Little Brothers and Sisters of Africa

THE RULE AND LIFE OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE THIRD ORDER REGULAR OF ST. FRANCIS

WORDS OF ST. FRANCIS TO HIS FOLLOWERS

(1Letter to the faithful 1-19)

All who love the Lord with their whole heart, with their whole soul and mind, and with all their strength (cf Mk 12:30), love their neighbours as themselves (cf Mt 22:39), and who despise their bodies with vices and sins, receive the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and bring forth from within themselves fruits worthy of true penance (cf Lk 3:8): how happy and blessed are these men and women when they do these things, and persevere in doing them because the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon them (cf Is 11:2) and will make his home and dwelling place with them (cf Jn 14:23); they are the children of the heavenly Father (cf Mt 5:45) whose works they do, and are the spouses, brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf Mt 12:50).

We are his spouses when the faithful soul is united by the Holy Spirit with our Lord Jesus Christ. We are his brothers when we do the will of the Father who is in Heaven (cf Mt 12:50). We are mothers when we bear him in our hearts and bodies (cf 1Co 6:19-20) with divine love and with pure and sincere consciences, and we give birth to him through a holy life, which should enlighten others because of our example (cf Mt 5:16).

How glorious, holy and great it is to have a Father in heaven! How holy, consoling, beautiful and admirable to have such a Spouse! How holy, beloved, blessed, humble, peaceful, sweet, lovable, and desirable over all things it is to have such a Brother and Son, our Lord Jesus Christ who gave up his life for his sheep (cf Jn 10:15) and prayed to the Father, saying: Holy Father, keep in your name those whom you gave me in the world (cf Jn 17:11); they were yours and you gave them to me (cf Jn 17:6). And the words, which you gave me I gave to them, and they accepted them and truly believed that, I came forth from you. And they have known that you sent me (cf Jn 17:8). I pray for them and not for the world (cf Jn 17: 9). Bless them and sanctify them (cf Jn 17:17); I sanctify myself for their sakes (cf Jn 17:19). I do not pray only for these but also for those who, through their word, will believe in me (cf Jn 17:20) may they be holy in oneness as we are (cf Jn 17:11,22,23). Father, I wish that where I am they too may be and that they may see my glory (cf Jn 17:24) in your kingdom (cf Mt 20:21). Amen.

CHAPTER I: 

IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!

HERE BEGINS THE RULE AND LIFE

OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS

OF THE THIRD ORDER REGULAR OF SAINT FRANCIS.

1. The form of life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity.

Following Jesus Christ after the example of St. Francis they are bounded to make many more and greater things through the observance of both precepts and counsels of our Lord Jesus Christ and they must deny themselves as each has promised the Lord.

2. With all who wish to serve the Lord in the holy catholic and apostolic Church, the brothers and sisters of this order are to persevere in true faith and penance.

They wish to live this evangelical conversion in a spirit of prayer, poverty and humility.

Therefore, let them abstain from all evil and persevere to the end in doing good because God’s Son himself will come in glory and will say to all who acknowledge, adore and serve him in penance: Come blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.

3. The brothers and sisters promise obedience and reverence to the Pope and the Catholic Church.

In this same spirit they are to obey those called to be servants of their own fraternity.

And wherever they are, or in wherever they encounter, they should fervently and diligently show reverence and honour to one another.

They should also foster unity and communion with all the members of the Franciscan family.

CHAPTER II:

ACCEPTANCE OF THIS LIFE

4. Those who through the Lord's inspiration come to us desiring to accept this way of life are to be received kindly.

At the appropriate time, they are to be presented to the servants who hold responsibility to admit them into the fraternity.

5. The servants shall ascertain that the aspirants truly adhere to the catholic faith and the Church's sacramental life.

If they are found to fit, they are to be initiated into the life of the fraternity.

Let everything pertaining to this gospel way of life be explained to them, especially these words of the Lord: lf you wish to be perfect go and sell all your possessions and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Mt 19:21; Lk 18:22; Mk 10:17-25). And if anyone wishes to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me (Mt 16:24).

6. So, led by the Lord, let them begin live in penance, conscious that all of us must continuously convert to the Lord.

As a sign of their conversion and consecration to gospel life, they are to wear vile dress and to live in simplicity.

7. When the period of probation is over, they are to be received into obedience, promising to observe this life and rule always.

Let them put aside every care and worry to be concerned only to serve, love, honour, and adore the Lord God, as best they can, with single heartedness and purity of intention.

8. Within themselves, let them always make a dwelling place and home for him who is the Lord God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so that, with undivided hearts, they may increase in universal love by continual turning to God and to neighbour (Jn 14:23).

CHAPTER III:

THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER

9. Everywhere and in each place, and in every hour and each season, the brothers and sisters are to believe truly and humbly, serve in the heart and love, honour, adore, serve, praise, bless and glorify our most high, glorious and eternal God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Let them adore him with all pure heart, because we should pray always and not stop (Lk 18:1); this is the genre of worshippers that the Father desires. In this same spirit let them celebrate the Liturgy of Hours in union with the whole Church.

The brothers and sisters whom the Lord has called to the life of contemplation, with a daily-renewed joy, should manifest their special dedication to God and celebrate the Father's love for the world. It was he who created and redeemed us, and by his mercy alone shall save us.

11. Since the brothers and sisters are to be totally conformed to the Gospel, they should reflect and keep in their hearts the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Word of the Father, as well as the words of the Holy Spirit, which are spirit and life (Jn 6:63).

12. Let them participate in the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and receive his Body and Blood with great humility and reverence, remembering the words of the Lord: He who eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life (Jn 6:54).

Moreover, they are to show the greatest possible reverence and honour for the most holy Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the most sacred names and written words of him, through whom all things in heaven and on earth have been brought to peace and reconciliation with Almighty God (cf Col 1:20).

13. Whenever they commit sin the brothers and sisters, without delay, are to do penance interiorly by sincere sorrow and exteriorly by confession. They should do worthy deeds of penance.

They should also fast, striving always to be simple and humble.

They should desire nothing else but our Saviour, who offered himself in his own blood as a sacrifice and victim on the altar of the cross for our sins, giving us example so that we might follow in his footsteps.

CHAPTER IV:

THE LIFE OF CHASTITY FOR THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM

14. Let the brothers and sisters keep in mind how great a dignity the Lord God has given them because he created them and formed them in the image of his beloved Son according to the flesh and in his own likeness according to the spirit.

Since they are created through Christ and in Christ (cf Col 1:16-17), they have chosen this form of life, which is founded on the words and deeds of our Redeemer.

15. Professing chastity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Mt 19:12), they are to care for the things of the Lord, and they have nothing else to do except to follow the will of the Lord and to please him (1Co 7:32).

In all they do the love of God and all people should shine forth in their works.

16. They are to remember that they have been called by an excellent gift of grace to manifest in their lives that wonderful mystery of the Church by which she is joined to Christ her divine spouse (cf Ep 5:23-24).

17. Let the brothers and sisters keep first before their eyes the example of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let them do this according the exhortation of blessed Francis, who held in highest veneration Holy Mary, Lady and Queen, who is virgin made church.

Let them also remember that the Immaculate Virgin Mary, whose example they are to follow, called herself the handmaid of the Lord (Lk 1:38).

CHAPTER V:

THE WAY TO SERVE AND WORK

18. As poor people, the brothers and sisters to whom the Lord has given the grace of serving or working should do so faithfully and devotedly, in such a way that, avoiding idleness which is enemy of the soul, they should not extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion, which all earthly things should foster.

19. In exchange for their work, they may accept what is needed for their own bodies and for that of their brothers and sisters. Let them accept it humbly as is expected of those who are servants of God and seekers of most holy poverty. Whatever they may have over and above their needs, they are to give to the poor.

And let them never desire to be over others; instead they should be servants and subjects to every human creature for the Lord's sake.

20. Let the brothers and sisters be meek, peaceful and unassuming, mild and humble, speaking honestly to all in accord with their vocation.

Wherever they are, or wherever they go in the world they should not be quarrelsome, contentious, or judgmental towards others; rather, they should be seen as joyful in the Lord, good-humoured, and opportunely gracious.

And in greeting others, let them say, May the Lord give you peace.

CHAPTER VI:

THE LIFE OF POVERTY

21. All the brothers and sisters zealously follow the humility and poverty of our Lord Jesus Christ, who though rich beyond measure (2Co 8:9) wanted chose poverty in this world with the most blessed Virgin, his mother, and he emptied himself (cf Ph 2:7).

Let them remember that we should not have anything of this world, except that, as the apostle says, having something to eat and something to wear, with these we are content (cf 1Tim 6:8). Let them particularly beware of money.

And let them be happy to live among the outcast and despised, among the poor, the weak, the sick, the lepers and the needy that ask help along the way.

22. The truly poor in spirit, following the example of the Lord, live in this world as pilgrims and strangers, without appropriate nor defend anything as their own.

This is the summit of most high poverty that makes us heirs and rulers of the kingdom of heaven. It made us materially poor, but glorious in virtues.

Let this poverty be our portion for it leads to the land of the living. Clinging completely to it let for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, never want possess perpetually anything else under heaven.

CHAPTER VII:

FRATERNAL LIFE

23. For God’s love the brothers and sisters should love each other, according to what the Lord says, this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you (Jn 15:12).

Let them manifest their mutual love in deeds. Also they should make known their needs to one another without doubt, so that each do seek them and serve other.

Blessed are they who love another who is sick and seemingly useless, as much as when is well and of service to them.

For all that happens to them let them give thanks to the Creator, and only want what the Lord wishes for them, whether be in sickness or in health.

24. If discord caused by word or deed should occur among them, they should immediately and humbly ask forgiveness of one another even before offering their gift of prayer before the Lord (cf Mt 5:23-24).

And if anyone should seriously neglect the form of life, which has professed, the minister, or others who may know his sin, is to admonish that person. Those giving the admonition should neither embarrass nor speak evil of the other, but show great mercy.

However all must be careful of anger and scandal because of another's sin, for these things hinder love in one or in another.

CHAPTER VIII:

THE OBEDIENCE OF LOVE

25. Following the example of Lord Jesus who made his own will one with the Father's, the brothers and sisters are to remember that, for God, they gave up their own wills.

Therefore, in all the chapters they have let them seek first the kingdom of God and his justice (Mt 6:33) and exhort one another to observe better the rule they have professed and to follow faithfully in the footprints of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let them neither dominate nor seek power especially over one another, but let them willingly serve and obey one another in spirit of love.

This is the true and holy obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ.

26. They are always to have one of their number as minister and servant of the fraternity whom they are strictly obliged to obey in all that they have promised the Lord to observe, and which is not contrary to conscience or this rule.

27. Those who are ministers and servants of the others should visit, admonish with humility and love, and encourage them.

Should there be brothers or sisters anywhere who know and acknowledge that they cannot observe the rule according to the Spirit, it is their right and duty to have recourse to their ministers.

The ministers are to receive them with such love, kindness, and sympathy that they can speak and act toward them just as an employer would with a servant: this is how it should be, that the ministers are servants of all.

28. No one is to appropriate any ministry whatsoever; rather each should willingly relinquish the office when the time comes.

CHAPTER IX:

APOSTOLIC LIFE

29. The brothers and sisters are to love the Lord with their whole heart, with their whole soul and mind, and with all their strength, and to love their neighbour as themselves.

Let them glorify the Lord in all they do, for he has sent them in the entire world so that they might give witness by word and work to his voice and to make known to all that he alone is Almighty.

30. As they announce peace with their lips, let them have it even more within their own hearts.

No one should be roused to wrath or scandal on their account, rather all should be moved to peace, goodwill and oneness because of their meekness.

For the brothers and sisters are called to heal the wounded, to bind up those who are bruised, and to reclaim the erring.

Wherever they are, they should recall that they have given themselves up completely and handed themselves over totally to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, they should be prepared to expose themselves to every enemy, visible and invisible, for the love of him because the Lord says: Blessed are they, who suffer persecution for the sake of justice, theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:10).

31. In that love which is God, all the brothers and sisters, whether they are engaged in prayer, or in serving, or in working, should strive to be humble in everything, to do not glorify themselves, or be self-satisfied, or interiorly proud for a good word or work or anything good sometimes God does or speaks or produce in or through them.

Rather in every place and circumstance, let them acknowledge that all good belongs to the Lord God, Most High, and Ruler of all things; so let them give thanks to him from whom all good come.

EXHORTATION AND BLESSING

32. Let all the brothers and sisters be mindful that they should desire more than anything else to have the Spirit of the Lord and his holy work.

Always obedient to the holy Church and firmly established in the catholic faith, let them observe the poverty, the humility and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ which they have solemnly promised.

Whoever will observe these things may be filled in heaven with the blessings of the most high Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son, with the most Holy Spirit Paraclete, and with all heavenly virtues and with all the saints.

And I, brother Francis, your little one and servant, in so far as I am able, confirm to you within and without this most holy blessing.