Podcast: Forming The Life Of A Franciscan

This podcast outlines the vocation of being a Franciscan as part of the religious order founded by Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago.

The Third Order comprises individuals in ordinary walks of life who live in a community “in dispersion” and live under rule and vows, outside a convent, without habits or religious garb.

The focus of the Franciscan vocation is to always turn towards God, and to strive for peace and unity in the family of God through living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the manner of St. Francis.

The formation process involves discovering one’s personal calling and learning to live the Rule as an individual in a dispersed community, through practices such as personal prayer, study, meditation, spiritual direction, self-examination, and self-denial.

The Franciscan vocation also involves embracing material creation and finding the presence of God in all things.

Chapter 3 – Penitence

Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Chapter 3 - Penitence
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In this episode of our Podcast, we dive into the topic of reconciliation, love and joy. Many people entering formation in the Third Order are surprised to find that the Rule, which begins with Eucharist, next lists penitence, including the expectation for daily self examen and at least annual sacrament of reconciliation. But why is penitence so important in spiritual growth? Join us as we explore the misconceptions around penitence, and how it can lead to true reconciliation, love and joy. We’ll share stories and perspectives on how to approach penitence in a way that is not oppressive or painful, but something to look forward to and value. If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly repentant and how it can lead to growth in your spiritual journey, tune in to this episode of our Podcast.

This episode is a reading of Chapter 3 – Penitence from the book “Forming The Life Of A Franciscan” which you can download by clicking here.

The chapter is read by Janice Syedullah, TSSF.

Intro and Outro music by Ketsa – I hope you know https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/1000/i-hope-you-know/

Chapter 2 – Holy Eucharist

Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Chapter 2 - Holy Eucharist
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In this episode of the podcast, we explore the importance of the Eucharist in the spiritual lives of tertiaries, or members of the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis. We discuss how the Eucharist brings us into the presence of God and encourages us to share the love we receive with others. We also reflect on how participating in the Eucharist helps us to reflect on our own lives and our individual callings in the body of Christ. We consider how Christ blesses us, helps us to grow in our faith, and encourages us to do the work God has called us to do. We also explore the concept of being broken, or letting go of our old lives and being open to the new, and how this ties into our growth in faith and service to others. This episode encourages listeners to consider the role of the Eucharist in their own spiritual lives and to reflect on their own unique calling in the body of Christ.

This episode is a reading of Chapter 2 – Holy Eucharist from the book “Forming The Life Of A Franciscan” which you can download by clicking here: https://tssf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Forming-the-Life-10-22-16.pdf

The chapter is read by Ailsa Cornell, TSSF.

Intro and Outro music by Ketsa – I hope you know https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/1000/i-hope-you-know/

Chapter 1 – The Rule of the Third Order and Your Personal Rule

Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Forming The Life Of A Franciscan
Chapter 1 - The Rule of the Third Order and Your Personal Rule
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Join us on our first podcast episode as we delve into the Rule of the Third Order within the Franciscan vocation. We will explore the various parts of the Rule, including the Personal Rule, which is an offering of love to God and a means of growing into full life in Christ. You will learn about the process of formation and how to adapt the basic outline of a solid spiritual life to your individual circumstances and temperament. We will also discuss the importance of developing discipline as a way of turning towards Christ and the dangers of a rigid, legalistic approach to the Rule. You will gain insight into how to reflect the interior tuning of the heart in your life and how to grow in the Spirit while avoiding routine spiritual exercises. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the Franciscan vocation and how to live out the Rule as a Third Order Franciscan.

This episode is a reading of Chapter 1 – The Rule of the Third Order and Your Personal Rule from the book “Forming The Life Of A Franciscan” which you can download by clicking here: https://tssf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Forming-the-Life-10-22-16.pdf

The chapter is read by Terry Doyle, TSSF.

Intro and Outro music by Ketsa – I hope you know https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/1000/i-hope-you-know/