LIFE AS A FRANCISCAN

WHO WAS OUR FOUNDER?

• The Franciscans were founded by St. Francis of Assisi, who was the son of a wealthy silk merchant
• Founded in 1209

WHY WERE WE FOUNDED?

• St. Francis lead a life of pleasure and material efforts
• At the age of 25, a series of spiritual events took place and changed his life
• He saw that the lord was calling him to a life of poverty, and preaching the good news
• Others who wanted this lifestyle joined him, and soon formed a group called fthe Franciscans
• The Franciscan order started in Europe

WHAT DO THE FRANCISCANS DO?

• Franciscans seek to follow the manner of life that St. Francis led
• They provide shelter, care, and hope to millions of people every year for whoever needs it
• Franciscans support communities from Maine to Florida with worship, sacraments, and spiritual services
• They continue the mission of St. Francis to keep the gospel message alive and spreading
• They help prepare new Friars for service while caring for those who have served so many

BECOMING A FRANCISCAN

• Visit a friary to see first hand who they are and what they are like
• During the first visit, you will be interviewed by several of the brothers, to see if you are good fit for the friary
• Submit and application
• Undergo a background check, physical and psychological tests (so no one comes in for the wrong reasons)
• Receive the invitation to come to test your vocation

STAGES OF DISCERNMENT

• Postulancy (Usually three to six months)
• Novitiate: Novices take a vow of obedience and receive a habit (usually three years)
• First Profession: Professed to have taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and their habit (not less than three years)

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

• Be in good health (Physically, and psychologically)
• Be free of all obligations: domestic, financial, etc.

WHAT DO THEY WEAR?

• Friars (Male Franciscans) wear long grey or brown tunics with a white cord at the waist
• Sisters (Female Franciscans) wear religious habits, and dress modestly

WHAT DO THEY EAT?

• In medieval times, Friars were recommended to eat the standard one dish meal of peasants at the time, which was pottage. This consisted of whatever food a cook could muster on one large pot.
• Nowadays, Friars have small simple meals, that might consist of fruit, soup, or bread

WHERE DO THEY LIVE?

• At first, they were not part of a particular monastery
• They were the first mendicant order which means they live a life of poverty
• Many live in friaries

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

• 9am: Work with children, teaching them music, religion, language, etc.
• 10am: Visit sick and elderly
• 11am: Have midday meal of fruit, soup, milk, and bread
• 12pm: Go to church to pray midday prayers, prayer is followed by a siesta
• 2pm: Continue to visit, counsel, and write letters and reports
• 3pm: Pray the rosary, or other prayers and devotions

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

• 4pm: Work with children, teaching them music or games
• 5pm: More prayers in the church
• 6pm: Vespers or evening prayer is recited
• 7pm: Light evening meal of soup bread and fruit, after the meal, Friars socialize, relax, read, and play cards
• 9pm: Bedtime

THANK YOU