OFS Rule #3 – Adapting St. Francis’ Rule to the needs and expectations of the Holy Church in the conditions of changing times

Susan Ronan, OFS

By Susan Ronan, OFS
National Executive Council Secretary

It is appropriate that Rule 3 addressing the changing conditions of our world follows Rule #2. Kathleen Molaro’s article in Voices of Gospel Living last month included a reflection on our Order’s description as an “organic union.”

When I began my Franciscan journey 27 years ago (including my four years of Initial Formation), our Formation Director spent a lot of time delving into each article of the OFS Rule. It became clear that the other five Inquirers had totally different perspectives from mine. We all came from different life experiences.

I’ve been blessed to have served many years on the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region’s Executive Council and had the opportunity to get to know my OFS brothers and sisters in this little corner of the United States. It didn’t take long to learn that the lifestyles blessings and challenges of the people on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, were different from those in Plattsburgh, New York. The past three years on the NEC have certainly opened my eyes and heart to the blessings and challenges experienced by many of you in the rest of the United States…and the rest of our Secular Franciscan world.

I wonder how St. Francis would propose to change our Rule if he were with us today? I bet he’d keep it as it is because every word of our Rule is so important…especially the last line, “It’s interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes.”

Rule #3 is so important because it encompasses every one of us under the loving protection of Holy Mother the Church.

OFS Rule Article 3

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. It’s interpretation belongs to the Holy See and its application will be made by the General Constitutions and particular statutes.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/12/adapting-to-changing-times/

Open post

Formation Friday – Advent, Time of Waiting & Meditation – Nov. 28, 2025

Please share with your fraternity. (En español abajo)

Advent is a time of waiting and meditation. We think about the coming of our Lord and Savior in the Incarnation and the part that Mary and Joseph played in his life. During this month we can use the words in the graphic (or the word bank below) in our prayer and meditation to focus on the meaning of this season. St. Francis was devoted to the Incarnation. This devotion came out in his prayer, his writings and in his actions.

Here are some ideas to put a Franciscan flavor in your Advent meditations:

· Choose a word or two from the word bank each day and see where those words or ideas come up in our Rule.

· Choose a word or two and see where they come up in Scripture—perhaps in the readings of the day or in the psalms as you pray the Liturgy of the Hours.

· Think of stories in Scripture and in the writings by and about Francis and Clare that typify hope and patience.

· Read online or in books that you have at home:

1 Celano chapter 30 (The story of the first Nativity scene at Greccio) (FA:ED, vol. 1, 254)
 https://digitalcollections.franciscantradition.org/document/bx4700-f6f722-1999/francis_of_assisi_early_documents_-_the_saint/1999-00-00?pageNo=254

A Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (FA:ED, vol. 1, 163)

https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/writings-of-francis/the-undated-writings/a-salutation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/179-fa-ed-1-page-163#ges:searchword%3Dsalutation%26searchphrase%3Dall%26page%3D1

 

The Praises of God (FA:ED, vol. 1, 109)

https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/writings-of-francis/the-praises-of-god-and-the-blessing/125-fa-ed-1-page-109

 

St. Clare’s Fourth Letter to Agnes of Prague (CA:ED, 56)

https://franciscantradition.org/clare-of-assisi-early-documents/the-fourth-letter-to-agnes-of-prague/232-ca-ed-1-page-56

The references above (FA:ED and CA:ED) refer to Francis of Assisi: Early Documents and Clare of Assisi: Early Documents. These and many more writings of and about Francis and Clare can be found on the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition website:

https://franciscantradition.org/

 

Word Bank

Poverty, Peace, Emmanuel, Promise, Yes, Joy, Hope, Anticipation, Waiting, Praise, Generosity, Humility, Simplicity, Mary, Jesus, Joseph, Forgiveness, Mercy, Listening, Patience, Pilgrims, Strangers, Conversion, Incarnation, Greccio,

Manger

 

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Formación 28 de noviembre, 2025 (Comparta con su fraternidad.)

El Adviento es una temporada de espera y meditación. Pensamos en la venida de nuestro Señor y Salvador en la Encarnación y el papel que María y José desarrollaron en su vida. Durante este mes podemos usar las palabras del banco de palabras abajo en nuestra oración y meditación para enfocarnos en el significado de esta temporada. San Francisco se dedicó a la Encarnación. Esta devoción se manifestó en su oración, sus escritos y sus acciones.

Aquí hay algunas ideas para darle un toque franciscano a sus meditaciones de Adviento:

• Elija una palabra o dos del banco de palabras cada día y vea dónde esas palabras o ideas aparecen en nuestra Regla.

• Elija una palabra o dos y vea dónde aparecen en las Escrituras, tal vez en las lecturas del día o en los salmos mientras reza la Liturgia de las Horas.

• Piense en historias en las Escrituras y en los escritos de Francisco y Clara y sobre ellos que tipifican la esperanza y la paciencia.

• Lea en Internet o en libros que tenga en casa:

1 Celano capítulo 30 (La historia del primer pesebre de Greccio) (FA: ED, vol. 1, 254)

https://franciscantradition.org/francis-of-assisi-early-documents/the-saint/the-life-of-saint-francis-by-thomas-of-celano/695-fa-ed-1-page- 254 (en inglés)

Capítulo XXX (30)
http://www.franciscanos.org/fuentes/1Cel03.html (en español)

Un saludo de la Santísima Virgen María (FA: ED, vol. 1, 163)
https://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/salvm.html

Las alabanzas del Dios altísimo (FA: ED, vol. 1, 109)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esfa/ald.html

Cuarta carta de Santa Clara a Agnes de Praga (CA: ED, 56)
http://www.franciscanos.org/esscl/ctacla4.html

Las referencias anteriores en inglés (FA: ED y CA: ED) se refieren a Francisco de Asís: Primeros documentos y Clara de Asís: Primeros documentos. Estos y muchos más escritos de Francisco y Clara se pueden encontrar en el sitio web de la Tradición Intelectual Franciscana: (en inglés)

https://franciscantradition.org/

Excelente sitio en español: http://www.franciscanos.org/frandp/menup.html

 

Banco de palabras

Pobreza, Paz, Emanuel, Promesa, Sí, Alegría, Esperanza, Anticipación, Espera, Alabanza, Generosidad, Humildad, Sencillez, María, Jesús, José, Perdón, Misericordia, Escucha, Paciencia, Peregrinos, Extranjeros, Conversión, Encarnación, Greccio, Pesebre

 
 
Diane F. Menditto, OFS
Vice Minister, National Fraternity, Secular Franciscan Order USA
Go into the world and proclaim the good news.” National Theme 2025-2028

Regional Roundup – Five of the 30 Regions

(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA 116)

Regional Roundup

In this issue, five of the 30 regions are highlighted.

St. Margaret of Cortona Region

The St. Margaret of Cortona Region covers all of Maryland and Virginia, Washington D.C., part of southeast Pennsylvania, southern Delaware, and the eastern portion of West Virginia. It includes 33 fraternities and one emerging fraternity.

Back in the early to mid-1990’s when the regions were being established in the United States, a friar suggested to the establishment team that a Secular Franciscan be chosen as the patron for this region and St. Margaret of Cortona was recommended and chosen based on her compelling life story.

The region is home to our Nation’s capital, along with many famous monuments, museums, and historical sites resulting from the early history of our country during the Revolutionary and Civil War periods.

St. Clare Region

All of Missouri, except for the Kansas City area, southwest Illinois, Northern Arkansas, Southeast Indiana, and Memphis, Tennessee, are within St. Clare region, which has eight established fraternities and two emerging fraternities.

On October 13, 1995, the region was the 24th to be established under the regionalization efforts and was named after St. Clare of Assisi.

The St. Clare Region is very diverse, spanning from the Ozark Mountains, the Mississippi River Valley to the plains of Northern Missouri and Illinois. Centrally located in the USA, the St. Clare Region’s largest city, St. Louis, is a convenient destination for hosting National Chapters, Quinquennials, National Committee events and CNSA gatherings. The Region welcomes all these events and looks forward to hosting many more in the future. Website: www.stclareregionofs.org

Divine Mercy Region

Lower Michigan (“the Mitten”) and Toledo, Ohio make up the Divine Mercy Region. It has 20 established fraternities, one emerging group, one cell, and one region sponsored group.

In October of 1993, they became the 13th established region. When the first council was formed, Divine Mercy was suggested for its name along with other suggestions, including St. Thomas More. During this time, OFS members were inspired from attending Medjugorje pilgrimages. Hence, approval for the name Divine Mercy Region was made.

Some interesting facts about the region: Geographically, lower Michigan is a peninsula, surrounded by three Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.

Michigan has a long history of Franciscan presence. In the 18th century, French missionaries who accompanied explorers and settlers included Recollect Franciscans, from a reform movement within the Franciscan Order in France. In the 19th century, Capuchin friars established a more permanent presence in Michigan. The Midwest Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, based in Detroit, became a central hub for their activities. And Conventual friars have been involved in various ministries helping to spread the Franciscan ideals of simplicity, poverty, and care for creation.

Members from the region have been recognized for their participation at multiple levels within the Order, including Marie Amore, OFS, who was instrumental in the development of regionalization and multiple OFS resources, and two recipients of the National JPIC Award.

Ohana ‘O Ke Anuenue Region

Not surprisingly, the Ohana ‘O Ke Anuenue Region, which means Family of the Rainbow, covers both the Hawaiian Islands and Guam. It includes six established fraternities: two on the island of Oahu, one on Maui, two on the Big Island of Hawaii, and one on Guam. There is also an emerging fraternity on the island of Kauai.

The region is one of the most diverse, made up of members of different ethnicities. Also, because the fraternities are on different islands; it is impossible to drive to a regional gathering. Members would need to fly with costs ranging from $200 to $1500. Thus, only the Chapter of Elections and Visitations are held in person. All other Chapters are via Zoom. Members do come together when a formation mini-series is offered inviting all to learn more about our Order.

St. Francis Region

The St. Francis Region covers the southern third of California and includes 22 fraternities and one newly forming group.

When regionalization was occurring, the members involved were not sure if St. Francis would be allowed for a region’s name, or if it had already been taken. Since the first reply was “yes” – that St. Francis could be used, and the answer to the second concern was “no” – no one else requested it, St. Francis became the region’s name.

The region is blessed to have many cultures represented in its fraternities. Half of the fraternities are made up of members who speak languages other than English as their first language. There are seven Korean speaking fraternities, two Spanish speaking, and two Vietnamese speaking. There is also a fraternity with a majority of members who are from the Philippines and speak Tagalog.

Nine of the 21 Spanish Missions in California that were established by Franciscan friars are in St. Francis Region. Fraternities meet at three of them, and the newly forming group does, also. All four of these missions still have Franciscan friars in residence, although many others do not.

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/11/regional-roundup-five-of-the-30-regions/

The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Christ the King – Fr. Christopher

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reigns from the Cross.  We would like to think of more pleasant images:  like the Church as the Bride of Christ; or the Church as the Body of Christ.  Today’s image is more humbling: the Church is Christ, crucified between two thieves.

Father’s Homily – video

Father’s Homily – text

https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2025/11/the-gospel-through-a-franciscan-lens-christ-the-king-fr-christopher/

Open post

FORMATION FRIDAY – Characteristics of Good Servant Leaders – November 21, 2025

(en español abajo) Korean translation attached in a separate PDF.


Please share with your local fraternity

This month we have been focusing on Servant Leadership. Today we offer the characteristics of good servant leaders (in no particular order). You may be able to add to the list based on the qualities you have observed in the excellent servant leaders you know.

Secular Franciscan Servant Leaders:

· Love the Order and are willing to serve, when asked, for the good of the fraternity but do not seek positions of power. Have enthusiasm for living the Rule.

  • Seek to understand the vision and collaborate with others to bring it to fruition–no matter who gets the credit.
  • See challenges as opportunities for creative solutions. They do not blame others when the outcome is unexpected. The Holy Spirit may have other ideas!
  • Are gentle in leading others—true servant leaders are humble and communicate well with the entire group.
  • Work for the good of the entire fraternity and Order.
  • Begin, on the day they are elected or appointed, their search for and mentoring of those who will replace them.
  • Understand the needs of the group and make use of the talents of the entire group to move the fraternity forward through collaboration.
  • Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and use that inspiration to reach out in a concrete way to the world in which they live and serve.
  • Consider leadership an opportunity to invest the talents they have been given in the service of others.
  • Are generous with their time and willing to make time in their lives to serve.
  • Have life experience both in the Order and in the world that can be offered to the fraternity.
  • Are willing to listen to others—to ask for and act on input from their brothers and sisters.

 

Questions for discussion in fraternity, with a partner, or in your journal.

+Think of servant leaders you have known. Which of these characteristics do you see in them?
+Which of these characteristics do you see in yourself?
+Which characteristics do you think you could develop in order to become a servant leader?
+If you presently hold office, which of the above characteristics can you improve in yourself?
+Challenge: This week, read Mt 25:14-30 and consider the talents and abilities God has given you. How will you invest them to serve your fraternity and the Order?

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21 de noviembre 2025 Comparta con su fraternidad local.

Este mes nos hemos centrado en el Liderazgo de Servicio. Hoy ofrecemos las características de los buenos líderes servidores (sin ningún orden en particular). Es posible que usted pueda ampliar la lista basándose en las cualidades que haya observado en los excelentes líderes servidores que conoce.

Líderes Servidores Franciscanos Seglares:

  • Aman la Orden y están dispuestos a servir, cuando se les solicite, por el bien de la fraternidad, pero no busquen posiciones de poder. Tienen entusiasmo por vivir la Regla.
  • Tratan de comprender la visión y colaborar con otros para hacerla realidad, sin importar quién se lleve el crédito.
  • Ven los desafíos como oportunidades para soluciones creativas. No culpan a los demás cuando el resultado es inesperado. ¡El Espíritu Santo puede tener otras ideas!
  • Son gentiles al liderar a otros; los verdaderos líderes servidores son humildes y se comunican bien con todo el grupo.
  • Trabajan por el bien de toda la fraternidad y la Orden.
  • Inician, el día de su elección o nombramiento, la búsqueda y tutoría de quienes los sustituirán.
  • Comprenden las necesidades del grupo y hacen uso de los talentos de todo el grupo para hacer avanzar la fraternidad a través de la colaboración.
  • Oran por la guía del Espíritu Santo y usan esa inspiración para llegar de manera concreta al mundo en el que viven y sirven.
  • Consideran el liderazgo como una oportunidad para invertir los talentos que se les han otorgado al servicio de los demás.
  • Son generosos con su tiempo y están dispuestos a dedicarlo en sus vidas para servir.
  • Tienen experiencia de vida tanto en la Orden como en el mundo que pueda ofrecerse a la fraternidad.
  • Están dispuestos a escuchar a los demás, a pedir y actuar en función de las aportaciones de sus hermanos y hermanas.

 

Preguntas para discutir en fraternidad, con un compañero o en su diario.

+Piense en los líderes servidores que ha conocido. ¿Cuáles de estas características ve en ellos?
+¿Cuáles de estas características ve en usted mismo?
+¿Qué características cree que podría desarrollar para convertirse en un líder servidor?
+Si actualmente ocupa un cargo, ¿cuáles de las características anteriores puede mejorar en si mismo?+ Desafío : esta semana, lea Mt 25:14-30 y considere los talentos y habilidades que Dios le ha dado. ¿Cómo los invertirá para servir a su fraternidad y a la Orden?

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Juan de Padilla