The Franciscan Way

Jesus then said to his disciples: if you wish to follow me, you must deny your very self, take up your cross, and begin to follow in my footsteps.

Matthew 16:24

God invites each of us to a particular way of life. In his time, Francis united himself with the penitential group of brothers and sisters in Assisi, a movement that dates back to the third and fourth centuries. These men and women voluntarily chose to embrace a life of penance for the sake of the reign of God and for their own spiritual well being. Some of these penitents were married, living with their families; others lived as hermits; while others lived in community and dedicated themselves to the work of the church. These are our roots.

Following Francis and Clare, Clinton Franciscans have lived community for 141 years, strengthening our relationship with an intensely personal God and with the wider world. In 2007, the Clinton Franciscan community comprises three distinct forms: the consecrated, vowed life of the sisters, the committed life of the associates, and the special relationship of the sojourners.

Follow the links to learn more about vowed life as a Clinton Franciscan, about the Associate Partnership and about the Sojourner Relationship.

Following the Franciscan Way also means that the Clinton Franciscans are active members of the International Franciscan Conference and of Franciscans International, the Franciscan Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations and of the Franciscan Federation of Third Order Regular Sisters and Brothers in the U.S.

Click here for the latest bulletin from Franciscan Federation, Region IV (Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota)

We see every person as a visible image of the invisible God and as a sister or brother in Christ.

Constitutions and Directives of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, No. 44

The form of life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, in poverty and in chastity. Let them deny themselves as each has promised the Lord.

The Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Chapter 1

St. Francis embraces the leper, the symbol of conversion, in this drawing by Kay Francis Berger OSF, Joliet, Ill

We cannot expect to be an instrument of conversion in the lives of others unless we are also converted. We expect our lives to change because we speak the words of repentance, reconciliation and peace. Our ministry is humble and simple. We are conscious of those who are not at the table with us. Together in the circle of gift, we are one with the poorest of the poor, embracing God there.

1988 General Chapter Statement