THE RULE - Chapter 3 - Life in Fraternity - 26

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

26.  As a concrete sign of communion and coresponsibility, the councils on various levels, in keeping with the constitutions, shall ask for suitable and well prepared religious for spiritual assistance. They should make this request to the superiors of the four religious Franciscan families, to whom the Secular Fraternity has been united for centuries.

To promote fidelity to the charism as well as observance of the rule and to receive greater support in the life of the fraternity, the minister or president, with the consent of the council, should take care to ask for a regular pastoral visit by the competent religious superiors as well as for a fraternal visit from those of the higher fraternities, 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 - 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.