Friday, August 18, 2006

Prayers for a Franciscan

A minor friar is making his final vows as a Franciscan tomorrow.

This is a big deal--a big step--and he knows it. He is making the vows to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. This is Perpetual Profession!

By comparison, profession as a Secular Franciscan is more simple. We do go through a period of formation; we make a public commitment to live according to the example of Saint Francis (General Constitutions, Article 42). Nonetheless, it is still a lifelong, solemn commitment.

I made my Profession as an SFO on October 4, 2001--almost 5 years ago. Today and tomorrow, I will pray for my fellow Franciscan. May his life as a Francsican be blessed, and may he in turn bless all those whose lives he touches.

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