FRANCISCAN VOCATION, CHARISM, and FAMILY

SAINT FRANCIS “forma minorum” Model and Formator of all Franciscans

From the Holy Spirit through the Church through St Francis FRANCISCAN VOCATION From the Holy Spirit through the Church through St Francis through a Franciscan?

“Christ poor and crucified” FRANCISCAN VOCATION Live the Gospel “Christ poor and crucified” Like Saint Francis

FRANCISCAN VOCATION either SECULAR or RELIGIOUS

SECULAR VOCATION In the secular state: lay clerical (diocesan)

SECULAR VOCATION In temporal affairs: family society

FRANCISCAN FORMATION Initial Ongoing

FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY Commitment expressed: in public liturgy before the Fraternity through promise (secular) vows (religious)

TRUE VOCATION adequate formation acknowledgement by the Fraternity not only ritual Requires: adequate formation acknowledgement by the Fraternity a lifelong response

God’s gift to St Francis “rebuild my Church” FRANCISCAN CHARISM God’s gift to St Francis “rebuild my Church”

ONE CHARISM common to all Franciscans “various ways and forms” distinguish Family members

Professed friars, Clares, and Secular Franciscans PARTICIPANTS Professed friars, Clares, and Secular Franciscans Others: Secular Institutes Franciscan Youth etc.

FRANCISCAN FAMILY The SFO an integral part, related to the First Order Called to live the charism in secular life

FRANCISCAN FAMILY First, Second, and Third Orders: equal members No “four Families” linked to four friar Orders Autonomy of members not affected

FRANCISCAN FAMILY UNION to promote formation Franciscan Federation of Australia Associations are members Franciscans of NSW, and other States Individuals are members

FRANCISCAN FRATERNITY Fraternity life is essential for: Entry Formation

SFO MEMBERSHIP ADULTS Minimum age 18 years Vocation decided Permanent, for life

FRANCISCAN YOUTH MEMBERSHIP YOUNG PEOPLE Maximum age 34 years Vocation not decided Temporary, while young

FRANCISCAN YOUTH FRATERNITY Not junior SFO Different formation