Vocation

The Franciscan Vocation

The Franciscan vocation is generally lived out in community; either as consecrated persons living in community or as secular persons in society. Franciscan Friars usually live, work and witness as a community.

 

They take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These vows are taken within the Rule of St Francis, which was approved by Pope Honorius III in 1223, three years before Francis died. The vows are also known as the Gospel Counsels - as they are found throughout the pages of the Gospels as taught by Jesus.

Some of the Friars are priests, some are lay brothers - all are Friars (brothers). There is no first or second class rating in the Order. Friars belong to a region known as a Province which is a geographical area, and in our part of the world, the Friars Minor belong to the Province of the Holy Spirit - which encompasses Singapore/ Malaysia/ Brunei/ Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand. (Retrieved from http://www.franciscans.org.au/vocations/index.htm)

 

Links:

  1. Rule of St. Francis:
  2. Biography of St. Francis in Chronological order

The Franciscan Charism

Another aspect of "vocation" is what is called a "charism;" the word literally means "a gift," the gift from God that makes each group unique. For example, what is it that makes a Franciscan different to a Jesuit to a Salesian?

For Friars, this charism translates into a passion to live the way of life set out for the disciples in the Gospels to live in a simple way. Like Francis, the Friars today strive to show concern for those neglected and despised by society and to identify with them. Friars have a particular concern for the care of creation and for building bonds of fraternity and community amongst people. Friars try to imitate Francis by being heralds of joy and men of peace. Above all, Friars seek to follow in the very footsteps of Jesus and make his message come alive again in their lives and works.

Perhaps, as you read this material, you may be feeling an inner resonance with it? You may relate to some of the experiences? It may be that you share in our charism by seeing some of these qualities at work in your own life. If so, have you thought about joining others like you - as a Franciscan Friar?
(Retrieve from http://www.franciscans.org.au/vocations/index.htm)