Rule And Life Of The Secular Franciscan Order - Module For Teaching.docx

8. Community and Service 13. Secular Franciscans should treat everyone as an equal, regardless of social status. In this way, when everybody accepts each other as a member of the community (SFO), then walls of prejudices and biases will be broken. In the end, this may result to a deeper appreciation of everyone as a unique gift from God 14. In connection with article 13, when a person is led to a deeper appreciation on everyone he/she encounters, the effectivity of serving others (which is what Jesus did and is part of the whole Gospel Way of Living) will be greater. An example of this would be the story of Francis and the Leper. 9. The Quest for Justice 15. Secular Franciscans should be an advocate of justice not just as a communal way of expressing but also personally. This means that even in the smallest things (be it inside the family, working place, or in the social media), a Secular Franciscan should not be bias on only one side without listening to the other side. In this way, their faith is not only seen in words but also through actions. An example of this would be the story of Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio. 16. In doing any work, may it be a voluntary one or for livelihood, a Secular Franciscan should see this as a gift from God that he/she should be thankful. Since it is a gift from God, this should be done for the purpose of service in the community targeted on that work. An example of this would be the story of an SFO who works for the Bureau of Customs where lots of corruptions are done. 10. The Ministry of Family Life 17. The same with other groups in the Church, Family Life is also an important aspect of a Secular Franciscan. When being baptized, the role of the parents is to teach their children the Christian faith. Therefore, a husband and wife should be a good example for their children. By living the grace of matrimony, husbands and wives should always set themselves as an example of a good Christian to their children. Therefore, formations, updatings, seminars done as a Secular Franciscan could also be a good way of learning things that could be shared to strengthen the Christian faith of the whole family. (Also look: Franciscan Youths) 11. Ministry Toward Creation 18. As a Secular Franciscan, we are also reminded that every creature – may they be great and small are created by God. Therefore, every one of them animate or inanimate are our brothers and sisters. Therefore, we should be an advocate in protecting our environment. Invite them to read Laudato Si. 12. The Ministry of Peace-Making 19. As a Secular Franciscan, we should be bearers of peace. We should be reminded that peacebearers are not only done through communal activities like candle-lighting ceremonies together with praying for world peace especially on times that there are bombings in a certain place. We should not limit ourselves in this kind of activities. We should be reminded that it is better to start peace within ourselves and let it freely manifest outside when time is ripe.

It is also good to be reminded that a pacifist and a peace-minded person is not a bearer of peace. A pacifist is one who wishes peace among all people without working to remove the cause of conflict. A peace-minded person is a person who avoids for oneself and for others all causes of clashes, even by losing or compromising the rights and dignity of a decent human being. Mention the 800 years anniversary of the Damietta Experience. 13. The Composition of Fraternity 20 – 22. With the establishment of a local fraternity, it connects itself to the whole organizational structure of the Secular Franciscan Order. As a Secular Franciscan, you should know the whole structure and how it works. Remind them on the explanation of Articles 1 and 2. 14. Sustaining Fraternity 24 – 25. Self explanatory. 26. Remind them on the roles of Spiritual Assistants which was discussed on the previous formation.

REFLECTION GUIDES 1. Kumusta ang imong pagtratar sa imong mga kauban sa SFO? Aduna bay kalahian tungod sa nagkalainlaing estado sa kinabuhi ug propesyon? Kumusta imong pagtratar sa mga tawo sa gawas? 2. Sa panahon nga adunay mga gubot ug mga di pagkasinabot sa imong mga kaila? Isip usa ka SFO, giunsa man nimo pagsulbad ang gubot? Naminaw ba ka sa duha ka panig? 3. Kumusta imong pamilya karon? Kumusta imong relasyon sa imong bana/asawa? Expound Kung batan-on o dalaga pa, kumusta ang imong ginikanan? Expound. Gi-unsa man nimo pagtudlo sa Kristohanong Pagtuo didto sa imong mga anak? 4. Kumusta ang imong relasyon ngadto sa tibuok nga binuhat sa Ginoo? Expound. 5. Isip bearers of peace, unsa may gibuhat nimo basta naay gubot? Usa ba ka sa mga pacifists o peace-minded persons? Expound. 6. Kung hatagan og higayon nga mahimong usa ka miyembro sa council, formator, etc. sa Secular Franciscan Order? Andam ka bang mudawat niini? Expound.