Conversion 

was an integral value in both Francis and Clare’s lives as they moved beyond the status quo of their times. Born into wealth, Francis and Clare each were compelled to divest themselves of anything that would lead them away from Christ. They did this by following in the footprints of Jesus. This entailed a profound conversion—a complete surrender of their lives to God and God’s service!

Contemplation 

is fundamental in a Franciscan’s life—prayer that flows from the depths of an inner life. For Francis and Clare all of life was rooted in prayer: ministry, community, solitude and silence, joy and pain. Embracing this value, we are called to love, honor, adore, serve, praise, bless, and glorify God in our lives. 

Poverty 

for Francis and Clare was a mirror image of Jesus’ poverty because Jesus had “nowhere to lay his head.” Thus, we are called to live our complete dependence on God through identifying with people around us who are poor, living a simple lifestyle and sharing all things in common. Our poverty extends beyond material poverty to an “attitude of the heart.” Embracing this attitude we strive to identify with the needs of the poor ones in our world and share our gifts, talents, ideas, resources and prayer life with them.

Minority 

in the times of Francis and Clare referred to a socio-economic status. Although born into wealth, each of these great saints made a conscious decision to become one of the minores (the lesser ones). Each had a keen awareness of “God’s little ones”—those who are marginalized, oppressed, helpless and unwanted—and actively reached out to them in loving service. Today, we are called to do no less—to search out the “lesser ones” in our midst and live our lives in solidarity with them. 

The Rule of Life and the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. (1982, 1997). American-English Commentary written by Margaret Carney, OSF and Thaddeus Horgan, SA. Washington, DC: Franciscan Federation

Metanoia stands at the very center of the teaching of the Gospels.  Its meaning is exhausted neither by the idea of the initial turning toward God, nor by the notion of reparation frequently expressed in the word “penance”.  The work of both God and the person- this metanoia is primarily an act of God’s love which finds its human purpose in a radical redirection of life centered in the person of Christ himself.

…Interwoven, as it is, with the concept of reconciliation, it sees peace with God as inseparable from peace with one’s neighbor, and serves as a basis for Christian efforts to overcome hostility and separation at every level.

Roland Faley, TOR. “Biblical Considerations on Metanoia.” Analecta TOR 13, No. 123 (19749 13-33