SFO International Council - Weekly edition
Volume: 10 - N. 4 - 2004 - January - IV
From: Koinonia, 2003, n. 3
Fr. Irudaya Samy, OFM Cap
(Part II)
Charism is word that has been used a great deal in recent years in the Church. It is important to understand what it really means: charism is a general term that indicates a personal gift of the Spirit used for the good of the Church. [1] When the Holy Father approves it, the charism is said to participate in the official mission of the Church to make Christ present in the world. St. Francis sought this approval for his charism as soon as he possibly could.
The first reaction of the Holy See was great hesitancy. The Pope and Cardinals thought he was seeking to do too much. What he desired was to live out the gospel life of Christ. But all finally realized that if they denied his request, they would be saying that the real life of Christ as brought out in the Gospel was impossible to imitate.
Actually almost all true charisms at first run into some opposition one way or the other. The Holy Spirit gives a faithful person a charism when he opens himself or herself to grace. A Charism is given to do a great work for the good of the whole Church. It is generally understood that the opportunity is given for a radical conversion and painful turning point in life. All saints had undergone this painful turning point in their lives. [2] At least, the spirit usually puts every founder to the hard test of anti-conformity, the majority have seemed strange or unusual to their contemporaries Simultaneously, there is a profound evangelical experience, full of light and confidence, and the call to leave everything to order one's life in conformity with the light that has been received. "The charism urges the chosen one to carry to others the benefits of his own discovery. He feels a vital need to communicate the gift he has so freely received" (1.Cor.9: 16). The kind of life begun by the converted one, his example, his action and, more than anything, the sincerity and inspiration that vibrate in his words, are for men and women of sincere heart a kind of new promulgation of the Gospel, a new vision of Gospel, perhaps, of an aspect particularly demanded by the historical moment.
The particular way in which people respond to God's call is called their "Charism." It is a quality that inspires allegiance and devotion. People, personalities or visions that fit their person attract people. Professional educators might have been inspired by the intellectual "charism" of St. Thomas Aquinas and his pursuit of truth. People who love stability and liturgical prayer might be attracted to the charism of St. Benedict's monastic lifestyle. People who seek service of the poor might follow the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. A Mother Theresa might attract individuals seeking to serve the sick and suffering. Each of these founders very much follow the Gospel. Yet each one expresses their commitment in a different and unique way. This individual focus is called "Charism". The more clearly people identify this charism, the sharper will be their identity in following the Gospel. In short, the variety of charisms reflects the universalism of the Gospel. [3] Each charism serves a portion of the kingdom's gifts to humankind. The Body of Christ finds expression in a variety of groups. Together they build the kingdom and make the Body of Christ present to our world.
Franciscans contribute their particular charism to the Body of Christ. It is a very high responsibility that is placed upon us to be clear about our charism. We should determine what we bring to kingdom of God. No one can tell us what it is if we do not identify it for ourselves. Francis of Assisi gave us a direction when he said: "This is the rule and life of the Friars minor, to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." [4] The Secular Franciscan Order faces the same direction when their rule says, "The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi." [5]
St. Francis was very particular about keeping his charism intact. The charism of St. Francis was simply to live the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ Anyone called by grace to do this and admitted by the proper authority into any of three Orders of St. Francis belongs to our Franciscan Family.
Secular Franciscans are called by grace to embrace the charism of St. Francis. They are admitted and professed according to the Rule of St. Francis as approved by the proper authority. And so, Secular Franciscans share in the full Franciscan Family life.
St. Francis was very much interested in all people and in all creatures. It was his desire to bring the spirit of Christ into the Secular world. When people were attracted by his life they requested him to take them also into his Order and among the steps he took to realize this was the founding of his Third Order, the Secular Franciscan Order. He knew that men and women who improve the world and continue the work of creation would sanctify the universe as part of their service to God. He wished that people living in the world would be strong in faith, hope, and love so they would be effective instruments for Christ and his work.
The Secular Franciscans have understood this charism and participated fully in the Franciscan Family is readily seen from many who have been recognized by the Church as blessed and Saints. They have come from all social ranks, families and careers, royalty and peasants, martyrs and penitents, lawyers and businessmen, parents and youth, physicians and blacksmiths. They touched the lives of many people of the world and left a telling mark on the lives of many. Several founders and foundresses of other religious institutes began as Secular Franciscans and then enriched the Church with their great ideals. [6]
Hence, besides participating in the charism of St. Francis, Secular Franciscans participate in the complete spirit of our Franciscan Family. This includes its spirituality, community, apostolic ministries and simple life style. Though they are not religious, they share Franciscan life as seculars, people living in the world but not of the world. They complement and complete the expression of the Franciscan charism. Therefore, they are authentic members of our Franciscan Family.
Franciscans of the three Orders of St. Francis are commissioned to promote family life among the members of the various orders. This is done, first of all, by thoroughly understanding that we are all members of the one Franciscan Family. With our appreciation of our call to this Franciscan way of life, our enthusiasm grows, and we extend ourselves to one another in mutual charity, understanding, and patient service. At times, all can pray and worship together. On occasion, a meal or recreation can be shared. There has always been some participation in common apostolic undertakings. And, today, there are ministries that are on a more continuous basis as, for instance, the interaction of the first Order with committed lay volunteers of the Third Order in foreign and domestic undertakings for God's people.
Therefore, the first article of the Secular Franciscan Rule is on target when it states: "The Franciscan Family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit in the Church, unites all members of the people of God---laity, religious, and priests-who recognize that they are called to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi." [7]
-----------------