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Chapter I
The Secular Franciscan Order
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The
Franciscan family, as one among many spiritual families
raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all
members of the people of God--laity, religious, and
priests-- who recognize that they are called to follow
Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi. In
various ways and forms but in life-giving union with
each other, they intend to make present the charism of
their common Seraphic Father in the life and mission of
the Church.
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The Secular
Franciscan Order holds a special place in this family
circle. It is an organic union of all Catholic
fraternities scattered throughout the world and open to
every group of the faithful. In these fraternities the
brothers and sisters, led by the Spirit, strive for
perfect charity in their own secular state. By their
profession they pledge themselves to live the gospel in
the manner of St. Francis by means of this rule approved
by the Church.
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The present
rule, succeeding Memoriale Propositi (1221) and the
rules approved by the Supreme Pontiffs Nicholas IV and
Leo XIII, adapts the Secular Franciscan Order to the
needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the
conditions of changing times. Its interpretation belongs
to the Holy See and its application will be made by the
General Constitutions and particular statutes.
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