We are Franciscans

Nov 15

A few weeks ago, I shared the titles of some books on St. Francis and St. Clare. That list is now posted on our parish website under “Franciscan Resources." On that same page, you can also access some articles from the “Custodians of the Tradition” series by Franciscan Institute Publications. Each of these brief articles offer great insights into the theology behind our Franciscan perspective. I have heard people say, “Franciscans are different.” That is true. If you ever wondered why Franciscans are different, these articles might help. They are not deeply intellectual tomes but are articles that are accessible for everyone.

The Franciscan Institute, located at St. Bonaventure University, is another resource that might be of interest to those who would like to learn more about the Franciscan movement. The Franciscan Institute offers academic conferences, workshops and seminars on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition. It also houses the core of Franciscan academic research for the English-speaking world. Franciscan Institute Publications is a leading publisher of books and journals as a product of that research. The links to both the Institute and Publications websites can also be found on our Franciscan Resource page.

During the life of St. Francis, the Religious community that bears his name was originally known as the “Lesser Brothers.” It was not until after his death that we adopted the name Franciscan. St. Francis also helped create the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares. This all-female community is cloistered. They do not leave the confines of their monastery. Our Franciscan community on Long Beach Island has a very good relationship with the Poor Clare Sisters in Chesterfield, NJ. We preside at Mass for them on Sundays and occasionally for daily Mass during the month.

St. Francis also created what we now call the Secular Franciscan Order. This community grew from a desire of many people who did not feel called to live the vowed Religious life yet were inspired by the spirituality of St. Francis. They asked him to write a “way of life,” a guide on how to live the Franciscan spirituality, and he did. St. Francis encouraged them to remain with their families and continue to work in the world but to embrace the Gospel Life and include it in every part of their lives. The Secular Franciscan Order continues to this day and is a vital part of our Franciscan Family. We have a very active fraternity here at St. Francis. During their monthly meetings, when they gather for fellowship, many topics and issues are discussed as they continue to live their Franciscan vocation in real time, in our world today.

Because the Franciscans like to meet people “where they are,” St. Francis of Assisi Parish also has a group called Friends of Francis and Clare. This group is not a formalized Order within the Church but rather a group of like-minded people who gather every month to learn more about the spirituality of Sts. Francis and Clare, share the spirit of fellowship, and minister to those in need.

More information on both of these groups can be found on our parish webpage as well as brochures in the church. Please call the parish office if you would like to learn more about either of these groups.
On another note, I will be on vacation next week so I will not be including a letter in next week’s bulletin.

Franciscan Resources Page