Roman Catholic Franciscan Religious Order
Abbey of Saint Mary Theotokos
Province of Saint Mary Theotokos
Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist (OFE)
Order of Franciscans Ecumenical (OFE)
(“an Order within an Order”)
with distinct and independent ecclesiastical functions
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Order of Franciscans of the Eucharist (OFE)
Order of Franciscans Ecumenical (OFE)
Rule of Life
A rule is the most straightforward description of a religious way of life. The Rule of 1223 A.D. was written by Saint Francis of Assisi, approved by Pope Honorius III. The Friars, Brothers, and Laity of OFE commit to the General Rule, a modern interpretation of the 1223 A.D. Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi is this:
I.
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
II.
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
III.
To live a life of commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ and to serve him faithfully.
IV.
To acclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and the study of the Scriptures.
V.
To keep the Eucharist and the Gospel at the center of our lives.
VI.
To acquire knowledge and inspiration of the Franciscan spirituality of our patron Saint Francis of Assisi.
VII.
To infuse our daily life with compassion, service, community, simplicity, reverence for creation, dignity of human persons, peacemaking, prayer, and support of family unity.
VIII.
To welcome celibate and married Roman Catholic priests and laity.
IX.
To be respectful to the Pope, Patriarchs, Bishops, Abbot General, Minister General, and members of our Order.
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