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FRANCISCAN
SPIRITUALITY
Christo-centricity
Franciscan
spirituality is “Christo-centric”: centred on Christ.
Although Francis’ spirituality is grounded in Trinitarian
theology (the Father and the Holy Spirit do have a place in Franciscan
spirituality) Christ is the focus.
Christo-centricity
and Imitation of Christ
Because Francis
loved Christ, he wanted to imitate him as closely as possible.
This is evident in various phrases that often surface in Francis’
writings. They give a sense of the direct and simple literalism
in which Francis followed Jesus:
“…following
the teaching and footsteps of our Lord…” (Rule 1221,
Ch.1)
“Our
Lord Jesus Christ…in whose footsteps we follow…”
(Rule 1221, Ch.22)
“(W)e
must hold fast to the words, the life, the teaching and the
Holy Gospel of our Lord…” (Rule 1221, Ch.22)
“The
rule and life of the friars…is this…to observe the
Holy Gospel of our Lord…” (Rule 1223, Ch.1)
“(W)e
live…according to the poverty and the humility and the
Gospel of our Lord…” (Rule 1223, Ch.12)
“We…order
our lives according to the precepts and counsels of our Lord…”
(Letter to the Faithful)
“Keep
his commands …and practise his counsels…” (Letter
to a General Chapter)
“…please
our Lord and follow in his footsteps and poverty…”
(Letter to Br. Leo)
“(T)he
very core of the Franciscan spirit is the desire to imitate
Jesus Christ in everything, as closely as our human nature will
permit.”(1)
Footnote
1. The Franciscans: Love at Work, Boniface Hanley, Salvator
Fink, c1962 St. Anthony’s Guild, pg. 50
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