doesn’t wear a habit or even a crucifix, works in an anti-Catholic church (a cause for scandal if nothing else), disobeys the Church by using non masculine terms for God, has made confusing doctrinal statements…

I’m not sure that I would have the courage , but the correct thing to do would be to make an appointment to discuss your concerns. Then, after speaking to the nun, if you still have concerns, to talk to the pastor. She is answerable to her superior, but if she is doing work in the parish, then it is important for the pastor to answer to these concerns.

 

[drforjc]

I wasn’t saying all Franciscans… I was ASKING if this was a Franciscan thing that they replace he/Him/Father with the word God… and if there was a reason… because we have mostly Dominicans with just this one Franciscan and I didn’t know… my apologies if it sounded like I was criticizing all Franciscans.

I didn’t take your comment as judging all Franciscans… it did not sound that way at all.