Rule 3

The present rule, succeeding Memoriale Propositi (1221) and the rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV and Leo XIII, adapts the Secular Franciscan Order to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times. Its interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes.

In any legal document issued by the Church or by Religious or Secular Orders, you will find a connection to previous references, in our case, previous Rules. Just as the current Pontiff is preceded by a long list of Popes beginning with Saint Peter at the time of Jesus Christ, our Secular Franciscan Order is traced back to its founder, St. Francis through the preceding Rules that were approved by the Supreme Pontiffs of the past, beginning in 1221, when St. Francis presented that Rule to Rome for approval. The current Rule was approved by Pope Paul VI, and issued to us via the four Ministers General of the Franciscan Family, on October 4, 1978. This Rule of St. Francis for the Secular Franciscan Order, acclimatizes the Rule to the modern era we live in, so that it is relevant today. The Magisterium of the Church continues to guide this movement from Gospel to Life.

Our Holy Rule, is not only an instrument of the Church as revised by Pope Paul VI, but it is also a source document of our founder, St. Francis of Assisi. If you study previous Rules, you will find that they aren't all that different in general tone and intent. The Rule is to be taken seriously. It is not just another document but it is a means to be with the Lord until the end of time. When you live by this Rule, and make this a model for your spiritual lives, you will merit Heaven. It doesn't say this in so many words, but when you read the Prologue of the Rule, which we will go into last, that will become clear.

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5-10-2008