Franciscan Spirituality
+Intense Eucharistic life (contemplation of God’s kénosis)1
+Poverty (the consequence of Kénosis)
+Minority-Humility (consequence of Kénosis)
+Simplicity 2
+Obedience (conform to the eternal project of the Father) 3
+Chastity 4
+Fraternity as the specific characterizing element—to be lived with special intensity. 5
+Franciscan evangelical radicality 6
1-Kénosis: Self – emptying
2-Simplicity—all can and must be referred to the single simple act of God’s love: His complete donation of Self. God is simple, we render him complicated. We should avoid all that makes Him complicated.
3-Obedience: Essential is obedience to the Church. In it Francis recognizes the presence of Christ’s Spirit in its fullness. Francis is rooted in the belief that there is no Church without the Eucharist and there is no Eucharist without those who consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ.
4-Chastity—God donates himself completely—We are made able to love everybody—more and better
5-Fraternity is the specific characterizing element of Franciscanism. This is to be lived with special intensity.
6-Evangelical Radicality—Francis followed the total Christ in simplicity and without interpretation
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Chair, National Formation Commission
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Peace and blessings,
Dona Gibbons OFS
Regional Formation Director
Juan de Padilla Region
Kansas~NW Missouri~Oklahoma
