The Rule of the Third Order - Ecumenical Franciscan Oblates of Penitence. (EFOP)
Canon One. Identity. The Rule of the Ecumenical Franciscan Oblates of Penitence is centered on Christ and the Christian life. The ordinary Christian can accept this rule as an aid to living a virtuous life within the Church. The Rule reminds us of the order, priorities, and discipline we should have in our lives. It is simple, compelling, and applies to any Christian. The Rule implies a way of life and a philosophy of living that reaches out beyond the person to the whole Community of Christ. The Rule is not meant only to be read and studied, but to be lived and experienced. The form of life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Ecumenical Franciscan Order of Penitents is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, living a life of Simplicity and follow Jesus Christ after the example of St. Francis. They shall foster the ecumenical spirit, by inviting those of all denominations and faiths to join the fraternity meetings, and striving to understand the religious beliefs and customs of others, looking for teachings on which we all agree, and to put aside all prejudice, and foster the spirit of universal brotherhood in God our Father. Canon Two: Service The word “oblate” means to serve. The Ecumenical Franciscan Oblate of Penitence (“from here on shall be referred to as Oblate”) is dedicated to be a Servant to others, through the performance of regular works of mercy, goodness, and charity. Oblates shall endeavour to do these works as The Holy Spirit reveals to them. Canon Three: Love and Charity The Oblates declare the principles of the holy life by committing themselves to be in "love and charity" with all people. Oblates particularly minister to the Christian community and to those Brothers and Sisters in need spiritually and temporally. Canon four: The Sacraments The Holy Life means the Sacramental Life. As an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” the sacraments remind us daily of our spiritual involvement in the Kingdom of God. To the Oblate this means availing oneself of the Sacraments in a regular, systematic, and disciplined way. Regular participation in Holy Eucharist is expected. Canon Five: Discipline The "holy life" is a life of discipline. It is the cornerstone to well-ordered spiritual growth. It is not easy to give oneself to a disciplined life of prayer and spirituality, particularly when one is living away from communal life; yet, there is no spiritual life without discipline. Oblates are committed to the personal disciplines of prayer and reading of the scriptures. They are committed to the outward disciplines of simplicity, obedience, service, and corporate worship. Canon Six: Koinonia – Lectio Divina- and retreat. The essence of the oblate is fellowship of the Christian life. As Oblates do not live in community, this fellowship is guaranteed through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, especially on the Rule. The Oblates shall pray for the members of the order daily. The Oblate shall aim to spend time each day for meditation on the Scriptures from the Lectionary of the day. The Lectio Divina shall be the form for each Oblate to use in order to come close to the Lord Jesus as we serve him and his church. The Oblate should, when possible, endeavour to attend the annual retreat of the friary to which they are attached. However, if they are not able to attend the annual retreat they should try to attend several quiet times at various times throughout the year at the friary they are attached. Canon Seven: Giving It is the goal of each Oblate to feel the need to give regularly and joyfully for the maintenance of the Order in all parts of the world, and the greater Church and its people, in the quantity and quality that God reveals. Canon Eight: Prayer Prayer is the focus of the life of an Oblate. Through diligent practice, prayer becomes a habitual conversation with God. Oblates use all forms of prayer, but they are bound together with the Daily Offices and the Rule. Prayer is the ground of our everyday life. For many, this will mean at least Morning and Evening Prayer. This may vary according to the denominational practices that one follows. Canon Nine: Discipleship The Christian religious life requires accountability. To the Oblate, accountability is a way of life, and assists the Oblate in his or her calling as a disciple of Christ. Responsibility and discipline are some of the ways that Oblates exercise accountability. The Oblate is accountable to his or her Spiritual Director and to the Master of the Oblates. The Oblate shall report on his or her spiritual growth regularly to his/her spiritual director and send an annual report on one's spiritual growth and ministry efforts to the Master of Oblates, by the feast of the Stigmata on the 17th of September. Canon Ten: Penance The Oblate is taught that a contrite heart is a joy to God. To repent and renew is the road to a full spiritual life. We are sinners and fall short of the glory of God, but through His saving grace, we are able to repent and be renewed in the Spirit. This is the road to salvation and the fullness of the Christian life. Canon Eleven: Hospitality To be hospitable is a sign of the Christian life. The Oblate is known for his or her hospitable nature and generosity of soul that he or she shows to friend and stranger alike. Canon Twelve : Reporting to the Master of the Ecumenical Franciscan Oblates of Penitence. Once an Oblate has been received as a postulant, Novice and into temporary Life of Oblation they shall report to the Master of the Ecumenical Franciscan Oblates of Penitence every Quarter with the prescribed report forms and attach their study assignment. All quarterly reports should be received by the Master of Oblates of Penitence by 1st March, 1st June, 1st September, and 1st December each year. During the first year of being received into Life of Oblation they shall report to the Master of Oblates each quarter with the prescribed report form for the first year of Life of Oblation and once that has been completed they shall then report to the Master of Oblation of Penitence once a year. This report should be received by the Master of Oblates by September 17th the feast of the Stigmata of St Francis. Canon Thirteen: Blessing. “May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” (from the Blessing of St Francis from the Testament). |
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