THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 25

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

25.  Regarding expenses necessary for the life of the fraternity and the needs of worship, of the apostolate, and of charity, all the brothers and sister should offer a contribution according to their means. Local fraternities should contribute toward the expenses of the higher fraternity councils.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”   Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS ARE IN GOOD COMPANY

Following is a list well known Secular Franciscan brothers who also became Bishop of Rome and served our Lord as His leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Innocent III - 1198-1216
Honorius III - 1216-1227
Gregory IX - 1227-1241
Bl. Gregory X - 1271-1276
Nicholas III - 1277-1280
Celestine V - 1294 -
Martin V - 1417-1431
Sixtus IV - 1471-1484
Alexander VI - 1492-1503
Leo X - 1518-1521
Sixtus V - 1585-1590
Innocent XII - 1691-1700
Clement XII - 1730-1740
Pious IX - 1846-1878
Leo XIII - 1878-1903
St. Pius X 1903-1914
Benedict XV - 1914-1922
Pius XI - 1922-1939
Pius XII - 1823-1829
John XXIII - 1958-1963

SAINT LAWRENCE of BRINDISI, Doctor of the Church, Confessor, First Order

St. Lawrence of Brindisi was born at Brindisi in southern Italy on July 22, 1559. Exactly 60 years later on July 22, 1619 he died. Among the Capuchin sons of St. Francis, he holds a position of preeminence as a preacher and writer. He was only 6 years old when he preached in the cathedral of his native town with such force and point that many were deeply affected and entered into a more Christian life. He preached in seven different languages - Italian, French, Spanish, German, Greek, Hebrew and Latin. He wrote 15 large volumes, mostly sermons. One is a masterful exposition of Catholic doctrine about Mary.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 24

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

24.  To foster communion among members, the council should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially with youth groups. It should adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity. This communion continues with deceased brothers and sisters through prayer for them.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”   Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 23

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity

23.   Requests for admission to the Secular Franciscan Order must be presented to the local fraternity, whose council decides upon the acceptance of new brothers and sisters.


Admission into the Order is gradually attained through a time of initiation, a period of formation of at least one year, and profession of the rule. The entire community is engaged in this process of growth by its own manner of living. The age for profession and the distinctive Franciscan sign are regulated by the statues.


Profession by its nature is a permanent commitment.


Members who find themselves in particular difficulties should discuss their problems with the council in fraternal dialogue.


Withdrawal or permanent dismissal from the Order, if necessary, is an act of the fraternity council according to the norm of the constitutions.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”   Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.

THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 22

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order
Chapter three - Life In Fraternity

22.  The local fraternity is to be established canonically. It becomes the basic unity of the whole Order and a visible sign of the Church, the community of love. This should be the privilege place for developing a sense of Church and the Franciscan vocation and for enlivening the apostolic life of its members.

“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.”  Blessing of Saint Francis from the Testament.