The Society of Saint Francis.
By John Dendy
As a part of my Life long spiritual journey which began in Zimbabwe Australia
The order of Saint Francis is for people of many and varied religious backgrounds. Saint Francis set himself to live wholly in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus and so he shows us what the Gospel might mean for us”
a) In an age when people are looking for a new kind of relationship with the natural environment Francis points us to a proper love and reverence for our fellow creatures
b) As ‘The little Poor Man of Assisi ‘ Francis shows us that joy in life does not depend on an abundance of material possessions.
c) Understanding fully the sorrows of the world Francis had a special love for the poor and for those on the fringes of society. We learn much from him about Christian ministry.
d) As ‘God’s Fool’ Francis teaches Christians their place in the world.
e) Francis spent much of his day on his knee’s. His prayer was personal and passionate. He gives us an example of being with God both in the silence and in the struggle of Prayer.
The process of entry and life within the order is as follows:
1) ENQUIERS, who over a period of not less than six months will work with the Regional Minister before applying to be admitted to the order as a novice. During this time enquier’s will be asked to share something of their life-story and how they have come to the point of looking to join the Order as well as form an appropriate personal rule of life.
2) NOVICES, as members of the Order are formally testing the calling upon their lives through:
a) committing themselves to the discipline of the community through prayer and obedience to the Third Order.
b) The keeping of a personal rule of life
c) Endeavouring to meet with other members of the order
d) Reporting quarterly to an appointed Novice councillor
3) PROFFESSED TERTIARIES are those who have tested a vocation, have been elected to profession and intend to serve God in the Third Order for life.
The rule of the Third Order
Tertiaries rejoice in the Lord. They always show in their lives the grace and beauty of divine joy. They remember that they follow the Son of Man; who came eating and drinking, who loved birds and the flowers, who blessed little children, who was a friend to tax collectors and sinners who sat at the tables of both the rich and the poor. Tertiaries delight in fun and laughter, rejoicing in God’s world, its beauty and its living creatures, calling nothing common or unclean. They mix freely with all peoples ready to bind up the broken hearted and to bring joy into the lives of others…This joy is a divine gift… It is still there in times of darkness and difficulty, giving cheerful courage in the face of disappointment and an inward serenity and confidence through sickness and suffering. Those who possess it can rejoice in weakness, insult, hardships and persecutions for Christ sake for when they are weak, then they are strong.
P.s When ever I see the Mc-Cain ‘add’ on TV, I Like Frank might one day become a chief “fryer”.
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