The meaning of...
Obedience, Poverty and Chastity in the Life of a Secular Franciscan

In our Rite of Profession to the Secular Franciscan Order, We promise to uphold the Rule of Saint Francis [of Assisi] for life. The wording is different from that of the so-called First or Second Orders of Saint Francis because the Evangelical Counsels of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity are not mentioned in those specific terms. Nonetheless, Secular Franciscans promise them in the following portions of following our Rule:

Obedience

We strive to be obedient to Jesus, in the manner of St. Francis, because Jesus was obedient to the Father. As Secular Franciscans our obedience extends to everyone, not just those in authority, through faith. Franciscans are obedient to the Holy Father (Pope John Paul II) and the Magisterium  (College of Cardinals & Bishops) of the Roman Catholic Church. The Bishop of the Diocese our Fraternity is in, signs off on the Certificate of Canonical Approbation of our Fraternities, and in that sense we obey our Diocesan Bishops.

Of course, we also obey directives that come from our Minister General, the International Council (CIOFS), the National and Regional Ministers, and finally, the Fraternity Minister.

Our response should be generous because we are everyone's servant.

Article 10 and 14 apply here:

10. "United themselves to the redemptive obedience of Jesus, who placed his will into the Father's hands, let them faithfully fulfill the duties property to their various circumstances of life. Let them also follow the poor and crucified Christ, witness to him even in difficulties and persecutions."

14. "Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively. Mindful that anyone 'who follows Christ, the perfect man, becomes more of a man himself,' let them exercise their responsibilities competently in the Christian spirit of service.

 

Poverty

We are simple pilgrims who travel the world on the way to our Father's heavenly kingdom. Just as St. Francis was "The Little Poor Man" (Il Poverello), we as Secular Franciscans identify ourselves with the poor. Our lifestyle should be simple. Our stay on earth is not a infinite stay, and thus we should prepare ourselves for the journey home, to Jesus to be with Him for all the ages.

Rule 11 states it so well, "Trusting in the Father, Christ chose for himself and his mother a poor and humble life..."
..."Let Secular Franciscans seek a proper spirit of detachment from temporal goods by simplifying their our material needs. See also Rule 15 & 16.

Chastity

To put it very basically, unless people shun "the flesh," they cannot love God. To be free to love demands the sacrifice of oneself.

Rule 12 applies here: "Witnessing to the good yet to come and obliged to acquire purity of heart because of the vocation they have embraced, they should set themselves free to love God and their brothers and sisters." And Rule 17 deals with family life in this regard, ..."By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives in particular should bear witness in the world to the love of Christ for his Church. They should joyfully accompany their children on their journey by providing a simple and open Christian education and being attentive to the vocation of each child."

I've heard it said that breaking provisions of the Rule of St. Francis is not really a sin... But I am not so sure this is the case. Read the Prologue to the Rule, the "Exhortation of Saint Francis to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance," where Chapter One covers "Those who do Penance," and, Chapter Two "Those who do not do Penance." St. Francis knew exactly what he desired of us, and obedience to the Rule is not negotiable.

Lastly, I am very anxious about Secular Franciscans who quit after they are professed. I've met several of these folks and generally they don't like going to monthly meetings, and even though they are good Catholics, they just give up on the SFO. Perhaps that is why the recently approved Statutes of SFO (NAFRA) now call for an 18-month Candidacy. We want to make sure that when the Candidate makes profession... it's forever!

That also is why formation directors are urged by the new Statutes to make sure that an Inquirer/Candidate is strong in his or her Catholic Faith, goes to Holy Mass on Sundays and Holidays, and even during the week.

As our fraternity continues to grow, let us be an example to all we meet because we are ambassadors in Christ in the way of Saint Francis.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO