Secular Franciscan Order and Priesthood

[JReducation]

Ok, this is a question coming from a Presbyterian - or maybe two questions… Does one have to be Catholic to join the SFO? (I guess it IS just one question at this point !)

To join the Secular Franciscan Order one has to be a Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church. The SFO is a canonical religioius order for secular men and women. Some are secular clerics (deacons, priests and bishops). Others are secular lay men and women: married, single or celibate (obviously single). One must not only be in full communion with the Catholic Church, but must be free of all canonical impediments for entrance into an institute of consecrated life.

We follow the rule written by St. Francis of Assisi in 1221 for the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. Pope Paul VI revised portions of it during his pontificate to make it easier to live in the 20th century Church, but he kept all the essential elements that our holy father Francis had written into it. He only took out some of the archaic language and the rule about serving in the armed forces. The original rule prohibitted service in the armed forces. Also Pope Paul VI took out the mandatory habit and left that up to each region to decide what is appropriate dress for the members of that region. Other than that, we operate like all Orders, with a central government, regional government, local government, a public profession to live the rule, our own ministry, daily recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours, mass and communion during the week, periods of silence, meditation, contemplation of scripture, material poverty and life in fraternity.

The most important part of the rule is obedience. The rule is quite clear that we must obey the local bishop and the Holy Father in all things without questioning. The only time that obedience is not enforced is when the mandate is to do something sinful. That’s the same as for any other Christian. Obviously, it would be very difficult for a non-Catholic to promise obedience to the bishops and popes as well as the successors of Francis, since these are all Catholics.

There is a branch of the Franciscan Family (Friars, Nuns and Secular Franciscans) within the Anglican Communion. But they are autonomous. We do many things in common in the areas of corporal works of mercy, study, dialogue toward reunification. However, the Catholic Church does not recognize the Anglican Franciscans as an Order. They are a society. We hope that through dialogue, prayer and fraternal sharing we will be reunited within the Catholic Church someday, as was the will of our holy father Francis.

The greatest difficulty for the Protestant Franciscans is the profession to follow the rule. The rite of profession is very clear. It goes like this:

I, Brother N, vow and promise to almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, all the angels and saints and you my brothers and sisters to observe the Rule of St. Francis all the days of my life.

The superior whom we call Minister responds:

I, on the part of the almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, our holy father St. Francis, all the angels and saints and the holy Catholic Church promise you eternal life if you observe all the things that you have professed.

As you can see, the Minister speaks authoritatively on behalf of the Catholic Church. The Church cannot accept the profession to live the Rule, if the person making the profession is not in communion with the Church.

I hope this helps.

Fraternally in St. Francis,

JR

PS. Feel free to contact me privately if you need to discuss your particular situation further. God bless you.

I, on the part

 

[tararae]

The reason I am asking is, obviously, I’m not Catholic, but am interested in becoming a member of a Franciscan-based group. I guess I am asking for direction in that area, if there is one. As well you know, even the Apostle’s Creed, which we recite, states believing in the “Holy Catholic church, the communion of Saints & forgiveness of sins”, so, even not under direct Papal control, we see us all as Christians, loved and known by the Son. None of us get to Heaven, but through Him, we all have that in common. Thank you for responding !

 

[JReducation]

The reason I am asking is, obviously, I’m not Catholic, but am interested in becoming a member of a Franciscan-based group. I guess I am asking for direction in that area, if there is one. As well you know, even the Apostle’s Creed, which we recite, states believing in the “Holy Catholic church, the communion of Saints & forgiveness of sins”, so, even not under direct Papal control, we see us all as Christians, loved and known by the Son. None of us get to Heaven, but through Him, we all have that in common. Thank you for responding !

I unerstand your question and I understand the profession of faith that all Christians make. The point in the rule is that Francis was very specific about obedience to the bishops and pope of the Catholic Church. That is a point that cannot be changed.

However there is something else that you can do, if you’re interested. There is a provision in the Constitutions of the Secular Franciscans for associates. It does not say that they have to be Catholic. Obviously they don’t make profession, but they do participate in everything else, especially the community, prayer and on-going formation, which you may be interested in.

Not knowing what part of the country you’re in, I can’t tell you where to go. But here is the address to the national office Secular Franciscans. Why don’t you write them and tell them where you live and what you’re looking for and they can direct you?

I’ll send you the person’s name and e-mail via PM.

Let me know if you need more help.

Fraternally,

JR