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Franciscan MissionsThe Franciscans are one of the largest missionary orders in the church. In Africa the friars are in twenty-three countries served by around seven-hundred friars. About one-hundred young Africans are in various stages of formation. Indigenous vocations are the best way for the church to put down roots in any country. Apart from Africa, the friars are present in all the world's four continents. |  | |
St FrancisSt Francis of Assisi was born in 1182, the son of a cloth merchant. In his youth he lived a boisterous, extravagant life, enjoying parties and great revelry.On meeting a leper and hearing a voice from a crucifix in San Damiano, Francis changed his life. He chose the way of poverty and began to rebuild churches. On hearing the Gospels he discovered God's plan for him. When others joined Francis, he wrote a brief Rule. He called his followers to live the Gospel life. Poverty, Fraternity, Prayer, the Service of the Poor, and Preaching the Gospel were the distinguishing marks of the early Franciscans. Francis was a man of prayer and a lover of Christ. His devotion to the Incarnation led him to make the first Crib at Christmas in Greccio. His love of the crucified Christ led him to be marked with the Stigmata on La Verna. Francis was a lover of nature. In his song he praises God in his creation. He was also and pre-eminently a man of peace. He died in 1226 Francis and EcologyThe world is a living organism of which many of it's parts are dying. St Francis saw all creation, the sun, the moon, the wind and water, fire and earth; as symbols of the relationship between God and all his people. All creation is sacred and enjoys an openness to God and all humanity. The Franciscan ministry towards all creation has an important part to play in stemming the selfish tide of abuse and waste as a consequence of today's exploitation of our world.Francis was blind when he composed his great hymn to creation, the Canticle of the Sun. Our Glasgow FriaryFranciscans in Glasgow have come together in a big way. Under an umbrella title of 'Francis of Glasgow' friars, five groupings of Francisan sisters and members of the Secular Franciscan Order have been working together to make a common impact on the city. From small beginnings like 'Franciscan Days' open to everyone and joint study ventures, an impetus was provided to look at something more ambitious. An effort is being made to set up a day centre for H.I.V. sufferers. |
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