The Franciscans: A Closer Look at Their Charism

Introduction

When you hear the name “Franciscan,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of brown robes, or the saint who spoke to birds. For many, the Franciscans evoke a sense of simplicity and closeness to nature. But who are they, really? What is it that drives them? Understanding the Franciscans requires delving into their “charism,” a term used to describe the specific spiritual gifts and orientation that God gives to individuals or groups within the Church to help build it up. This article aims to unfold the charism of the Franciscans by delving into their history, spirituality, and social contributions while remaining rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Foundation: St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi, born in 1181, is the founder of the Franciscan Order. From his conversion experience in the small chapel of San Damiano to his radical commitment to poverty and loving every part of God’s creation, St. Francis laid the groundwork for what would become the Franciscan charism. His story serves as a live example of Jesus’ words, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matthew 19:21).

The Franciscan Charism

Simplicity and Poverty

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “Christ is poor because he chose to be” (CCC 544). The Franciscans live out this mystery through their vow of poverty, imitating Christ who had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). They don’t own anything personally and share everything in common. The simplicity in their lifestyle isn’t a rejection of creation; rather, it allows them to appreciate God’s creation more deeply.

Brotherhood and Community

The Franciscans are also known for their strong sense of brotherhood and community, which echoes the teachings of the New Testament on how Christians should live in fellowship. The Book of Acts tells us the early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Similarly, Franciscans live in communities, praying and breaking bread together, supporting one another in their pursuit of holiness.

Love for Creation

One of the most unique aspects of the Franciscan charism is their deep love and respect for all of creation. St. Francis himself was known for considering even the animals and plants as his brothers and sisters. The Church tells us that the “beauty of creation reflects the infinite beauty of the Creator” (CCC 341). Thus, the Franciscans’ respect for nature is not mere sentimentalism but a profound recognition of God’s presence in the world around them.

Prayer and Contemplation

The Franciscan charism also has a strong focus on prayer and contemplation. It’s through a deep, prayerful relationship with Christ that the other aspects of their charism are nourished. The Catechism tells us that prayer is a “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). In this relationship, Franciscans find the grace to live out their vows and serve the Church and the world.

Franciscans in Action: Social Contributions

Advocacy for the Poor and Marginalized

Franciscans are not only focused on their own spiritual lives; they are also deeply committed to social justice. From serving the poor to advocating for societal change, they seek to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) by responding to the social and moral issues of their time.

Environmental Stewardship

In line with their love for creation, Franciscans have been active in promoting environmental stewardship. Their efforts in ecology are not just “green initiatives” but come from a spiritual understanding of the interconnectedness of all of God’s creation.

Theological Significance: How it Aligns with Church Teaching

It’s crucial to clarify that the Franciscan charism is not a theological outlier but a vivid expression of the teachings of the Catholic Church. From their radical commitment to poverty to their deep sense of brotherhood and love for creation, Franciscans embody what the Church has taught through Scripture and Tradition.

The Catechism tells us that “charisms are oriented toward sanctifying grace and are intended for the common good of the Church” (CCC 799). In their unique way, Franciscans contribute to the building up of the Church and the sanctification of the world.

Conclusion

The Franciscans have been a compelling force in the Church for nearly 800 years. Their unique charism of poverty, brotherhood, love for creation, and deep commitment to prayer is not just a ‘way of being’ but a profound expression of the teachings of the Catholic Church. By understanding their charism, we are not just learning about a particular group within the Church, but we are also delving deeper into what it means to be Catholic.

Like St. Francis, who stood before the San Damiano Cross and heard the call to “rebuild my Church,” each one of us is invited to contribute to the mission of the Church in our own unique way. After all, the charisms are gifts given for the good of all, intended to bring about the Kingdom of God “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

🙏 Your PayPal Donation Appreciated

• donate monthly
• donate once only

Select a Donation Option (USD)

$1.00 (p/m) $10.00 (p/m) $20.00 (p/m) Other (p/m)

Enter Donation Amount (USD)

Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

Note: While content aims to align with Catholic teachings, any inconsistencies or errors are unintended. For precise understanding, always refer to authoritative sources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Always double-check any quotes for word-for-word accuracy with the Bible or the Catechism of the Catholic Church.