We realize the importance of glorifying God,
of striving for personal holiness,
and of working for the spiritual and temporal welfare of
others.
We recognize the great value of the Secular Franciscan Way
of Life
in seeking to achieve these important goals.
Therefore, we resolve to observe the teaching of Jesus
Christ,
by following in his footsteps,
according to the spirit and Rule of St. Francis of Assisi.
With the help of the grace of God,
we will try to participate as fully and as often as
possible
in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,
in the other Sacraments of the Church,
especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation,
and in the celebration of the Divine Office,
the official prayer of the Church.
We will try to spend a portion of time each day
in personal prayer and service to others.
We will involve ourselves in the life of our fraternity each
month,
in an effort to build a stronger community and as an act of
worship.
We will contribute according to our means, time, talent, and
possessions
to the charities of the Church and the Franciscan Family,
especially to the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the
suffering.
We will uphold the dignity of every person and the worth of
all creation.
We will demonstrate our loyalty to the Commandments of God
and to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
We will continually try to turn closer to the Lord
and make daily conversion of heart our intention.
We will use the material and spiritual gifts that we have
received
in a spirit of justice, moderation, and generosity.
We will wear the Tau Cross daily as the official symbol of
our membership
in the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States of
America.
By our actions and our speech
we will show others that we are followers of the Gospel,
by setting a good example and striving to be peacemakers
in our society and within our own families.
This we resolve through the help of the Virgin Mary and St.
Francis,
by the grace of the Holy Spirit,
and in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Five Franciscan Martyrs Region
of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States
is the organic union of all Secular Franciscan fraternities
in the State of Florida, South Georgia, and Lower Alabama.
We desire to promote in the world a deeper presence
of the Catholic Faith and the Franciscan tradition;
and we seek to bring the Gospel Beatitudes
of Our Lord, Jesus Christ,
as personified by St. Francis of Assisi,
to all our secular, daily lives.
We foster a spirit of prayer,
conversion, reconciliation,
justice and service,
especially to the marginalized
in our society.
We invoke the intercession,
honor the memory,
and advance the Cause
of the patrons of our Region,
the Five Franciscan Martyrs
of La Florida,
who, in A.D. 1597,
freely gave their lives
in testimony to the dignity
of Christian marriage and family life.
February, 1999
(updated March, 2004)
