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Part I:
Rites for Entering the Secular Franciscan Order Preface
I. The Nature
of Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order
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Many men and
women, married and single, and many members of the
diocesan clergy are called by God to follow the way of
perfection of the gospel life after the example and
manner of Francis of Assisi, to share his charism, and
to make it present in the world. They promise to follow
Jesus Christ and to live the gospel in fraternity by
entering the Secular Franciscan Order. In this way they
manifest the priceless gift of baptism and realise it in
a fuller and more fruitful way.
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The Church
has always esteemed highly this form of life prompted by
the Holy Spirit “for the good of the Church and the
human community ”1 .By means of the rules approved by
the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV, Leo XIII and Paul VI,
the Church has made sure that this form of life is
suitably adapted to her needs and expectations in the
conditions of changing times.
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The Secular
Franciscans, gathered together in fraternity and in
oneness of spirit with all the People of God, celebrate
the mystery of salvation, revealed and communicated to
us in Christ, with prayers and thanksgiving, and by
renewing their commitment to a new life.
II. The
Normative Nature of the SFO Ritual and its Adaptation
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The
Constitution “Sacrosanctum Concilium ” states: “Provided
that the substantial unity of the Roman Rite is
maintained, the revision of liturgical books should
allow for legitimate variations and adaptations to
different groups, regions, and peoples, especially in
mission lands ”2 .In accord with this criterion, the
Secular Franciscan fraternities scattered throughout the
whole world, conscious that experience itself has a
specific value, want to continue to bring to completion
in any people and in any given culture the mystery of
the Incarnate Word, the Saviour of all people.
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The rites
and prayers presented in these celebrations are inspired
by the traditions of the Secular Franciscan fraternity
and by the rituals being used experimentally in the
various nations. They need to be adapted to the
mentality and to the different circumstances of the
fraternities scattered in so many parts of the world.
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It is the
task of the SFO National Councils particularly to carry
out this work of adaptation. The rites which refer to
admission and profession are to be taken as normative
with regard to the essential elements which will be
indicated as such in each rite.
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PAUL VI,
Apostolic Letter “Seraphicus Patriarcha ” (24 June
1978),in AAS 70(1978)454.
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VATICAN
COUNCIL II, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
“Sacrocanctum Concilium ”,n.38.
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The SFO
Ritual should manifest the gift of the Spirit proper to
the Secular Franciscan Order and also its commitment to
the gospel life, in a way that is suitable for any
nation and in any cultural context. On the one hand,
this implies the assimilation of the valid cultural
elements of each region, and, on the other hand, it
presumes fidelity to the Secular Franciscan vocation and
to its universality, that is, to unity among all the
fraternities with the Church.
III.The Rites that Accompany the Steps of SFO Life
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The steps by
which the new members and the candidates are
incorporated into the Secular Franciscan Order after a
time of inquiry and preparation are the time of
formation of at least one year; and profession of the
rule or commitment to the gospel life. The renewal of
profession is added to these. The whole fraternity is
involved in this gradual journey.
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Through the
priest and the president (minister), who represents the
fraternity, the Church accepts the commitment and the
profession of those who profess the life and rule of the
Secular Franciscan Order. By her public prayer the
Church entreats the hel and grace of God for them. She
imparts her blessing over them, and accompanies their
commitment or profession with the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Rite of Admission
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The rite of
admission, which precedes the time of formation, should
be simple and plain. It is appropriate that this
entrance take place within the celebration of the Word
God with the fraternity present.
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The elements
that should be clearly and evidently highlighted for the
candidate are the following:
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the
request and the will to experience to the gospel
life, like Francis of Assisi;
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having
in mind that the request is related to a possible
future commitment to live this way of life, with the
hel of a fraternity, in communion and harmony with
the whole Franciscan Family.
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Present at
this rite are:
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the
candidates;
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a priest
who is SFO spiritual assistant or the superior a
Franciscan religious community to which the secular
fraternity is especially connected and who presides
over the liturgical rite. In case of necessity
another priest can be delegated.
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the
president (minister) of the fraternity who receives
the new members in the name of the fraternity
council 3 .The president (minister) should occupy a
significant place in the celebration to bring out
the meaning of the office.
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the
formation director or the delegate for formation,
where there is one;
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the
local fraternity. If, for good reasons, the rite of
admission is celebrated without the presence of a
priest, the president (minister) presides at the
celebration as well as receiving the candidates for
the time of formation. A fraternal social gesture of
welcome to the newcomers can precede or follow the
rite of entry, as an expression of joy and a pledge
of fraternal support.
SFO RULE,art.23
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The Rite of
Commitment to the Gospel Life or Profession
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Since by its
very nature profession is a public and ecclesial act, it
should be celebrated in the presence of the fraternity.
It is fitting that the profession be made during the
celebration of the Eucharist or at least within an
appropriate celebration of the Liturgy of the Word.
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The nature
of commitment to the gospel life is:
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the
renewal of one ’s consecration and promises made at
baptism and confirmation. This means dedicating
oneself to God through his People with all the
consequences flowing from it, up to the present
moment, in order to live in union with God and to
hold firm to his plan of salvation, by means of a
consecration that is to be lived in the world;
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the
desire to live the gospel by following St. Francis
of Assisi;
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incorporation into the Secular Franciscan Order,
which is the harmonious union of all the members who
promise to live the gospel after the example of St.
Francis of Assisi, while remaining in their secular
vocation;
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the
desire to live in the world and for the world. In
this regard, profession aims to be a gospel leaven
and also a commitment to collaborate in building a
more fraternal world. Members of the diocesan clergy
by their profession confirm the appropriate pledges
and promises of their specific episcopal, prebyteral
or diaconal vocation.
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the
desire to live the gospel for the whole of one ’s
life. This dimension is the expression of a person
’s generosity in sharing the fullness of one ’s
innermost being, and also the acceptance of the
risks that are inseparable from any human choice
that is so permanent and important;
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the
candidate ’s confidence, supported by the hel of the
SFO Rule and the fraternity. For the candidate will
feel led and helped by the Rule approved by the
Church and will experience the joy of sharing the
journey of gospel life with many brothers and
sisters, from whom one can receive something and to
whom a person can also give something. Being
incorporated into the local fraternity, which is an
integral part of the Church, he/she will contribute
toward rebuilding the whole Church.
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The elements
considered above should be united in a single formula of
profession, or even be expressed in the form of a
dialogue. Some of these fundamental concepts, such as
service of God and of his Church, simply cannot be
expressed explicitly in a formula, since they are
repeated constantly throughout the whole celebration, or
they may always be presupposed in the very act of
commitment to the gospel life.
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The
commitment to the gospel life is received by the
president (minister) in the name of the Church and of
the fraternity. The priest presides over this rite as
the witness of the Church and of the Franciscan Family.
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In
exceptional circumstances, when a lack of priests calls
for it or makes it necessary, the candidates pronounce
their profession before the fraternity .The president
(minister) of the fraternity presides at the celebration
of the Word (or has another preside), if the
circumstances require it, and also receives the
profession, while the professed members of the
fraternity act as witnesses.
The Rite of Annual Renewal of Commitment to the Gospel Life
or Profession
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Profession
or permanent commitment can be preceded and prepared for
by a temporary promise or commitment, renewed annually,
but not extended beyond three years, since it is a
preparation for permanent commitment.
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This option
is offered for pedagogical reasons, namely, to
facilitate a suitable and gradual formation and entry of
members into the Secular Franciscan Order. For that
reason, the renewal is made with the same frame of mind
in order to respond to the goal of this pedagogical
preparation.
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The rite of
annual renewal can be performed in a celebration of the
Word of God with a very simple formula. The readings and
the whole rite may be arranged to suit the
circumstances. If it is performed in some kind of
liturgical celebration, the celebrant may give a short
homily.
Chapter One
Rite of Admission into the Secular Franciscan Order
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The rite of
admission, which precedes the time of formation, begins
with a suitable hymn.
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The rite is
to be simple and performed within the fraternity.
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Description of the Rite
It is fitting that the rite of admission take place
within an appropriate celebration of the Word of God.
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Opening
Rites
The rite begins with the sign of the cross and with a
few words of greeting from the presiding priest.
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Then an
admonition is given by one of the members or by the
priest himself, in these or similar words:
The Lord has called us to live the gospel way of life in
fraternity, as he showed it to St. Francis of Assisi. He
brings us together today to receive those who, moved by
the Holy Spirit, have asked to be admitted into the
Secular Franciscan Order and want to begin their time of
formation which will culminate in their profession or
commitment to the gospel life. We will now renew our
faith in the Holy Spirit and call on him: May he give us
the grace to encourage and sustain their proper
formation and to walk with them to attain their goal.
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After the
admonition, the priest says:
Let us pray.
Lord our God, you have sent your Son Jesus Christ to be
for us the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that
these your people who are asking to be admitted into the
Secular Franciscan Order, and all of us, may hear the
words of the gospel fully and may observe them
attentively.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
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Liturgy
of the Word
Before the first reading these words of exhortation of
St. Francis may be read from the
Letter to All the Faithful (14:2-3):
Let us hear the Word of God
in the spirit of our blessed father Francis who
encourages us: “In that love which is God, I beg and
implore you to hear these fragrant words of our Lord
Jesus Christ with humility and love, putting them into
practice with all gentleness and observing them
perfectly.”
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First
Reading: Rom 6:3-11 “Let us live a new life ”
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Responsorial
Psalm: Ps 23:1-2,3-4,5-6
R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
The Lord ’ s is the earth and its fullness,
the world and all its peoples.
It is he who set it on the seas;
on tile waters he made it firm. R.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The man with clean hands and pure heart,
who desires not worthless things,
who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbour. R.
He shall receive a blessing from the Lord
and reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the men who seek him,
seek the face of the God of Jacob.R.
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Second
Reading: Mk 1:12-15 “Repent,and believe the Good News ”
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The
celebrant gives a brief homily. According to
circumstances he can invite the participants to share
their reflections on the Word of God.
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Rite of
Admission
One of the candidates in the name of all (or all
together) expresses their desire to enter the Secular
Franciscan Order. The president (minister) receives
their request in the name of the fraternity. This can be
done in the form of a dialogue, in these or similar
words:
President (Minister):
Would those who are asking to be admitted into the
fraternity please come forward, namely, N.N.
Candidates:
We here present ask to enter this fraternity of the
Secular Franciscan Order, so that we may live more
intensely and faithfully the grace and dedication of our
baptism by following Jesus Christ according to the
teachings and example of St. Francis of Assisi.
In this way we intend to be of service to all through
our secular state of life for the glory of God and to
fulfill his plan of love in behalf of all people.
President (Minister):
This fraternity is pleased to accept your request.
I, therefore, receive you into the Secular Franciscan
Order so that you may begin your time of formation and
experience our Franciscan life.
Priest Celebrant:
The Church and the Franciscan Family accept and confirm
your sincere intention. May the Lord allow you to
persevere in this desire and to be a leaven of gospel
life within the world.
All: Amen. Thanks be to God.
This acclamation can be replaced by a hymn or a suitable
gesture, according to local custom.
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Presentation of the Gospel and the Rule
The president (minister) or the celebrant, according to
local custom, presents the Gospel and the Rule to each
one, saying: The rule and life of the Secular
Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord
Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of
Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the centre
of his life with God and with people. May this too be
your way of life.
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According to
local custom, the president (minister) may give the
distinctive sign of the Order (the Tau emblem or another
one) to each member.
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The General
Intercessions and the Lord ’s Prayer follow.
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Then the
minister (president) addresses the new members of the
fraternity in these or similar words:
N.N., the Secular Franciscan Fraternity of N.N. very
gladly promises to help you in your journey with
friendship, prayer, and the witness of its life. You, on
the other hand, strengthen our fraternity in numbers, by
virtue of your presence and participation, and through
the sharing of your special gifts. You are most welcome!
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The members
exchange a sign of peace. Meanwhile a suitable hymn is
sung.
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Blessing
The rite concludes with the Blessing of St. Francis: May
the Lord bless you and keep you.
All: Amen.
May his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you.
All: Amen.
May he look upon you with kindness, and give you his
peace.
All: Amen.
May the Lord bless you,± the Father, and the Son, and
the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
Chapter Two
Rite of Commitment to the Gospel Life or Profession in the
Secular Franciscan Order Within the Mass
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The rite
that is described in this chapter is celebrated during
the Mass.
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The Mass
formula to be used may correspond to the liturgy of the
day; or, if the rubric permit, the votive Mass of St.
Francis or of St. Louis King or St. Elizabeth of Hungary
may also be chosen. With regard to the hymns and
exhortations during the celebration, the text of Chapter
Two of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order should
be kept in mind, as well as the biblical texts that
support the SFO way of life.
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The
president (minister) of the fraternity receives the
profession at a suitable place in the sanctuary. Places
for those to be professed are to be arranged in the
sanctuary so that the whole liturgical action can be
clearly seen by the whole congregation.
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All that is
necessary for celebrating the Eucharist and for the rite
of profession is to be adequately prepared beforehand.
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Entrance
Rite
After the people and the fraternity members have
assembled, and everything is properly prepared, the
entrance hymn of the Mass is sung while the priest
proceeds to the altar. Those to be professed arrange
themselves in the places designated for Them.
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After the
celebrant ’s greeting, a fraternity member or the priest
himself gives an admonition in these or similar words:
We are assembled as a community to take part in the
eucharistic sacrifice. In this celebration of the
Eucharist N.N. are going to make their profession of the
gospel life in the Secular Franciscan Order. While
giving thanks to the Father through Christ for all the
gifts we have received from him, we have a special
reason for gratitude today: the gift of his grace which
he has given to those about to be professed to live in
the world according to the spirit of the Beatitudes and
also the gift of his grace which he has given to the
whole community by adding new members to the fraternity.
Especially today, after the example of Christ and in
union with his own act of thanksgiving, we are invited
to present ourselves before the Father as living
sacrifices of praise for the life of the world.
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Mass
continues in the usual way. It might be appropriate to
amplify the penitential rite in order to highlight the
pervading spirit of penance.
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Liturgy
of the Word
Everything is done as usual in the Liturgy of the Word,
with the exception that:
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the
readings can be taken either from the Mass of the
day or from the texts offered in Appendix I,part 1;
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the
Creed may be omitted. Profession or Commitment to
the Gospel Life Request:
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After the
reading of the Gospel the celebrant and the people sit.
Those who are to be professed stand. The president
(minister) of the fraternity invites those who are to be
professed to present themselves and to express their
intention publicly. The candidates can do this either
singly, each in one s own words, or else by means of one
candidate speaking in the name of all. In this case, the
request may be made in these or similar words:
We ask to be admitted to profession of the Rule of the
Secular Franciscan Order. The experience during our time
of formation has strengthened us in our conviction that
the Lord is calling us to observe the holy gospel of our
Lord Jesus Christ by following the footsteps of St.
Francis of Assisi.
President (Minister):
The fraternity accepts your petition and is united with
you in your prayer. May the Holy Spirit confirm in you
the work he has begun.
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Homily or
Talk:
Those to be professed are seated, and a homily is
given. The biblical readings as well as the commitment
to the gospel life and its theological implications are
fittingly explained.
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Questioning:
After the homily those to be professed stand. The
celebrant questions them in these or
similar words:
Celebrant:
Before this fraternity and the other members of the
People of God gathered here, I ask you to express your
will: Do you wish to embrace the gospel way of life by
following the example and words of St. Francis of
Assisi, which is at the heart of the Rule of the Secular
Franciscan Order?
Candidates, replying all together: Yes, this is what I
want.
Celebrant:
You have been called to give witness to the Kingdom of
God and to build a more fraternal world based on the
gospel together with all people of goodwill. Do you wish
to be faithful to this vocation and to practice the
spirit of service proper to Secular Franciscans?
Candidates: Yes, this is what I want.
Celebrant:
You have been made members of the People of God by your
baptism, and strengthened in confirmation by the new
gift of the Spirit, in order to proclaim Christ by your
life and your words. Do you wish to bind yourself
more closely to the Church
and to work intently to rebuild the ecclesial community
and fulfill its mission among all people?
Candidates: Yes, this is what I want.
President (Minister)
The local fraternity is a visible sign of the Church, a
community of faith and love. Together with all the
members you now pledge yourselves to spend your efforts
to make the fraternity a genuine ecclesial assembly and
a living Franciscan community.
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Prayer
for Divine Grace:
Then the celebrant prays for divine help, saying:
Let us pray.
And in a manner customary to the community all pray in
silence for a while. Then: Lord, watch over these your
servants. May the Spirit of your love penetrate their
hearts, so that your grace will strengthen them to keep
their commitment to the gospel life. We ask this through
Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
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Profession or Commitment to the Gospel Life:
After the prayer, two professed members stand beside the
president (minister) of the fraternity acting as special
witnesses. Those to be professed approach the president
(minister) one at a time and read the formula of
profession before him/her: I, N.N., by the grace of God,
renew my baptismal promises and consecrate myself to the
service of his kingdom. Therefore, in my secular state
(or: as a member of the diocesan clergy) I promise to
live all the days of my life (or: for one year) the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Secular
Franciscan Order by observing its rule of life. May the
grace of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the
Blessed Virgin Mary and our holy father Saint Francis,
and the fraternal bonds of community always be my help,
so that I may reach the goal of perfect Christian love.
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After the
formula, the president (minister) adds:
Thanks be to God!
As the president (or: minister) I receive you into this
fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order. Your
membership in the fraternity is a cause of great joy and
hope for the members of this community.
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When all the
candidates have made their profession and the president
(minister) has accepted it, the celebrant speaks to them
in these or similar words: I confirm your commitment in
the name of the Church. Our Seraphic Father himself
encourages you in the words of his Testament: “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, and all the powers of heaven and all the
saints.
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If tradition
to the local culture calls for it, suitable emblems of
the Secular Franciscan Order can be presented here.
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When all
this is finished, the members present may come forward
to congratulate each newly professed with an appropriate
sign of peace and goodwill. Meanwhile, a suitable hymn
may be sung.
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Conclusion of the Rite of Profession:
The rite is concluded with the General
Intercessions.
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Liturgy
of the Eucharist
While a hymn is sung at the Presentation of the
Gifts, some of the newly professed members may
appropriately present the bread, wine, and water for the
Eucharistic sacrifice.
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At communion
it is fitting that the Eucharist be received under both
species.
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At the end
of the Mass, the solemn blessing “throughout the year ”
may be given. It is placed first in the restored Roman
Missal, and it is the Blessing of St. Francis, as found
at the end of Chapter One (n.18).
Chapter Three
Annual Renewal of Profession
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The
president (minister) of the fraternity and two witnesses
must be present for the renewal of profession or the
commitment to gospel life. It is very appropriate,
however, that the whole fraternity take part in this
rite as much as possible.
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The rite is
to be performed within some kind of liturgical
celebration and in a very simple way (cf.Preface,n.20)
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If the rite
is performed within a celebration of the Word of God,
the readings may be taken from Appendix I, part 1.
Admonition Before the Rite of Renewal
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Before the
celebrant proceeds to the renewal of profession, he
addresses those present in these or similar words:
Moved by the power of the gospel, we all experience the
call always to begin again and to bring about a
continuing inner conversion, so that we may be conformed
to Christ and with him be given over to the service of
the Father and of our brothers and sisters as well. In
this journey toward an ongoing change of heart,
perseverance is a gift of God. Let us pray, therefore,
that, as we make progress in loving one another, we will
remain faithful to the end.
All reply to the celebrant ’s words:
O Lord, look kindly upon those whom you have called to
the holiness of gospel life in the Secular Franciscan
Order. Grant them the grace to fulfill their commitment
to the gospel life which they have embraced with spirit
and generosity. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Renewal
of Commitment
Those renewing their commitment to the gospel life may
use formula n.31 above or this one following:
I, N.N., renew for one year my commitment to observe the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, after the example of
St. Francis of Assisi, according to the Rule of the
Secular Franciscan Order.
Then the celebrant adds in these or similar words:
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, and all the powers of heaven and all the
saints.
All: Amen.
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Acceptance of the Renewal of Commitment
After the formula, the president (minister) of the
fraternity says:
As the president (minister) of the fraternity, I accept
the renewal of your profession.
All our brothers and sisters unite with you in thanking
God for this gift.
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Conclusion of the Rite
The rite concludes with the General Intercessions, the
Lord ’s Prayer, and the following prayer:
Hear our prayers, o Lord, and grant that these our
brothers and sisters, who spend their daily lives in the
service of others, may imbue their earthly affairs with
a genuine gospel spirit. We ask this through Christ our
Lord.
All:Amen.
Chapter Four
On the Anniversary of Profession
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It is a
praiseworthy custom to celebrate the twenty-fifth and
the fiftieth anniversary of profession in the Secular
Franciscan Order. If this jubilee is celebrated within
the context of the Eucharist, the Mass corresponding to
the liturgy of the day may be said, with the prayers “In
Thanksgiving ”,according to the rubrics. The Masses
mentioned in n.20 above may also be used.
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Admonition after the Homily
After the homily, the president (minister) of the
fraternity or one of the other members present gives an
admonition in these or similar words: Today with great
joy we are celebrating the twenty-fifth (and/or:
fiftieth) anniversary of N.N in the Secular Franciscan
Order. During these years, they have made a sincere
effort “to make present the charism of their seraphic
Father in the life and mission of the Church ” and to
build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the
kingdom of God may be brought about more effectively.”
Let us, therefore, join in their thanksgiving and in
their commitment to an ongoing change of heart.
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Renewal
of Commitment
The members who are celebrating their jubilee renew
their commitment in these or similar words:
We thank you, Lord, for calling us to the Secular
Franciscan Order. We ask your pardon for all our
shortcomings, weaknesses and transgressions against our
commitment to the gospel life and against the Rule. We
pray that you will allow us to experience once again the
fervor and readiness of that first day when we entered
the fraternity. We renew once again our commitment to
the gospel life, according to the Rule of the Secular
Franciscan Order, until the end of our days. Grant also
that we may live in harmony with our brothers and
sisters, and may give witness to younger people of the
great gift we received from you: our Franciscan calling
to “go forth as witnesses and instruments of the Church
’ s mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by our
life and words.”
Amen.
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After the
renewal of commitment, the celebrant offers this prayer:
Lord our Lord, Father of all, we thank you for the love
and goodwill that you have shown toward your people.
And so we ask you to help our brothers and sisters, who
today celebrate their anniversaries in the Secular
Franciscan Order, to fulfil their commitment to the
gospel life which they once took upon themselves. We ask
this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.
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Conclusion of the Rite
51.The rite is concluded with a sign of congratulations
shared by all. Meanwhile, the “Canticle of the Creatures
” or another suitable hymn is sung.
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