Our Mission: OFS Rule Article 6

By Christine Blood, OFS
National Councilor, OFS-USA
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Christine Blood, OFS National Councilor

On the night of my Profession, I realized how blessed I was to have had excellent formators, true witnesses of our faith and the Order. They taught me well because I knew that I would forever be more intimately united with the Church and her mission because of my Profession.

Our current OFS-USA Theme is: “Go into the world and proclaim the good news.” (Mark 16:15). Our OFS Rule Article 6 captures and describes this exactly.

Article 6 calls to action our vocation as Secular Franciscans. It is our rallying cry. One might say it describes our marching orders. It instructs us to have an active participation as witnesses to the Church’s mission, stresses our ongoing support for the Church through evangelization efforts, and for us to be in full communion with the Pope, bishops, and priests.

It also describes how I am to be that witness of Christ to my family, to my friends, to those in my communities, to those I have yet to meet, and to be an active Catholic, proclaiming Christ by my life and words while building up the Kingdom of God around me. (GC 17)

Someone recently asked why I became a Secular Franciscan. That is a great question! We all should have a response ready to share as part of our evangelization with others. My response: I am called to sainthood, to follow Jesus, to live according to the Gospels, and I professed to do just all that in the manner and footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.

We professed to be the Church’s witnesses and instruments in fulfilling her mission to everyone and everywhere. So, I ask you this: How are you evangelizing Jesus Christ, His Church, and the Secular Franciscan Order?

Peace & All Good, Always!

 OFS Rule Article 6

They have been made living members of the Church by being buried and raised with Christ in baptism; they have been united more intimately with the Church by profession. 

Therefore, they should go forth as witnesses and instruments of her mission among all people, proclaiming Christ by their life and words.

Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialog of apostolic effectiveness and creativity.