RULE OF LIFE FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF JESUS CRUCIFIED 1991 0
Table of Contents LETTER FROM LOUISE D. PRINCIPE... i CHAPTER I THE INSTITUTE... 1 CHAPTER II FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY... 2 CHAPTER III MISSION... 3 CHAPTER IV CONSECRATION... 5 Vow of Chastity... 5 Vow of Poverty... 7 Vow of Obedience... 8 CHAPTER V PRAYER... 10 Daily Practices:... 10 Suggested devotions are:... 11 CHAPTER VI COMMUNITY... 12 CHAPTER VII FORMATION... 13 CHAPTER VIII VARIOUS NORMS... 14 CHAPTER IX GENERAL DISPOSITIONS... 15 COMMON PRAYERS... 17 PRAYER TO JESUS CRUCIFIED... 17 CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS... 17 TO MARY IMMACULATE... 18 ANTIPHON TO ST. FRANCIS... 19 PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS... 19 PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF KATERI TEKAKWITHA... 20 Forms... 21 I. RECEPTION AND ADMISSION TO THE FIRST YEAR OF ASPIRANCY... 21 II. ADMISSION TO THE SECOND YEAR OF ASPIRANCY... 21 III. ADMISSION TO THE THIRD YEAR OF ASPIRANCY... 22 IV. FIRST PROFESSION AND TEMPORARY INCORPORATION... 22 RENEWALS... 23 V. PERPETUAL PROFESSION AND DEFINITIVE INCORPORATION... 24
LETTER FROM LOUISE D. PRINCIPE August 6, 1991 Dear Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified: The Constitution of the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified contains the norms according to which we are faithfully to observe the evangelical counsels through a life of chastity, poverty and obedience. While consecrated to God in a "state of perfection", we continue to live and exercise our apostolate in the world. While the Constitution defines our Institute, this Rule of Life adapts the Constitution to the personal, spiritual, family, social, professional and economic circumstances of each Missionary. The Rule of Life specifies how we are to live as Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified in our particular life circumstances. We should love and treasure our Constitution and Rule of Life as the expression of God's will for us. Let us read them often, especially during our monthly days of recollection. May they be so impressed on our minds and hearts that they are a part of us. Using them as standards to evaluate our growth in the spiritual life and in our life as Missionaries, we should see them also as lighthouses to guide us back to the proper course when, through human weakness, we stray from the ideals of our vocation. You will note that in the Rule of Life some spaces are left blank. Our leaders, taking into account our personal circumstances, will determine, with each of us, our specific obligations and assist in filling in the blanks. For each of us then, the Rule of Life is individualized. And so your consecration to God enables you to fulfill your unique apostolate. Your Rule of Life is comparable to that of your sister Missionaries and the ways of life of all the Missionaries are equal in all essentials. Your Rule of Life and those of all other Missionaries defines the ideals, activities, sacrifices and prayers that are the basis of our common life. As Pius XII wrote in Primo Feliciter, members of secular institutes "live in the world" and exercise their apostolate "through the means of the world". Our common life is one of shared ideals, works, prayers and spirituality. Residence, lifestyle, occupation and apostolate are personal choices in accordance with the Constitution.God has placed each Missionary in particular family, social and professional circumstances. From this environment comes the inspiration for your particular apostolate. Your Rule of Life expresses for you God's will in your unique circumstances and provides the norms and limits within which your must fulfill the ideal to which you have dedicated yourself. i
The last pages of this Rule have blank spaces in which to record your record of formation and profession as a Franciscan Missionary of Jesus Crucified. Your signature and that of the General Minister or his delegate and the General Assistant or his delegate are recorded for each date, thus signifying that the bond between you and the Institute is stable, complete and mutual. This Rule, then, becomes a record, a testimony, of your spiritual journey to union with God. As the years pass, you will be able to look back on these pages and see the fruits of God's gift of vocation to you and of your response to His call. Do not begin this holy journey without a clear idea of where you are going and how you are going to get there. Holiness of life and union with God are your goal and you will achieve this only by being faithful to the will of God as manifested to you through the Church, your leaders, our Constitution and Rule of Life. We do not know the details of our journeys now, but in faith we know that God will always be with us to help us. We should not worry that there will be trials and difficulties; we are following Jesus Crucified and should consider it an honor to help Him carry His cross, having hope in His promise that His grace will be sufficient for us. And above all, we must never forget that we do not travel this road alone, but as a daughter of Holy Mother Church and St. Francis, and as members of the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified. As we go through life as consecrated seculars, let us reach out in charity to those we meet along the way, especially the poor and those who suffer, treating them as we would our Lord Himself and bringing them to the Lord with us; we have been called to continue His work of redemption. Whatever we do, wherever we go, and whatever happens to us, remember that we have been called by God and that the life we live now is not our own, but is God's life in us. Just as we share in His life, we will share in His peace. May our mother Mary keep us faithful to our vocation, may our Father St. Francis help and protect us, and may our lives bear fruit in holiness and good works. Let us pray and support each other so that the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified may grow and prosper for the greater honor and glory of God, the good of the Church and the salvation of souls; and may we thank God for all that He does for us. Peace in Jesus Crucified, Louise D. Principe, FMJC
CHAPTER I THE INSTITUTE The spirit of the "Institute was born in the little choir of San Damiano in Assisi where the greatest Franciscan works were born. It was born at the feet of the Crucified who, in the chapel of San Damiano, said to St. Francis: `Go and repair my house'... you who love, who desire to follow Francis, come with us; you who are inclined toward other fields, other spiritualities, go your way. Follow your path. The ways to holiness are many, and God has given us freedom of choice" (Teachings of Padre Gemelli). "The Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified is a community of lay women who respond to a special call from the Lord. Members live lives of total consecration to God, in the spirit of the beatitudes, to fulfill a mission in the world. "The name `Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified' reminds its members of the purpose of their consecration: the mission of helping Jesus carry his cross either in their own minds and bodies or in the person of their suffering neighbor" (Constitution, Articles 1 and 2). Through profession in the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified, a man consecrates her life to God as a secular by a free and definitive choice. The obligations he contracts as a Missionary are determined by the Constitution and detailed in this Rule of Life. Such consecration leads to the mature realization of the absolute values of the Christian life and is a powerful means of achieving the full freedom of the children of God. The Holy Spirit inspires and gives life to this Rule. Love, which inspires this Rule of Life, enables one to live it faithfully and to transend it, thereby growing in Christian liberty. For proper understanding and interpretation of the Rule of Life, a Missionary is advised to seek counsel of her Local Minister and other leaders in the Institute. 1
CHAPTER II FRANCISCAN SPIRITUALITY "The formula that sums up Franciscan spirituality is this: `I live now not I but Christ lives in me'" (Valentin Breton, OFM, Franciscan Spirituality, 1960, pg. 20). "Authentic Franciscan spirituality may be defined as the cultivation of the preferred Franciscan virtues: humility against all ambition, poverty as the means of achieving freedom of spirit, simplicity which frees from all tortuous complications, generosity which frees us from egoism, strength which prevents our laments amid sorrows of life, peace and joy which we should defend at any cost, and finally the desire to serve the apostolate as an expression of our love of the Lord" (Father Antonelli, OFM, SIM Circular Letter, IX, 4, 1963). The ideals of the Institute express Franciscan spirituality and make the Institute an authentic branch of the great Franciscan family. These ideals include dedication to God from an impulse of love, secularity, and adherence to the needs of the times, harmony between prayer and action, and perfect conformity to the directives of the Church. A Missionary, for growth and maturity in Franciscan spirituality, 1. identifies with Jesus' life and mission by living the Gospel. He especially seeks to develop a very special love for Christ, poor and crucified, which constantly seeks conformity to him; 2. respects the uniqueness and freedom of each person and the beauty of all creation; 3. strives to achieve true conversion of heart through the practice of penance and sacrifice in a manner conformable to her secular condition and health; 4. develops a permanent disposition of service to others, especially the poor and those who suffer in any way; 5. expresses by her attitude the true value and dignity of work; 6. exemplifies love and fidelity to the Church and her lawful teaching authority; 7. models her life after that of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. 2
CHAPTER III MISSION "Secular Institutes are not religious communities but they carry with them in the world a profession of the evangelical counsels which is genuine and complete, and recognized as such by the Church... These Institutes should preserve their proper and particular character, a secular one, so that they may everywhere measure up successfully to that apostolate which they were designed to exercise, and which is both in the world, and, in a sense, of the world" (Vatican II, Religious Life, Article 11). "Be honest. Do not strive to excel at the expense of someone else. At the beginning of each day, ask for faith to light up your way. Ask to see God's design in all things. Faith and trust and love all work together to see God in all things" (The Sayings of Father Stephen Hartdegen, OFM, pg. 15). A Missionary is urged to live the Gospel spirit in every situation in direct relationship with the world. In doing so, he penetrates modern society with the joyful spirit of the Gospel. To effectively carry out his mission he 1. attends carefully to his on-going spiritual formation which began with Baptism and leads to loving union with God; 2. avails himself of opportunities for deeper knowledge of contemporary Christian doctrine and its application to social problems. He continues his mission of justice, dignity and peace by making the Peace Prayer of St. Francis his guide to a joyful Christian life; 3. strives at all times to witness to the dignity and value of human life regardless of condition, to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, and to eliminate the attitudes which prevent their full equality in the Church and in society; 4. realizes that his daily life witnesses to Christ and is a means of sanctification in his secular state. To this end, a Missionary a. prepares himself adequately to discharge the duties of his state in life with exactness, promptness, competence, good-will and loyalty; b. sets an example of high standards of professional and moral conduct and fulfills all his responsibilities to the best of his ability; c. participates in professional, religious and civic activities as time, health, and abilities permit and in agreement with his Local Minister; d. understands, values, and offers his own time, talents and efforts to build up the life of the Institute, thus exemplifying its unity in diversity; e. effects a proper balance between work and prayer in his daily life; 3
f. strives to be a good neighbor to all, without conditions or distinctions. 5. strives to make known the secular institute way of life and to encourage vocations to the Institute. He does this primarily by the witness of his own life. Therefore, a Missionary does not conceal his membership in the Institute except after consultation with his Local Minister. 4
CHAPTER IV CONSECRATION "Only in God is my soul at rest..." (Ps. 62:2). "O God, you are my God whom I seek; for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water" (Ps. 63:2). "... you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength" (Dt. 6:5). "Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant your heart's request" (Ps. 37:4). The rule and life of Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified is this: "to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity" (Second Rule of St. Francis, Chapter I). The counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience are three aspects of the one mystery of charity which has Love as its source. Consecration through the evangelical counsels in the world is an intensification of his baptismal consecration to Christ and makes a Missionary a specific `sign' to his neighbor. By his vows, the Missionary dedicates himself completely to God through the Church and the Institute. With the obligations assumed through the vows, the Missionaries are incorporated into the Institute. The incorporation is temporary during the five years following first profession. For serious reasons the period of temporary incorporation can be extended for two years by the competent Council. When this period is completed, the Missionaries judged suitable by the competent authorities are admitted to perpetual incorporation through perpetual profession. When incoporated perpetually into the Institute, Missionaries commit themselves for life to the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified and the annual renewal of vows is an act of devotion without juridical significance. Vow of Chastity "... yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20). "This total continence embraced on behalf of the kingdom of heaven has always been held in particular honor by the Church as being a sign of charity and stimulus toward it, as fertility in the world" (Lumen Gentium, V. 42). Through his vow of chastity a Missionary makes a radical and total act of love, giving 5
himself unconditionally and unreservedly to God. He sees celibacy, not in a negative sense of giving up marriage and family, but as a positive means of freeing himself to love God and his neighbors without distraction. A Missionary's capacity for total love and the dimension of his charity are dependent on the depth of his consecration. He realizes that he can fulfill his vow of chastity only by reaching out to others with the love of God; to separate himself from others leads him to selfishness and self-centeredness -- the opposites of chastity. By his vow of chastity, a Missionary undertakes the obligation of perfect continence observed in celibacy; the moral intention of this consecration is for life, even though the juridical bond is renewed annually during the period of temporary incorporation. To grow in appreciation of chastity, a Missionary 1. makes it his constant aim to be aware of Christ's presence within him and His tremendous love for him; 2. develops healthy relationships with his neighbors, both male and female; 3. witnesses to the world the values of the true Christian man by exercising mature judgment and moderation in all aspects of life, e.g. a. behavior b. dress c. entertainment d. reading e. companionship; 4. relies on the moral and spiritual support of the Institute, his spiritual family; 5. strives to become a man who is passionately in love with his God and with his people. 6
Vow of Poverty "Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:6-8). "St. Francis' love of absolute poverty won for him a share in the wealth to which true, spiritual simplicity is the key. In the whole world he had nothing he could call his own; yet everything in the world seemed to belong to him in God, the Creator of the world" (Legenda Minore, St. Bonaventure, Chap. II, No. 6). A Missionary understands that the vow of poverty is not an end in itself, but a means to perfect the virtue of poverty. A Missionary exercises legal ownership of his property and the use of goods acquired by work, inheritance, gifts or other lawful means. He considers himself merely the steward or administrator of these goods and avoids carefully temptations to possess things and to accumulate goods. For these reasons he accepts the obligation of presenting an annual budget to his Local Minister for approval at the time agreed upon by the Local Mission Council. He presents anticipated expenses for clothing, charity, vacation and recreation, and support of the Institute. His actual expenses for the past year and budget for the upcoming year are ordinarily ratified by the Local Minister. The time span of the budget year is determined by the Local Mission Council. To fulfill this obligation, a Missionary 1. plans and maintains an annual record of his income and expenses; 2. completes the spaces listed below: I will spend no more than for clothing. I will give no less than for charity. I will contain my expenditures for vacation and recreation within. I will give at least in support of the Institute; 7
3. asks permission of his Local Minister or his delegate a. when it is necessary to exceed any expenditures listed in No. 2 above, b. before he lends or borrows at any one time an amount that exceeds one month's income; 4. provides for his future using the means available, e.g., savings, pensions, insurance plans, etc.; 5. contributes to the support of the Institute by a monthly sum agreed upon after consultation with his Local Minister; 6. makes his last will, disposing of his possessions in a just and charitable manner. He is encouraged to remember the Church, the Institute and works of charity. To strengthen the spirit of poverty, a Missionary 1. strives, through the constant exercise of humility, charity and simplicity, to achieve detachment from material things and the self; 2. accepts his limitations of time, discomfort, misunderstandings, abilities, health, aging, tensions and the insecurities of daily life in the spirit of sacrifice and joy; 3. in a personal and hidden manner foregoes particular items or events as an expression of poverty; 4. is generous in charity and sparing in personal expenditures, giving due consideration to family and professional needs; 5. seeks occasions to share his energies, work, time and material possessions; 6. accepts the assistance of others as a gift from the Father. Vow of Obedience "Never will I forget your precepts, for through them you give me life" (Ps. 119:93). "...obedience will not diminish the dignity of the human person, but will rather lead it to maturity in consequence of that enlarged 8
freedom which belongs to the children of God" (Perfectae Caritatis, 14). "To do your will, O Lord, is my delight, and your law is within my heart" (Ps. 40:9). With his vow of obedience, a Missionary commits himself to strive to unite his will to the will of God at all times. Realizing that free will is God's greatest gift to him, a Missionary endeavors to know and do his will in all things. He strives to grow in the spirit of obedience, following Christ who was obedient to the Father "even unto death". This spirit of true evangelical obedience greatly strengthens the family bond between Missionaries and their elected Ministers and serves as a sign of Christian witness in daily life. Obedience is essential for the building of community. By the vow of obedience, the Missionary voluntarily accepts the obligation to obey his superiors in the Institute within the limits of the Constitution and Rule of Life. He understands that the vow of obedience is not an end in itself, but a means to perfect the virtue of obedience. To grow in the virtue of obedience and to be faithful to his vow, a Missionary 1. develops Christian rapport with his Local Minister, frequently discussing and keeping him informed of his life and activities; 2. in a spirit of openness, joy and faith, seeks from the Local Minister the permissions determined in the Rule of Life and follows the recommendations given him for striving after perfection; 3. witnesses to Christ by his spirit of self-discipline and personal responsibility; 4. cultivates in himself and others respect, cooperation and love for legitimate Church authority, seeking to acquire a better understanding of its role in the Church; 5. exercises his rights as a citizen to vote and to participate responsibly in civic affairs; 6. in civic, professional, and apostolic activities is exemplary in his spirit of discipline and obedience toward legitimate authority within the limits of its responsibility. Since a Missionary's vocation encompasses his entire life, he enjoys the merit of obedience for works of piety, charity, apostolate and mission through which he grows in perfection. 9
CHAPTER V PRAYER "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you" (Jn 15:7). "The first and principal duty of a Missionary is to develop an intense interior life by asking God for the grace necessary to reach perfection and to have an efficacious apostolate... Hence, prayer, prayer, always and above all, prayer. Let us pray much and we shall have all things" (Teachings of Padre Gemelli). "Like St. Francis, `the man who became pray-er', Missionaries strive to realize constant union with God through an intense life of prayer" (Constitution, Article 17, paragraph 1). By vocation a Missionary is called to deepen and intensify his life of union with God. From this flows his increased love of neighbor whereby he helps to build the Kingdom of God on earth. He becomes a man of prayer, seeing God in all things. To achieve a harmonious life, with a proper balance of prayer and action, a Missionary recognizes the necessity of spending time each day in prayer. He may be assisted in the ordering of his prayer life and in fidelity to it by his Local Minister and Ecclesiastical Assistant. Daily Practices: Meaningful participation in the daily Eucharistic celebration holds first place in the prayer life of a Missionary. It is the integrating and unifying force of his person and all his activities. It should not be omitted except for valid reasons. Each Missionary shall pray the approved Office of the Church in whole or in part (morning and evening prayer), or the Office of the twelve Paters, Aves, and Glorias. Each day a Missionary spends a period of time in personal prayer. Contemplative prayer is highly encouraged. To strengthen the spirit of unity and community within the Institute, each Missionary shall daily pray the Common Prayer to Jesus Crucified. The other community prayers capture the spirit of the Institute and are highly recommended. To further sustain the spirit of prayer, a Missionary: 1. participates in the liturgical life of the Church; 2. reads or listens to Sacred Scripture and other spiritual readings, in particular, Franciscan sources; 10
3. celebrates the feasts proper to the Franciscan family and the Institute, and cultivates the characteristic devotions to Jesus in His Incarnation and to both the suffering and risen Christ, to His Eucharistic Presence, the Sacred Heart, Jesus Crucified, to the Mother of Jesus, to St. Joseph, to St. Francis, and to Kateri Tekakwitha. Suggested devotions are: 1. the Passion of our Lord or the Way of the Cross; 2. the mysteries of our Lord's life; 3. a Holy Hour of reparation to Jesus Crucified; 4. an act of devotion to our Blessed Lady on Saturday; 5. the Rosary or Franciscan Crown (the Rosary of the Seven Joys of the Blessed Virgin). To further develop his life of prayer, a Missionary: 1. daily reviews his life in preparation for regular reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation; 2. endeavors to find a spiritual director, preferably one knowledgeable in the FMJC way of life, and regularly seeks his/her counsel; 3. participates in the monthly day of recollection. The Missionary who belongs to a Local Mission discusses with the Local Minister an anticipated legitimate absence and receives his permission to make the day privately. An isolated Missionary makes the day privately in the manner planned with the appropriate Minister; 4. makes the annual retreat and workshop organized by the Territorial Council. If prevented by a serious reason he asks permission and consults the General Minister for directives in fulfilling this obligation. 11
CHAPTER VI COMMUNITY "From the beginning of salvation history God has chosen people not just as individuals but as members of a certain community. Revealing His mind to them, He called these chosen ones `His people'. "God did not create man for life in isolation, but for the formation of social unity... This communitarian character is developed and consummated in the work of Jesus Christ. For the very Word made Flesh willed to share in the human fellowship" (Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, II, 32). Since the Father has loved us in Christ even to making us His children, Missionaries are called to live in love and peace with all humankind and to foster unity and fraternity among themselves. "They enjoy a particular experience of this way of living in the Institute itself. The diversity of expression among the Missionaries, along with their varied social, national and cultural backgrounds are all regarded as riches and gifts. It is convincing proof that unity is realized through the complementary process (Constitution, Article 18, Paragraph 2). Through sharing their faith, love and common interest, Missionaries develop close bonds with one another and build community. Within the Institute a Missionary, in a positive and mature manner, 1. communicates frequently with his brothers by personal contact, letters, telephone calls, TTD and other means available; 2. recognizes the gifts of each Missionary and encourages him to use them for personal and community growth; 3. shares experiences and ideas; 4. discerns the needs of other Missionaries and kindly offers assistance. 12
CHAPTER VII FORMATION "Consecration and mission and their corresponding commitments are dynamic values which the Missionaries rediscover and relive courageously day by day. Formation, however, is a permanent and ongoing development which involves every dimension of their persons" (Constitution, Article 19, Paragraph 1). "It is the task of the Institute to draw up plans of formation for the Aspirants and for the professed members in the period of temporary incorporation, and to provide for the ongoing formation of all the Missionaries through suitable programs to strengthen their vocation and to foster unity" (Constitution, Article 20, Paragraph 1). To fulfill the commitment he made at profession, a Missionary must continue to mature spiritually. Spiritual maturation involves intellectual development, prayer and action. To achieve this, a Missionary 1. completes the study course prescribed by the General Council; 2. reads the literature sent periodically by the Institute; 3. attends workshops offered by the Institute; 4. keeps abreast of the changes and developments in Church doctrine and policies by reading publications and/or listening to tapes dealing with these topics; 5. seeks advice from his spiritual director, Ecclesiastical Assistant or Local Minister for specific aids toward spiritual growth; 6. renews and updates his competence in his work or professional field. 13
CHAPTER VIII VARIOUS NORMS "In whatever way you think you will best please our Lord God and follow in his footsteps and in poverty, take that way with the Lord God's blessing and my obedience" (Letter to Brother Leo). 1. Recognizing the need to be an integrated Christian personality, wholesome and healthy in mind and body, a Missionary normally a. avoids infringement, even apostolic, on his sleep in order to obtain sufficient rest and thus protect his health and competent performance of his duties; b. plans needed recreation and leisure at regular intervals; c. nourishes his body with physical exercise and a balanced diet; d. includes on his annual calendar a vacation from his usual work and home environment; e. uses whatever assistive devices he can to help maintain function and independence. 2. Mindful of the sanctity of human life and hopeful of everlasting life with God, A Missionary a. accepts death as a part of the human condition; b. believes that for a baptized Christian life is changed, not ended, by death; c. takes legal and moral responsibility for his health care decisions and forms his conscience in these matters according to the teachings of the Church; d. provides for at least two persons to make health care decisions for him, should he become too sick to do so himself. 14
CHAPTER IX GENERAL DISPOSITIONS On the following pages the General Minister or his delegate, and the Ecclesiastical Assistant or his delegate, attest that the Missionary was admitted to the various steps leading to profession of the evangelical counsels and to definitive incorporation. The signatures of those persons ratify the present Rule of Life for the year indicated. With his signature or other sign of affirmation, the Missionary declares his intention to observe the Constitution and Rule of Life as God's will for his. With the obligations assumed through his vows, a Missionary is incorporated into the Institute. The incorporation is temporary during the five years following first profession. When this period is completed, the Missionaries judged suitable by the competent authorities are admitted to perpetual incorporation. The obligations assumed through the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience are subject to the present Constitution. During the period of temporary incorporation, a Missionary renews his vows during the annual retreat, but the intention is for a lifetime commitment. After temporary profession and perpetual incorporation, a Missionary annually renews his vows as an act of devotion. He is also encouraged to renew his consecration daily, preferably during Mass. In following his Rule of Life, a Missionary tries to avoid the two major dangers of formalism, which overstresses the letter at the expense of the spirit. To avoid formalism, we need to apply to the Rule what Jesus said concerning man and the Sabbath... The Rule is made for the Missionary, not the Missionary for the Rule; and infidelity, which prevents the Rule from achieving its purpose. To be faithful to the Rule, superficiality, indolence and transgressions are to be avoided. Through fidelity to the Constitution and Rule of Life, a Missionary readies himself to receive this legacy of St. Francis: "May whoever observes all this, be filled in heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father, and on earth with the blessing of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, and with all the powers of heaven and with all the saints. And I, Brother Francis, your poor worthless servant, add my share internally and externally to that most holy blessing." Amen. (Testament of St. Francis). 15
++++++++++++++++++++++ The official language of this Rule of Life is English. JUNE, 1991 16
COMMON PRAYERS of the Franciscan Missionaries of Jesus Crucified PRAYER TO JESUS CRUCIFIED My good and dear Jesus, I ask you most earnestly to engrave upon my heart a deep and lively faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins, and a firm resolve to make amends. As I reflect upon your five wounds, and dwell upon them with deep compassion and grief, I recall, good Jesus, the words the prophet David spoke long ago concerning yourself: they have pierced my hands and my feet, they have counted all my bones. CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS Jesus, Savior crucified for love of me, I love You. I give You thanks and I wish to make amends for my infidelities. I consecrate myself wholly to You, resolved to sin no more. Let me love You with all my heart, with all my strength. Make me an instrument for bringing others to love You all my life long. Give me the grace to help you carry your cross. Sacred Heart of Jesus, bless Your holy Church, his ministers, and children, all Religious Superiors, in particular the Franciscan Orders and the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of your crucifixion. Uphold the just, console the afflicted, convert sinners, assist the dying, free the souls in purgatory, bless our country and extend over all hearts the reign of Your love. Amen. 17
TO MARY IMMACULATE You are all fair, O Mary, free from original sin. You are the glory of Jerusalem, the joy of Israel, the boast of our people, the advocate of sinners. O Mary, virgin most prudent, mother most merciful, pray for us. Intercede for us with our Lord, Jesus Christ. You were immaculate in your conception, O Virgin Mary. Pray for us to the Father whose Son you brought forth to the world. Let us pray: Through the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, O God, you prepared a proper dwelling for your Son. As you preserved her from all sin by the foreseen death of your Son, grant us also to come to you purified through her intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 18
ANTIPHON TO ST. FRANCIS Holy Father, splendor of your native land, model of Franciscans, mirror of virtue, pathway of justice, standard of holiness. Lead us your children from the exile of the body to the kingdom of God. Pray for us, blessed Father Francis. Make us worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray: Through the merits of our father Francis, O Lord, you willed to enrich Your Church with a new family. Grant us to imitate his example by valuing heavenly things above those of earth and thus to share with him one day the eternal gifts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Dear Virgin Mother Mary, you are regarded as the perpetual help of all consecrated groups, since they are so dear to your Son, Jesus. Our need for many more good Missionaries is very urgent now, for the harvest is still abundant and the laborers are too few. Mother of Perpetual Help, you are never invoked in vain. Direct, then, to our institute many men fitted for the apostolate in the world. There are those who feel the divine attraction for the perfect life but fear to enter, seeing only the sacrifices and not the rewards. Obtain for them the courage to take up the easy yoke and light burden of Christ by giving themselves totally to Him in the world. The world needs many more Marys to love Jesus and to make Him loved. Guide to our institute many who are so animated with the desire for perfection and the salvation of souls. May we deserve this favor by living as true Missionaries, close to you and to your Son. Send, O Lord, workers into your vineyard. Amen. 19
PRAYER FOR THE CANONIZATION OF KATERI TEKAKWITHA O God, who, among the many marvels of Your Grace in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks of the Mohawk and of the St. Lawrence, the pure and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, grant we beseech You, the favor we beg through her intercession, that this Young Lover of Jesus and of His Cross may soon be counted among the Saints of Holy Mother Church, and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger desire to imitate her innocence and faith. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Our Father and Hail Mary once; Glory be to the Father three times. 20
Forms I. RECEPTION AND ADMISSION TO THE FIRST YEAR OF ASPIRANCY Name General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date II. ADMISSION TO THE SECOND YEAR OF ASPIRANCY Aspirant General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date 21
III. ADMISSION TO THE THIRD YEAR OF ASPIRANCY Aspirant General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date IV. FIRST PROFESSION AND TEMPORARY INCORPORATION Aspirant General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date 22
RENEWALS Missionary General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date Missionary General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date Missionary General Minister Reverend Assistant 23
Place Date Missionary General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date V. PERPETUAL PROFESSION AND DEFINITIVE INCORPORATION Missionary General Minister Reverend Assistant Place Date 24