Brothers and Sisters of Penance (Conversion)
St. Francis received a request from Jesus to “Rebuild My Church” at a time of great crisis. The message was given from the St. Damiano Crucifix. Personal conversion was at the heart of his message and below are some suggestions from the treasures of the Church. St Francis envisioned his “Third Order” as a supportive faith community for lay people on their lifelong journey. However, as laity with responsibilities in the world, we should remember the words of St. Padre Pio “Duty before everything else, even before what is Holy” .
The Second Vatican Council in the Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, makes the People of God central, with the hierarchy seen as a service to the People of God. In Chapter One, titled The Mystery of the Church, we have a beautiful description of the Church as “a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” (n.4), quoting from St. Cyprian and other early Church Fathers.
In the Vocation and Mission of the Laity, St John Paul II quotes Pius XII who stated that “the lay faithful are in the front lines of the Church“.
Below are some suggestions for a “personal conversion” programme that can be adapted to individual responsibilities and capabilities.
Conversion for St Francis was not just an event, but a lifelong journey.
- The Primacy of Holy Mass for St. Francis
- Attend, if possible, Daily Holy Mass
- The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324 (ref. Vatican II Lumen Gentium) https://www.catechism.ie/
- Image from: Infinite Value of the Holy Mass Pamphlet https://shopmercy.org/infinite-value-of-the-holy-mass-1.html
- St. Francis entrusted his family to Our Lady
- Pray the holy Rosary each day
- Observe the First Saturday devotions requested by Our Lady (includes monthly Confession)
- https://www.fatima.pt/en
- Medjugorje | Place of prayer and reconciliation
St Francis reverence for Holy Scripture
Read and meditate on Holy Scripture daily. Suggestion: Follow the cycle of readings in Holy Mass. e.g. https://uk.magnificat.net/
The Sacrament of God’s Mercy
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration each week https://eucharisticadoration.ie/
St Francis and the Church
Catholicism presents the WORD of God as both Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains the treasure of Holy Tradition. https://www.catechism.ie/
- Stations of the Cross
- Consider for Fridays and Lenten weekdays
- https://www.atonementfriars.org/stations-cross/
- St. Francis was a herald of the Mercy of God
- Each day pray the Divine Mercy chaplet
- https://www.thedivinemercy.org/
- Say the “three o’clock” prayer
Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) - Ireland 