Prayers

CHAPTER 1

Article 5. As Jesus was the true worshipper of the Father, so let prayer and contemplation be the soul of all they are and do. Let them participate in the sacramental life of the Church, above all the Eucharist. Let them join in liturgical prayer in one of the forms proposed by the Church, reliving the mysteries of the life of Christ.

CHAPTER 2

Article 5. To foster communion among members, the council should organize regular and frequent meetings of the community as well as meeting with other Franciscan groups, especially with youth groups. It should adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity. The communion continues with deceased brothers and sisters through prayer for them.

Article 6. 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.

The prayer life of members of the Secular Franciscan Order may include, but is not limited to:

• The Rosary
• The Liturgy of the Hours: Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Vespers
• The Office of the Dead
• A Franciscan Wake Service
• The Transitus of St. Francis
• A Novena Mass for St. Francis & St. Anthony
• The Franciscan Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross)
• Intercessory Prayer facilitated by a Prayer Tree
• The Transitus of St. Francis

The Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order book includes prayers for the following liturgical services and events:
• Rite of Admission
• Rite of Profession or Permanent Commitment to the Gospel Life Within the Mass
• Opening and Closing Prayers for Fraternity Meetings
• Prayers for the Regular Meeting of Council
• Celebration of the Fraternity’s Chapter of Elections
• The Establishment of a New Fraternity
• Prayer for a Pastoral or Fraternal Visit