|
St. Francis of
Assisi,
who lived poorly and humbly, is perhaps the most
widely-known and universally-loved saint in
history.
What about this simple man has captivated the
imaginations of persons of all generations?
•Francis speaks to us of the importance of
on-going conversion. He changed from a wealthy
"playboy" to a sensitive, caring, gentle man who
became so like Christ as to bear in his body the
wounds of Christ. Francis' process of growing
more and more like Christ was not an easy or
simple one. He had doubts, went through
depression and became disillusioned with what
was happening around him. Each of those
experiences moved him toward, rather than away
from, his beloved Jesus.
•Francis was exuberant in praising God! What an
example of enthusiasm (being "in-God")! He lived
life to the fullest.
•Francis teaches us about suffering and
peacemaking.
•Francis saw all of creation as good. Thus he
had tremendous reverence for each person and all
of creation.
|
 |
Clare of Assisi, often called "the first
Franciscan woman," was "born in a feudal society
as a woman of the aristocracy. Born in 1193,
Clare's formation was well underway by the time
Francis received oral approval of his Rule in
1209. On Palm Sunday, 1212, when Clare
consecrated herself to God before Francis, Clare
was around eighteen years of age. She had been
formed by her mother in a household of women who
prayed together and gave alms and food to the
poor and hungry of
Assisi.
Clare felt "the Privilege of Poverty was worth
talking about..."
Founder of the Order of the Poor Ladies (Poor
Clares) at San Damiano in 1215, she "was the
first woman to write a rule for religious women.
The first women who joined Clare were the women
who had lived with her in her father's house—"
they were Clare's sisters, her mother, her
relatives, and her neighbors. "Clare depended
upon other women to help her as she helped them
to learn how they could nurture the spirit of
God within themselves." As leader of the Poor
Ladies' community for 40 years, Clare succeeded
in living the Franciscan ideal of life.
[Clare of
Assisi—Ingrid
Peterson, OSF]
|
Franciscans are simply persons who follow the
way of St. Francis and St. Clare - and thus of
Jesus and the Gospel. The Rochester Franciscans
live according to the Rule of St. Francis, a
document based largely on Scripture. Most
important for us today is bringing the spirit of
St. Francis into the 21st Century. The essence
of living our life is our relationship with
Jesus Christ.
From the Franciscan Rule of Life:
•the form of life of the Brothers and Sisters is
this: to observe the Holy Gospel
•they wish to live this Gospel conversion of
life in the spirit of prayer, of poverty, and of
humility
•wherever they are, or in whatever situation
they are, they should diligently and fervently
show reverence and honor to one another. They
should also foster unity and communion with all
the members of the Franciscan family.
•wherever they are or wherever they go
throughout the world, they should not be
quarrelsome, contentious, or judgmental towards
others.
•In greeting others, let them say, "God give you
peace."
•As they announce peace with their lips, let
them be careful to have it even more within
their own hearts.
•Let the sisters and brothers always be mindful
that they should desire one thing alone, namely,
the Spirit of God at work within them.
Come and meet a Rochester Franciscan
|
