Mary, Our Model and Our Mother – OFS Rule Article 9
By Layna Maher, OFS
National Formation Commission Chair
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Layna Maher, OFS – National Formation Commission Chair
Article 9 of the Rule reminds us: “The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.”
When I reflect on Article 9, several Gospel passages come to mind. One is found in the Gospel of Luke, when Mary responds to the angel’s message: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). Mary’s response is a perfect example of trust and surrender to God’s will. As Secular Franciscans, we are also called to say “yes” to God each day as we live the Gospel in our families, workplaces, fraternities, and communities.
Another favorite passage is proclaimed each year at the Christmas Mass at Dawn: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). This beautiful image shows Mary taking time to ponder God’s presence and action in her life. In a world filled with distractions, Mary reminds us of the importance of prayer, contemplation, and listening for God’s voice. Like her, we are called to make room in our hearts for Christ and to recognize God’s blessings in our daily lives.
A third passage comes from the Wedding Feast at Cana. When the wine runs short, Mary tells the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). These simple words summarize the heart of Christian discipleship. Mary points us not to herself but always to her Son. As Secular Franciscans, we seek to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis, listening for his voice and responding with faith, humility, and love.
It is not difficult to understand why St. Francis loved Mary so deeply. He saw in her a model of humility, simplicity, trust, and complete self-giving to God. Mary continues to be our mother, protector, and guide. By following her example of prayerful reflection, faithful obedience, and loving service, we grow closer to Christ and become more effective witnesses of the Gospel in the world.
OFS Rule Article 9:
The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/06/mary-our-model-and-our-mother-ofs-rule-article-9/
2026: A Year to Begin Again with Francis of Assisi
(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026 Issue #119)
2026: A Year to Begin Again with Francis of Assisi
By Layna Maher, OFS • National Formation Commission Chair
Returning to the Original Grace
Every vocation begins with a moment of grace, a turning point that gives life new meaning. For St. Francis, it was embracing the leper. For us, it may have been a quiet call to live the Gospel in the spirit of Francis while remaining in the world.
Francis wrote in his Testament: “And after the Lord gave me some brothers, no one showed me what I had to do, but the Most High Himself revealed to me that I should live according to the pattern of the Holy Gospel.”
This is the heart of our vocation. Article 4 of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order reminds us that our life is “to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis.”
The Gospel has not changed, but our zeal can fade. To “begin again” is not to start over in failure. It is to return to the source with renewed love.
Conversion as a Lifelong Journey
Francis never saw himself as finished. His whole life was a journey of ongoing conversion. In his writings, he describes those who do penance as people who love God fully and bear fruit in their lives.
Secular Franciscans can live these fruits daily by having patience in conflict, integrity in work, mercy in judgment, and simplicity in lifestyle.
The Year of St. Francis invites us to reflect:
- Have we chosen comfort over sacrifice?
- Has convenience weakened our faith?
- Where is God asking us to rebuild?
“Rebuild My Church”
Before the crucifix, Francis heard the call: “Rebuild my Church.” He began by repairing a small chapel, but his deeper work was renewing hearts.
We share in that mission not by leaving the world, but by transforming it from within. Francis urged his followers to be “gentle, peaceful, modest, meek, and humble.”
This spirit of humility, minoritas, is essential in family life, work, and society. Imagine if every fraternity became known for peace, care for creation, and love for the poor. This is how the Church is rebuilt today.
Beginning Again, Together
At the end of his life, Francis, though suffering and nearly blind, chose praise. He asked that the Canticle of the Creatures be sung. His final witness was humble gratitude.
To begin again in 2026 is to rediscover that joy. Not shallow happiness, but the deep freedom of living sine proprio, without clinging, without fear.
This year is a gift to the whole Church. It calls us to personal reflection, communal renewal, and a deeper commitment to the Gospel life.
Let us return to the writings of Francis. Let us renew our promises. Let us ask for the grace to live simply, love deeply, and serve humbly.
Eight hundred years after his passing, Francis still calls to us: Live the Gospel. Repair what is broken. Begin again.
Image by KBCH from Pixabay
https://www.secularfranciscansusa.org/2026/06/2026-a-year-to-begin-again-with-francis-of-assisi/