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Pray with St. Francis and the Franciscan
Cross
The Franciscan Orders follow the way of St.
Francis ministering to those in need with works
of mercy and living a life of simplicity and faith.
The prayer of St. Francis is one of the most beautiful
prayers ever written and it is more meaningful when
wearing the beautiful Franciscan Cross which is designed
after the Franciscan Coat of Arms. It is a different
type of crucifix, being unique in its appearance.
Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where
there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury,
pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is
despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to
understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving
that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.
The Secular Order of Franciscans
Christians who follow the way of Christ and live in
the manner of St. Francis are members of the Secular
Order of Franciscans. In order to live as a Secular
Franciscan, a Christian must follow these rules:
* Live the gospel of Jesus
and follow the example of St. Francis, making Jesus
the center of life.
* Look for Jesus in all people, in the Scripture, in
the Church, and in the liturgy.
* Go out in the world as witnesses of the Church and
preach her mission to all, living as Jesus taught. Be
inspired by the example of St. Francis and be devoted
to living in faith with the pope, bishops, and priests.
* Follow the way to forgiveness with the sacrament of
reconciliation.
* Pray to the Virgin
Mary with earnest and love.
* Reject worldly possessions and power to purify the
heart.
* See all people as gifts from God, made in Christ's
image.
* Have respect for all living creatures.
Wear a Franciscan crucifix as a reminder living the
way of life of St. Francis. Throughout the day, the
Franciscan cross will inspire Christians to live a life
filled with Christ by the example of St. Francis.
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