Prayer
Our Charism
- The virgins who invoke Holy Father Francis and the Holy Family, assembled at Pirmasens since 2 March 1855, are called Poor Franciscans (Tertiaries, Minoress, Daughters of the Holy Family) because they follow as their fundamental rule the Third Rule of Holy Father Francis, as approved by Pope Nicolaus IV and Leo X, and as a family dedicated to God, they are to contribute, above all, to a Christian renewal of family life which has so greatly deteriorated, especially among the poor and lower classes.Today we follow “The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St Francis”, as approved by Pope John Paul II on 8 December 1982
- The main purpose the Poor Franciscans pursue is the upbringing of orphaned, abandoned and neglected children, especially girls.
- The secondary purpose is the care of the poor and the sick in places where the Poor Franciscans live.
*Extracted old texts written by Fr Nardini*
Community Life
Our religious life is lived in the community according to the evangelical counsels. Through our profession of the same Rule and through our common way of life, we are united to “a special family in Christ” (cf CIC can 602)
We love and assist one another, to fulfil our personal vocation. In this way, we can experience God’s presence in our fraternal community. Each sister through her natural talents and abilities contributes to the building up and well-being of the community through:
- The observance of the Rule, the Constitution and Directives
- Simplicity of lifestyle
- Sharing the task of fulfilling the mission of our Religious Community and particular convent community
- Communion in prayer, common meals and recreation.
We wear the habit as a sign of our consecration to God, of our belonging together and as a witness to poverty (cf CIC can 669 § 1).
As spiritual sisters, we are responsible for one another and encourage one another to do what is good. We face a fellow sister’s inner difficulties with love, humility and sensitivity. We accompany and support one another with prayer.
Prayer Life
Our way of life can only succeed in a constant union with God. Therefore, we also need places and times for prayer. As a community, we praise and thank God in the Liturgy of the Hours. Just as Christ in the Psalms prayed to the Father for the salvation of the world, so we also represent all people in our prayer.
Our dialogue with God puts an essential stamp on our religious life. Various forms of prayer from the Franciscan tradition can enrich our spiritual life: The Angelus, the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, the stations of the cross, the prayer of the five wounds and the repetition of short prayers.
We read daily from the Holy Scriptures; we meditate on the Holy words and try to live them. The daily celebration of the Eucharist is for us the centre of our life and our community. From our union with Christ, we draw strength for our apostolic service and our life with the people. As Franciscans, and also through Nardini’s commission, adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is for us a special concern.
The deepening of our relationship with Christ starts always with the conversion of the heart and our resolute turning to God. This is penance according to the holy Gospel. Therefore, daily, we sincerely examine our life before God.
Franciscan Rule - Our Identity
The form of life of the Brothers and Sisters is this:
To observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity. Following Jesus after the example of St Francis, let them recognise that they are called to make greater efforts in their observance of the precepts and counsels of our Lord Jesus Christ.
With all in the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church who wish to serve the Lord, the brothers and sisters of this order are to persevere in true faith and penance. They wish to live this evangelical conversion of life in a spirit of prayer, poverty and humility. Therefore, let them abstain from all evil and persevere to the end in doing good because God the Son himself will come again in glory and will say to all who acknowledge, adore and serve him in sincere repentance: “Come blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world,” (Mat 25:34).
The brothers and sisters promise obedience and reverence to the Pope and the Holy Catholic Church. In this same spirit, they are to obey those called to be ministers and servants of their fraternity. And wherever they are, and in whatever situation they are in, they should diligently and fervently show reverence and honour to one another.
They should also foster unity and communion with all the members of the Franciscan family.
Prayers
Prayer of the Five Wounds
(Say prayer intentions of the faithful departed you wish to pray for)
Let us pray for (our deceased fellow sister, family members, relatives, friends, benefactors, etc)
Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins through the holy wound of thy right hand… Have mercy on them. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…)
Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins through the holy wound of thy left hand… Have mercy on them. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…)
Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins through the holy wound of thy right foot… Have mercy on them. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…)
Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins through the holy wound of thy left foot… Have mercy on them. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…)
Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ crucified for our sins through the holy wound of thy side… Have mercy on them. (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be…)
Eternal rest grant to them oh Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary… and she conceived by the Holy Spirit
Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and the other hour of our death. Amen.
Behold, the handmaid of the Lord… be it done unto me according to thy will. (Hail Mary…)
And the Word was made flesh… and dwelt amongst us. (Hail Mary…)
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer when visiting a Church
We adore you most holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all your Churches in the whole world and we bless you because by your holy Cross, you have redeemed the world.
Blessing of Saint Francis
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May he show his face to you and have mercy on you.
May he turn his countenance towards you and give you peace.
May the Lord bless you.
Prayer before the Crucifix
Nardini Prayer
Lord our God, you made Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini a selfless shepherd and father of the poor in your Church. Grant that we after his example become more deeply rooted in you and grow more in the love of our neighbour… This we ask through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Novena to Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini
Lord Jesus Christ, you encourage us to
bring our needs and desires to you in prayer. You said, “I will do whatever you
ask for in my name.” (John 14:14) The saints and all who have followed you in undivided surrender, are interceding for us with you. Your servant Blessed Paul Joseph Nardini has, during his life time, taken care of the destitute and those
in need of help. Trusting in his intercession, I implore your help in my special need (…mention pertition…). Lord hear my prayer. Teach me to follow you
in the spirit of Fr Nardini. Amen