A THE THIRD ORDER GUIDE A Book of Ceremonies and Devotions for members OF THE Third Order Secular of St. Francis THE BLESSING OF ST. FRANCIS May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May He show His face to thee, and have mercy on thee. May He turn His countenance to thee, and give thee peace. May the Lord bless thee. THE THIRD ORDER GUIDE A BOOK OF CEREMONIES AND DEVOTIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE THIRD ORDER SECULAR OF ST. FRANCIS Compiled under the auspices of Gerard F. Fitzsimmons, O. F. M. COMMISSARY PROVINCIAL OF THE THIRD ORDER OFFICIAL THIRD ORDER GUIDE OF THE PROVINCE OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS Copyright, 1954, by St. Anthony’s Guild IMPRIMI POTEST: Celsus R. Wheeler, O. F. M. Minister Provincial NIHIL OBSTAT: Bede Babo, O. S. B. Censor Librorum IMPRIMATUR: f James A. McNulty Bishop of Paterson November 22, 1954 PRINTED AND PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY ST. ANTHONY GUILD PRESS, PATERSON, N. J. SUrorfo of Ufomforafytp tn tty? Stytrii (§rfor of iFrattrts Name Address Date of Reception By Rev Patron Feast Date of Profession By Rev Name of Fraternity Address .. . DeacWifisc? TABLE OF CONTENTS Page SCHEDULE OF THE MONTHLY SERVICES . . 1 Prayers before the Meeting 2 Prayers after the Meeting 4 Prayers for the Council Meeting . . 7 Prayers for the Elections 10 The Ceremony of Visitation 11 The Ceremony of Reception 15 The Ceremony of Profession 33 The Indulgenced Blessing for Tertiaries (General Absolution) 47 The Papal Blessing . 54 Privileges of the Third Order 56 Occasions Upon Which Tertiaries Can Gain a Plenary Indulgence . . 58 Franciscan Calendar of Indulgences 60 Portiuncula Devotions 70 The Transitus of St. Francis 81 O Sanctissima Anima 88 Psalm 141 88 Salve, Sancte Pater 89 VII Page Renewal of Profession 90 The Rosary or Franciscan Crown of Our Lady’s Seven Joys 92 Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament 94 Hymns 97 Come, Holy Ghost 97 Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All .... 97 To Jesus’ Heart All Burning 98 Oh, What Could My Jesus Do More ? . . 98 Immaculate Mary 99 Hail, Holy Queen, Enthroned Above . . 99 Queen of the Holy Rosary 100 Dear Guardian of Mary 100 Blessed Francis 100 From the Streets of Lone Assisi 101 Ultima 102 Laudate Franciscum 102 Rule of the Third Order Secular of St. Francis 103 The Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis 108 VIII SCHEDULE OF THE MONTHLY SERVICES The Order of Services at the Monthly Meeting may be carried out as follows : 1. Novice instructions for a half hour pre- ceding the regular meeting. 2. Prayers before the Meeting. 3. Singing of Come, Holy Ghost. 4. Announcements and instruction. 5. Prayers after the Meeting. (Reception and Profession when neces- sary. ) 6. Indulgenced Blessing when permitted. 7. Hymn while the priest is vesting. 8. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 9. Hymn : UItima. 10. Veneration of the relic, and singing of hymn to St. Francis. S1 PRAYERS BEFORE THE MEETING Come, Holy Ghost, * fill the hearts of Thy faithful, * and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. We fly to thy patronage, * O holy Mother of God; * despise not our petitions in our necessities, * but deliver us always from all dangers, * O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Look down, blessed Father Francis, * from the high court of heaven, * and pray for thy people, * the people whom thou hast chosen, * that they may always be faith- ful in the service of the Lord. Verstcle: Lord, have mercy on us. Response: Christ, have mercy on us. V. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father (in secret). V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. V. Be mindful of Thy congregation. R. Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning. V. Lord, hear my prayer. R . And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. 2 Let us pray Enlighten, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our minds, with the light of Thy brightness, that we may see what is to be done, and be en- abled to do what is right. Through Christ, our Lord. R. Amen. Sing Come, Holy Ghost (/?. 97). 3 PRAYERS AFTER THE MEETING F. Lord, have mercy on us. R. Christ, have mercy on us. F. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father (in secret ). F. And lead us not into temptation. R . But deliver us from evil. V . Confirm, O God, what Thou hast wrought in us. R . From Thy holy temple, which is in Jerusalem. F. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. F. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace, that with Thine aid we may accomplish what we know Thou hast appointed us to do. We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits, Who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen. F. Let us pray for our benefactors. R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all who, for Thy name’s sake, do us good. Amen. 4 Antiphon: If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it? Psalm 129 Leader: Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord; * Lord, hear my voice. Response: Let Thine ears be attentive * to the voice of my supplication. L. If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, * Lord, who shall stand it? R . For with Thee there is merciful for- giveness, * and by reason of Thy Law I have waited for Thee, O Lord. L. My soul hath relied on His word; * my soul hath hoped in the Lord. R. From the morning watch even until night, * let Israel hope in the Lord. L. Because with the Lord there is mercy; * and with Him plentiful redemp- tion. R . And He shall redeem Israel * from all his iniquities. L. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. R . And let perpetual light shine upon them. Antiphon: If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities, Lord, who shall stand it? V. From the gates of hell. R. Deliver their souls, O Lord. 5 V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V . The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray O God, the giver of pardon and lover of human salvation, we beseech Thee to have mercy on the brethren, relatives, and bene- factors of our Fraternity, who have passed from this world, so that by the intercession of the blessed Mary, ever Virgin, and of all Thy saints, they may obtain the bliss of eternal happiness. O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy serv- ants departed, the remission of all their sins: that through pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon they have always desired. Who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen. V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. V. May they rest in peace. R. Amen. Add one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory for the intentions of the Pope. 6 PRAYERS FOR THE COUNCIL MEETINGS Opening Prayers Come, Holy Ghost, * fill the hearts of thy faithful, * and kindle in them the fire of Thy divine love. We fly to thy patronage, * O holy Mother of God: * despise not our petitions in our necessities, * but deliver us from all dan- gers, * O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Look down, blessed Father Francis, * from the high court of heaven, * and pray for thy people, * the people whom thou hast chosen, * that they may always be faith- ful in the service of the Lord. L. Lord, have mercy on us. R. Christ, have mercy on us. L. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father (in secret ). V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. V. Be mindful of Thy congregation. R. Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R . And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. 7 Let us pray Enlighten, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our minds with the light of Thy brightness, that we may see what is to be done, and be enabled to do what is right. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. Closing Prayers L. Lord, have mercy on us. jR. Christ, have mercy on us. L. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father (in secret ). V. And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. V . Confirm, O God, the work which Thou hast wrought in us. R. From Thy holy temple, which is in Jerusalem. V . O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray Grant us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the help of Thy grace, that with Thine aid we may accomplish what we know Thou desir- est us to do. O God, without Whom nothing has value, nothing holy, increase Thy mercy toward us, that under Thy direction and guidance we 8 may so pass through the blessings of this life as not to lose those which are eternal. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy blessings, Who livest and reignest world without end. R. Amen. V . Let us bless the Lord. R . Thanks be to God. V. And may the souls of the faithful de- parted, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen. 9 PRAYERS FOR THE ELECTIONS Preceding the elections , the Veni Creator (p . 20) is either sung or recited . After the election has taken place and the names of those elected are made known, the Te Deum ( p . 36) is sung or recited together with the prayers which follow (pp . 40-45). When the orations have been completed, the assembled Tertiaries answer: Amen. V. Let us bless the Lord. R. Thanks be to God. May the blessing of Almighty God, Fa- ther, Son, and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain with you forever. R. Amen. 10 THE CEREMONY OF VISITATION When the Visitor arrives , the following verses of Psalm 105 are sung or recited: Give glory to the Lord, for He is good: * for His mercy endureth forever. Who shall declare the powers of the Lord? * who shall set forth all His praises? Blessed are they that keep judgment, * and do justice at all times. Remember us, O Lord, in the favor of Thy people: * visit us with Thy salvation. That we may see the good of Thy chosen, * that we may rejoice in the joy of Thy na- tion: * that Thou mayest be praised with Thine inheritance. Glory be to the Father, etc. V. Remember Thy congregation. R . Which Thou hast possessed from the beginning. Let us pray Visit, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and puri- fy our consciences; that Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, when He cometh, may find in us a mansion prepared for Him. Who liveth and reigneth world without end. R. Amen. The Veni Creator is next sung with its verse, response, and oration . (See p. 20.) 11 The Visitation closes with the Canticle of Zachary: Blessed be the Lord, * the God of Israel: * because He has visited and wrought re- demption * for His people. And has raised up a horn of salvation for us: * in the house of David His servant. As He spoke through the mouth of His holy ones: * the prophets from of old; That He might rescue us from our ene- mies: * and from the hand of all that hate us; That He might show mercy to our fa- thers; * and remember His holy covenant: The oath, which He swore to Abraham our father: * that He would grant us. That being delivered from the hand of our enemies: * we should serve Him with- out fear, In holiness and justice before Him: * all our days. And thou, child, * shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: * for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord * to pre- pare His ways. To give knowledge of salvation to His people: * unto the remission of their sins: Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us: 12 To enlighten those that sit in darkness * and in the shadow of death: * to direct our feet into the way of peace. Glory be to the Father, etc. V . Thou hast visited the earth and hast plentifully watered it. R. Thou hast in many ways enriched it. Let us pray Grant to Thy servants, O Lord, forgive- ness of their sins, consolation in life, and perpetual guidance, that serving Thee faith- fully, they may ever obtain mercy. We beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy good- ness, to watch constantly over Thy family, that, as it puts all its trust in the help of heavenly grace, it may ever be defended by Thy protection. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is then given if permitted; otherwise the clos- ing prayers for the monthly meeting are recited. 13 © ST. ANTHONY'S GUILD, 1933 Holy Father, St. Francis Pray For Us 14 THE CEREMONY OF RECEPTION Requirements: scapulars, cords, holy water, and a lighted wax candle, placed on a table covered with a white cloth . The priest, either standing, or seated in a chair and vested in surplice and white stole, asks the postulants kneeling before him the following questions: Quae est petitio vestra? Respondent postu- lantes: Reverende Pater, * ego humiliter postu- lo * habitum Tertii Ordinis de Poeniten- tia, * ut cum eo salu- tem aeternam * faci- lius consequi valeam. Respondet sacer- dos: Deo Gratias. What is your re- quest? The postulants an- swer: Reverend Father, * I humbly ask of you * the habit of the Third Order of Penance, * in order that with it * I may more easily obtain * eternal salvation. The priest an- swers: Thanks be to God. 15 Tunc brevissimam exhortationem addit. Deinde stando ante altare, minister habita benedicit: V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Do- mini. R. Qui fecit coelum et terram. V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui per mortem Unigeniti Filii tui Domini nostri Jesu Christi mundum restaurare misericor- diter dignatus es, ut a morte perpetua nos liberares, et ad gaudia perduceres Paradisi: respice, quaesumus, pietatis tuae oculo de- votam hanc familiam tuam, hic hodie in tuo nomine congregatam, cujus famulus tuus beatus Franciscus, ut tibi augeatur creden- tium numerus, extitit institutor. Illam super firmam petram, quae Christus est, confirma, ut ab omnibus turbationibus mundi, carnis et diaboli secura, et incedens per tuorum semitam mandatorum meritis acerbissimae Filii tui Passionis, et Immaculatae Matris ejus semper Virginis Mariae, ac beati Pa- tris nostri Francisci, omniumque sanctorum, gaudia ab aeterna possideat. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. 16 Then he adds a brief exhortation after- wards , facing the altar, the priest blesses the habits, saying: V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. V . O Lord, hear my prayer. JR. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. JR. And with thy spirit. Let us pray Almighty and eternal God, Who by the death of Thy only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, hast mercifully vouchsafed to re- generate the world, in order to deliver us from eternal death and bring us to the joys of paradise: look, we beseech Thee, with an eye to clemency upon this Thy devoted fam- ily assembled here today in Thy name, and which Thy servant, blessed Francis, founded to increase the number of Thy faithful. Establish it upon that firm rock, which is Christ, that it may be safe from all the troubles of the world, the flesh, and the devil; and that walking in the way of Thy commandments, by the merits of the most bitter Passion of Thy Son, and of His Im- maculate Mother, Mary ever Virgin, and our blessed Father Francis, and all the saints, it may come to possess eternal joys. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 17 Benedicendo scapularia, dicit: Oremus Domine Jesu Christe, qui tegumen nos- trae mortalitatis induere, et in praesepio pannis involvi dignatus es, quique glorioso Confessori tuo beato Patri nostro Francisco tres Ordines instituere salubriter inspirasti, ac eosdem per summos Ecclesiae Pontifices, tui Vicarios, approbare fecisti, immensam tuae clementiae largitatem suppliciter exo- ramus ut haec indumenta, quae idem beatus Franciscus ad poenitentiae indicium, ac pro valida contra saeculum, carnem et daemo- nem armatura commilitiones suos Fratres de Poenitentia in Tertio Ordine portare consti- tuit, benefi&dicere et sanctifl&ficare digneris, ut hi famuli tui (hae famulae tuae), ea de- vote suscipientes, te ita induant, ut in spiritu humilitatis viam mandatorum tuorum ad mortem usque fideliter percurrant. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Arnen. Deinde cingula benedicit: Oremus Deus, qui ut servum redimeres, Filium tuum per manus impiorum ligari voluisti, benefl&dic, quaesumus, cingula ista, et prae- sta, ut famuli tui, qui (famulae tuae quae) his poenitentiae ligaminibus praecinguntur, vinculorum ejusdem Domini nostri Jesu Christi perpetuo memor existant tuisque 18 Then he blesses the scapulars, saying: Let us pray O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast deigned to put on the garb of our mortality, and be wrapped in swaddling clothes in the manger, and Who hast graciously inspired Thy glorious Confessor, our blessed Father Francis, to institute three Orders, and the Supreme Pontiffs of the Church, Thy Vicars, to approve them, we humbly beseech the abundance of Thy clemency that Thou wouldst deign to bless * and sanctify 69 these garments which the same blessed Fran- cis enjoined his fellow soldiers, the Brothers of Penance, to wear as a badge of penance, and as a strong armor against the world, the flesh, and the devil; that these Thy servants, devoutly receiving it, may so clothe them- selves with Thee that they may in the spirit of humility faithfully walk in the way of Thy commandments until death. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. He proceeds to bless the cords: Let us pray O God, Who in order that the slave be set free wouldst have Thy Son to be bound by the hands of impious men, bless 69 we beseech Thee, these cinctures, and grant that Thy servants, who are girded with these cinc- tures of penance, may always be mindful of the cords of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ever 19 semper obsequiis alligatos (alligatas) se esse cognoscant. Per eundem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vi- vit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Arnen. Aspergit habita aqua benedicta, et genu- flexus ante altare vel cantat vel recitat, Veni Creator : Veni, Creator Spiritus, Mentes tuorum visita: Imple superna gratia || Quae Tu creasti pectora. || Qui diceris Paraclitus, Altissimi donum Dei Fons vivus, ignis, caritas || Et spiritalis unctio. || Tu septiformis munere, Digitus paternae dexterae, Tu rite promissum Patris, Sermone ditans guttura. Accende lumen sensibus, Infunde amorem cordibus; Infirma nostri corporis, Virtute firmans perpeti. 20 acknowledge themselves bound to Thy serv- ice. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world with- out end. Amen. The priest sprinkles the habits with holy water, and kneeling before the altar, sings or recites the Veni, Creator: Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest, And in our souls take up thy rest, Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid || To fill the hearts which Thou hast made. || Great Paraclete, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God most high! O font of life! O fire of love! || And sweet anointing from above. || Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known, The finger of God's hand we own; The promise of the Father Thou, Who dost the tongue with pow’r endow. Inflame our senses from above, And make our hearts o’erflow with love; With patience firm and virtue high, The weakness of our flesh supply. 21 Hostem repellas longius, Pacemque dones protinus; Ductore sic te praevio Vitemus omne noxium. Per te sciamus da Patrem Noscamus atque Filium Teque utriusque Spiritum Credamus omni tempore. Deo patri sit gloria, Et Filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito In saeculorum saecula. Arnen. V. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur. R. Et renovabis faciem terrae. Oremus Deus, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti : da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper con- solatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Arnen. Oratione finita, sacerdos surgit et se vertit ad postulantes genuflexos et cartam tenentes , et dicit: Exuat vos Dominus veterem 'hominem cum actibus suis, et cor vestrum avertat a 22 Far from us drive the foe we dread, And grant us Thy true peace instead; So shall we not, with Thee our guide, Turn from the path of life aside. Oh may Thy grace on us bestow The Father and the Son to know: And Thee, through endless times con- fess’d Of both the eternal Spirit blest. All glory while the ages run Be to the Father and the Son Who rose from death: the same to Thee, O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen. V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Let us pray O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise, and ever to rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. When the prayer has been finished, the priest , turning to the postulants kneeling before him and holding their name cards, says: May the Lord divest you of the old man with his acts, and turn your heart away from 23 saeculi pompis, quibus abrenuntiastis, dum Baptismum suscepistis. R. Arnen. Et conferens scapularia postulantibus di- cit: Induat vos Dominus novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia et sanctitate veritatis. R . Arnen. Imponendo cingula , sacerdos dicit: Praecingat vos Dominus cingulo puritatis, et extinguat in lumbis vestris humorem libi- dinis, ut maneat in vos virtus continentiae et castitatis. R. Arnen. Offerens candelam , dicit: Accipite, Fratres carissimi (Sorores caris- simae), lumen Christi, in signum immorta- litatis vestrae. R . Arnen. Nomen tuum Tertio Ordine Sancti Patris Nostri Francisci erit Et reversi ad altare , sacerdos et ministri dicunt vel cantant: 24 the pomps of the world, which you re- nounced at your Baptism. R. Amen. And putting the scapulars on the postu- lants , he says: May the Lord clothe you with* the new man, who, according to God, is created in justice and holiness of truth. R. Amen. In presenting the cords , the priest says: May the Lord gird you with the cincture of purity, and extinguish in your loins the passion of lust, that the virtue of continency and chastity may dwell in you. R. Amen. Offering the candle, he says: Receive, dearest Brothers (dearest Sisters), the light of Christ as the sign of your im- mortality. R . Amen. The priest now gives to the novice the name of a patron saint by which he {she) will be known in the Order: Your name in the Third Order of St. Francis will be Brother (Sister) Turning to the altar, the priest and assist- ants say or chant: 25 Ps. 116 Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes; laudate eum omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata est super nos miseri- cordia ejus, et veritas Domini manet in aeternum. Gloria Patri, etc. V . Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis. R. A templo sancto tuo, quod est in Jeru- salem. V . Salvos fac servos tuos (Salvas fac fa- mulas tuas). R. Deus meus, sperantes in te. V, Mitte eis, Domine, auxilium de sancto. R. Et de Sion tuere eos (eas) : V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in eis. R . Et filius iniquitatis non apponat nocere eis. V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R . Et clamor meus at te veniat. V. Dominus vobiscum. R . Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus Deus misericordiae, Deus pietatis, Deus a quo bona cuncta procedunt, sine quo nihil sanctum inchoatur nihilque perficitur: pre- 26 Ps. 116 Praise the Lord, all ye nations; praise Him, all ye people. For His mercy is confirmed upon us, and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Glory be to the Father, etc. V . Confirm, O God, the work which Thou hast wrought in us. R. From Thy holy temple, which is in Jerusalem. V . Save Thy servants. jR. Trusting in Thee, O my God. V . Send them help, O Lord, from Thy sanctuary. R. And from Sion look down upon them. V . And let not the enemy prevail against them. R. Nor the son of iniquity approach to hurt them. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V, The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray O God of mercy, God of love, God from Whom all good things proceed, without Whom no good thing is begun and none 27 cibus nostris benignus assiste, et hos famu- los tuos (has famulas tuas) quibus in tuo sancto nomine sacrum poenitentiae habitum imposuimus, ab omnibus periculis mentis et corporis tua protectione defende, et concede eis in sancto proposito ad finem usque per- severare, ut peccatorum suorum remissione percepta, ad consortium electorum tuorum pervenire mereantur. Deus, qui per Immaculatam Virginis Con- ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum praeparasti : quaesumus, ut qui ex morte ejusdem Filii tui praevisa, eam ab omni labe praeservasti, nos quoque mundos, ejus in- tercessione, ad te pervenire concedas. Deus, qui mira crucis mysteria in tuo de- votissimo confessore beato Francisco multi- formiter demonstrasti, da famulis tuis, ipsius semper exempla sectari, et assidua ejusdem crucis meditatione muniri. Pro Fratre: Oratio ad Sanctum Ludovi- cum: Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum Confesso- rem tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni gloriam transtulisti: ejus, quaesumus, meri- tis et intercessione Regis regum Jesu Christi Filii tui facias nos esse consortes. (Qui te- 28 brought to completion: graciously listen to our prayers, and defend with Thy protec- tion these Thy servants on whom we have placed in Thy blessed name the holy habit of penance, from all dangers of mind and body; grant them to persevere to the end in their holy resolution, that having ob- tained the remission of their sins, they may merit to attain to the company of Thy saints. O God, Who, by the Immaculate Concep- tion of the Blessed Virgin, didst prepare a worthy dwelling place for Thy Son: we be- seech Thee that, as in view of the death of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all stain of sin, so Thou wouldst enable us, by her intercession, to come with a pure heart unto Thee. O God, Who in many ways hast mani- fested the wonderful mysteries of the Cross in Thy most devoted Confessor, blessed Francis : grant to Thy servants that they may always follow his example and be fortified by frequent meditation on the same holy Cross. When a Brother is received: O God, Who hast transferred blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly realm to the glory of a heavenly kingdom: grant, we beseech Thee, that through his merits and intercession we may become the com- 29 cum vivit et regnat in saecula saeculorum.) Arnen. Pro Sorore: Oratio ad Sanctam Elisabeth: Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator, illustra et beatae Elisabeth precibus gloriosis fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et coelesti semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Arnen. V. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. V. Benedicamus Domino. R. Deo gratias. Deinde versus ad novitios dicit: Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, S& et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. R . Arnen. Nunc Pater, Ave, et Gloria recitantur ad mentem summi Pontificis ad lucrandam in- dulgentiam plenariam . 30 panions of the King of kings, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reign- eth world without end. Amen. When a Sister is received: O merciful God, enlighten the hearts of Thy faithful, and grant, through the glori- ous prayers of blessed Elizabeth, that we may despise the enticements of the world, and ever enjoy the consolations of heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. Let us bless the Lord. R . Thanks be to God. Then the priest turns to the newly re- ceived novices , blesses them , and says: May the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, Son, 8B and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain with you forever. R . Amen. Say one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory for the intention of our Holy Father the Pope to gain a plenary indulgence. The name cards are now collected for reg- istration. At a later date , the novice*s Chris- tian name and surname , residence and day of reception will be entered in the register of the Fraternity. A certificate of member- ship may be given to each novice as a re- membrance of this solemn occasion. 31 t St. Francis St. Louis, King of France St. Elizabeth of Hungary PATRONS OF THE THIRD ORDER t THE CEREMONY OF PROFESSION For a valid profession , a year and a day must have elapsed since reception , and the officiating priest must have the proper dele- gation. The priest is vested in surplice and white stole, and the novices, externally wearing the scapular and cord, kneel before him. The priest intones the hymn Veni, Creator Spiritus (p . 20). V. Emitte Spiritum tuum, et creabuntur. R. Et renovabis faciem terrae. Oremus Deus qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti : da nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de ejus semper con- solatione gaudere. Da, quaesumus, Domine, his famulis tuis, quos (quas) Ordinis habitu decorare jam dignatus es, ad inchoati operis perfectionem feliciter pervenire. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Arnen. 33 Sacerdos novitio s (as) rogat: Fratres (Sorores), quae est petitio vestra? Responsum: Reverende Pater, * postulo admitti ad sanctam professionem * in Tertio Ordine sancti Francisci, * ut in eo usque ad mor- tem * Deo serviam. Respondit sacerdos , Deo Gratias. Exho- rtatione finita, novitius hanc professionis for- mulam facit: Ego, Frater (Soror) N * coram Deo om- nipotente * ad honorem immaculatae beatae Virginis Mariae, * et beati Patris Francisci * omniumque sanctorum, * promitto servare mandata Dei * toto tempore vitae meae, * et regulam Tertii Ordinis, * ab eodem beato Francisco institutam, * juxta formam a Nicolao Papa Quarto * et Leone Decimo Tertio confirmatam; * item satisfacere * ad Visitatoris placitum * pro transgressioni- bus * contra eamdem Regulam commissis. Deinde sacerdos dicit: Et ego, ex parte Dei, si haec observaveritis, promitto vobis vitam aeternam. In nomine Patris, et Filii, 8S et Spiritus Sancti. Arnen. 34 The priest asks the novices kneeling be- fore him: Brothers (Sisters), what is your request? The answer: Reverend Father, * I ask to be admitted to holy profession * in the Third Order of St. Francis, * that I may serve God in it * till death. The priest answers: Thanks be to God. An exhortatory sermon may now be given , after which the novice, kneeling before the priest , pronounces the following formula of profession: I, Brother (Sister) N., * in the presence of Almighty God, * in honor of the Immac- ulate Virgin Mary, * of blessed Father Fran- cis, * and of all the saints, * promise to ob- serve, all the time of my life, * the com- mandments of God * and the Rule of the Third Order, * instituted by the same blessed Francis, * according to the form * approved by Nicholas the Fourth * and Leo the Thir- teenth; * also to satisfy, * at the pleasure of the Visitor, * for faults committed against the same Rule. Then the priest says: And I, on the part of God, if you observe these things, promise you life everlasting. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, * and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 35 Crucifixus nunc osculatur . Omnes surgunt et Te Deum canitur vel recitatur: Te Deum laudamus, * te Dominum con- fitemur. Te aeternum Patrem * omnis terra vene- ratur. Tibi omnes angeli, * tibi coeli et universae potestates : Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim * incessabili voce proclamant: Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus * Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coeli et terra * majestatis glo- riae tuae. Te gloriosus * apostolorum chorus, Te prophetarum * laudabilis numerus, Te martyrum candidatus * laudat exerci- tus. Te per orbem terrarum * sancta confite- tur Ecclesia, Patrem * immensae majestatis; Venerandum tuum verum * et unicum Filium; Sanctum quoque * Paraclitum Spiritum. Tu Rex gloriae, * Christe. Tu Patris * sempiternus es Filius. Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, * non horruisti Virginis uterum. 36 The newly professed now kiss the crucifix. Now all rise while the Te Deum is chanted: We praise Thee, O God; * we acknowl- edge Thee to be the Lord. All the earth worships Thee, * Father everlasting. To Thee all angels, * to Thee the heavens and all the heavenly powers: To Thee the cherubim and seraphim * continually cry: Holy, holy, holy * Lord God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth * are full of the majes- ty of Thy glory. The glorious choir of the apostles, The admirable company of the prophets, The white-robed army of martyrs * praise Thee. The Holy Church throughout the world * acknowledges Thee, The Father of infinite majesty; Thy adorable, * true, * and only Son; Also the Holy Ghost, * the Comforter. Thou art the King of glory, * O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son of the Fa- ther. When Thou didst take upon Thee to de- liver man, * Thou didst not disdain the Vir- gin’s womb. 37 Tu devicto mortis aculeo, * aperuisti cre- dentibus regna coelorum. Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, * in gloria Patris. Judex crederis * esse venturus. (Genuflectitur.) Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni, * quos pretioso sanguine redemisti. (Surgitur.) Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis * in gloria numerari. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, * et benedic haereditati tuae. Et rege eos, et extolle illos * usque in aeternum. Per singulos dies * benedicimus te. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, * et in saeculum saeculi. Dignare, Domine, die isto * sine peccato nos custodire. Miserere nostri, Domine, * miserere nostri. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos; * quemadmodum speravimus in te. In te, Domine, speravi, * non confundar in aeternum. 38 Having overcome the sting of death, * Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven * to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God * in the glory of the Father. We believe that Thou shalt come * to be our judge. (Here kneel.) We therefore pray Thee * to help Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed * by Thy Precious Blood. {Stand.) Number them among Thy saints * in eter- nal glory. O Lord, save Thy people, * and bless Thine inheritance. Govern them, * and lift them up forever. Every day we magnify Thee. And we praise Thy name * forever and ever. Grant, O Lord, * to keep us this day with- out sin. Have mercy on us, O Lord, * have mercy on us. Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us; * as our trust is in Thee. In Thee, O Lord, have I trusted; * let me never be confounded. 39 V . Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis. R. A templo sancto tuo quod est in Jeru- salem. V. Salvos fac servos tuos (Salvas fac fa- mulas tuas). R. Deus meus, sperantes in te. V. Mitte eis, Domine, auxilium de sancto. R. Et de Sion tuere eos (eas). V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in eis. R. Et filius iniquitatis non apponat nocere eis. V . Domine, exaudi orationem meam. R . Et clamor meus ad te veniat. V. Dominus vobiscum. R . Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus Deus, cujus misericordiae non est nume- rus, et bonitatis infinitus est thesaurus: piisi- mae majestati tuae pro collatis donis gratias agimus, tuam semper clementiam exorantes; ut qui petentibus postulata concedis, eosdem non deserens ad praemia futura disponas. Deus, qui per immaculatam Virginis Con- ceptionem dignum Filio tuo habitaculum 40 V. Confirm, O God, the work which Thou hast wrought in us. R. From Thy holy Temple which is in Jerusalem. V. Save Thy servants. JR. Trusting in Thee, O my God. V . Send them help, O Lord, from Thy sanctuary. jR. And from Sion look down upon them. V. Let not the enemy prevail against them. R , Nor the son of iniquity approach to hurt them. V . O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. R . And with thy spirit. Let us pray O God, Whose mercies are without num- ber, and the treasure of Whose goodness is infinite : we give thanks to Thy most gracious Majesty for the gifts Thou hast bestowed upon us, evermore beseeching Thy clemency that, as Thou grantest the peti- tions of them that ask Thee, Thou wilt never forsake them, but will prepare them for the rewards to come. O God, Who by the Immaculate Concep- tion of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy 41 praeparasti : quaesumus, ut qui ex morte ejusdem Filii tui praevisa, eam ab omni labe praeservasti, nos quoque mundos, ejus inter- cessione, ad te pervenire concedas. Domine Jesu Christe, qui, frigescente mundo, ad inflammandum corda nostra tui amoris igne, in carne beatissimi Patris nostri Francisci Passionis tuae sacra Stigmata reno- vasti: concede propitius; ut ejus meritis et precibus, crucem jugiter feramus, et dignos fructus poenitentiae faciamus. Ad professionem Fratris : Deus, qui beatum Ludovicum confessorem tuum de terreno regno ad coelestis regni glo- riam transtulisti: ejus, quaesumus, meritis et intercessione, Regis regum Jesu Christi Filii tui facias nos esse consortes. Ad professionem Sororis: Tuorum corda fidelium, Deus miserator, illustra; et beatae Elisabeth precibus glorio- sis, fac nos prospera mundi despicere, et coelesti semper consolatione gaudere. Deus, qui famulas tuas a vanitate saeculi conversas ad bravium supernae vocationis assequendum accendis: pectoribus earum il- 42 dwelling for Thy Son: we beseech Thee that, as in view of the death of that Son Thou didst preserve her from all stain of sin, so Thou wouldst enable us, being made pure by her intercession, to come unto Thee. O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, didst renew the sacred marks of Thy Passion in the most blessed Francis, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love: mercifully grant that by his merits and prayers we may always carry the Cross and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. For the profession of a Brother: O God, Who hast transferred blessed Louis, Thy Confessor, from an earthly king- dom to the glory of a heavenly kingdom, grant, we beseech Thee, that through his merits and intercession we may become the companions of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, Thy Son. For the profession of a Sister: O merciful God, enlighten the hearts of Thy faithful, and grant, through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, that we may despise the enticements of the world, and ever enjoy the consolation of heaven. O God, Who dost inflame Thy servants, turned away from the vanity of the world, to strive after the reward of a heavenly voca- 43 labere, et gratiam tuam, qua in te perseve- rent illis infunde; ut protectionis tuae muni- tae praesidiis, quod te donante promiserunt, adimpleant, et sancte vivendi aliis semper exemplum praebentes, ad ea, quae perseve- rantibus promissa sunt, aeterna praemia per- veniant. Per Dominum, etc. Amen. Neo-professis benedictionem sancti Fran- cisci confert: Benedicat vobis Dominus, et custodiat vos. Ostendat Dominus faciem suam vobis et mi- seratur vestri. Convertat Dominus vultum suum ad vos et det vobis pacem. Dominus vos benedicat. 80 Arnen. Deinde ad omnes: Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Fi- lii, 80 et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. Amen. 44 tion: take possession of their hearts, and in- fuse into them Thy grace, by means of which they may fulfill what at Thine inspiration they have promised, and always giving others a good example, may obtain those eternal re- wards which are promised to them that per- severe. Through our Lord, etc. Now the priest imparts St. Francis9 bless- ing: May the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May the Lord show His face to thee, and have mercy on thee. May the Lord turn His countenance to thee, and give thee peace. May the Lord bless AS thee. Amen. Then he blesses all present: May the blessing of Almighty God, Fa- ther, Son, )J( and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain with you forever. Amen. 45 ABSOLUTIO GENERALIS PRO TERTIARIIS (Indulgentia Plenaria) Antiphona: Intret oratio mea in conspectu tuo, Domine; inclina aurem tuam ad preces nostras; parce, Domine, parce populo tuo, quem redemisti sanguine tuo pretioso, ne in aeternum irascaris nobis. L. Kyrie eleison. R. Christe eleison. L. Kyrie eleison. Pater noster {secreto). V . Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. R. Sed libera nos a malo. V. Salvos fac servos tuos. R. Deus meus, sperantes in te. V. Mitte eis, Domine, auxilium de Sancto. R . Et de Sion tuere eos. V. Esto eis, Domine, turris fortitudinis. R . A facie inimici. V. Nihil proficiat inimicus in nobis. R . Et filius iniquitatis non apponat no- cere nobis. V. Domine exaudi orationem meam. jR. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 46 THE INDULGENCED BLESSING FOR TERTIARIES (General Absolution) Antiphon: Let my prayer, O Lord, enter before Thee; incline Thine ear to our peti- tions; spare, O Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Pre- cious Blood, and be not angry with us for- ever. L. Lord, have mercy on us. R. Christ, have mercy on us. L. Lord, have mercy on us. Our Father (in secret). V . And lead us not into temptation. R. But deliver us from evil. V. Save Thy servants. R. Who hope in Thee, O my God. V . Send them, O Lord, help from the sanctuary. R. And from Sion look down upon them. V. Be to them, O Lord, a tower of strength. R. From the face of the enemy. V. Let not the enemy prevail against us. R . Nor the son of iniquity approach to hurt us. V . O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. 47 V . Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus Deus, cui proprium est misereri semper et parcere, suscipe deprecationem nostram; ut nos, et omnes famulos tuos, quos delictorum catena constringit, miseratio tuae pietatis clementer absolvat. Exaudi, quaesumus, Domine, supplicum preces, et confitendum tibi parce peccatis: ut pariter nobis indulgentiam tribuas benignus et pacem. Ineffabilem nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam clementer ostende: ut simul nos et a peccatis omnibus exuas, et a poenis, quas pro his meremur, eripias. Deus qui culpa offenderis, poenitentia pla- caris: preces populi tui supplicantis propi- tius respice; et flagella tuae iracundiae, quae pro peccatis nostris meremur, averte. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Arnen. Confiteor Confiteor Deo omnipotenti, beatae Mariae semper Virgini, beato Michaeli archangelo, beato Joanni Baptistae, sanctis Apostolis 48 V . The Lord be with you. i?. And with your spirit. Let us pray O God, Whose attribute it is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our humble petition that we and all Thy servants who are bound by the chain of sins may, by the compassion of Thy goodness, mercifully be absolved. Graciously hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayers of Thy suppliants, and forgive the sins of them that confess to Thee; that in Thy bounty, Thou mayest grant us both pardon and peace. In Thy clemency, O Lord, show Thine un- speakable mercy to us, that Thou mayest both loose us from all our sins and deliver us from the punishments which we deserve for them. 0 God, Who by sin art offended, and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people making supplication to Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thine anger, which we deserve for our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Confiteor 1 confess to Almighty God, * to blessed Mary ever Virgin, * to blessed Michael the archangel, * to blessed John the Baptist, * 49 Petro et Paulo, * beato Patri nostro Fran- cisco, * omnibus sanctis, et tibi Pater, * quia peccavi nimis cogitatione, verbo et opere: * mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Ideo precor, beatam Mariam semper Vir- ginem, * beatum Michaelem archangelum, beatum Joannem Baptistam, sanctos Aposto- los Petrum et Paulum, * beatum Patrem nostrum Franciscum, * omnes sanctos, et te, Pater, * orare pro me ad Dominum Deum nostrum. V. Misereatur vestri omnipotens Deus, et dimissis peccatis vestris, perducat vos ad vitam aeternam. R. Arnen. V . Indulgentiam, flS absolutionem et re- missionem peccatorum vestrorum tri- buat vobis omnipotens et misericors Dominus. R. Arnen. Dominus noster Jesus Christus, qui beato Petro Apostolo dedit potestatem ligandi at- que solvendi, ille vos absolvat ab omni vin- culo delictorum, ut habeatis vitam aeternam, et vivatis in saecula saeculorum. Arnen. Per sacratissimam passionem et mortem Domini nostri Jesu Christi, precibus et meri- tis beatissimae semper Virginis Mariae, bea- torum Apostolorum Petri et Pauli, beati Pa- 50 to the holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, * to our blessed Father Francis, * to all the saints, and to you, Father, * that I have sinned ex- ceedingly in thought, word, and deed: * through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech the blessed Mary ever Virgin, * blessed Michael the archangel, * blessed John the Baptist, * the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, * our blessed Father Francis, * all the saints, and you, Father, * to pray to the Lord our God for me. V. May Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you your sins, and bring you to life everlasting. R. Amen. V . May the Almighty and merciful God grant us pardon, gg absolution and remission of all our sins. R. Amen. May our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave to blessed Peter the Apostle the power of bind- ing and loosing, absolve you from all bond of sins, that you may have life eternal and live forever. Amen. Through the most sacred Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the prayers and merits of the most blessed Mary ever Virgin, of the blessed Apostles Peter 51 tris nostri Francisd, et omnium sanctorum, auctoritate a Summis Pontificibus mihi con- cessa, plenariam indulgentiam omnium pec- catorum vestrorum vobis impertior. In no- mine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Arnen. Pater, Ave, et Gloria ad mentem Pontificis. (Forma brevis ') : Auctoritate a Summis Pontificibus mihi concessa plenariam omnium peccatorum tuorum indulgentiam tibi imper- tior. In nomine Patris, et Filii, 8B et Spiritus Sancti. Arnen. 52 and Paul, of our blessed Father Francis, and all the saints, by the authority granted to me by the Sovereign Pontiffs, I impart to you a plenary indulgence of all your sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. One Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory for the intentions of the Pope . (Short form): By the authority granted to me by the Sovereign Pontiffs, I impart to thee a plenary indulgence of all thy sins. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 53 THE PAPAL BLESSING This is a special blessing given to assem - bled Tertiaries in the name and in the place of the Pope, and to it a plenary indulgence is attached . The Papal Blessing may be received twice a year at the discretion of the director . Confession, Com?nu7iion a7id prayers for the Pope are required to gain the indulge7ice. The authorized priest, vested m surplice a7id stole, a7id kneelmg before the altar, says: V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Do- mini. R. Qui fecit coelum et terram. V. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine. R . Et benedic haereditati tuae. V. Dominus vobiscum. jR. Et cum spiritu tuo. Then rising, he says: Oremus Omnipotens et misericors Deus, da nobis auxilium de sancto, et vota populi hujus, in humilitate cordis veniam peccatorum po- scentis, tuamque benedictionem postulantis et gratiam, clementer exaudi: dexteram tuam super eum benignus extende, ac plenitudinem divinae benedictionis effunde; qua bonis om- nibus cumulatus, felicitatem et vitam conse- 54 quatur aeternam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen. Going to the Epistle side of the altar, he blesses the Tertiaries, saying: Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. jR. Arnen. 55 PRIVILEGES OF THE THIRD ORDER 1. Tertiaries wearing their habits at ecclesi- astical functions enjoy precedence over all confraternities. 2. The plenary indulgence of a privileged altar is applied to the soul of each de- ceased Tertiary every time and anywhere Mass is celebrated for his soul, whether the celebrant is aware of this or not. 3. Tertiary priests not bound to choir office may use the Franciscan Breviary and Missal. 4. Tertiary priests who use the Franciscan Breviary may say the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Conception every Saturday in a private oratory, semi-private oratory, or in churches of the Order, except on days prohibited by the calendar. 3. Isolated Tertiaries can gain the Third Order indulgences by visiting their par- ish churches when no Franciscan church is nearby. This also applies to those liv- ing in seminaries, colleges, hospitals, etc. 6. Sick Tertiaries can gain all the indul- gences they would gain by visiting a church of the Order when they say 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys for the intentions of the Pope. They may 56 also receive General Absolution or a ple- nary indulgence granted for certain days on the day or within eight days of the feast for which the plenary indulgence is granted, as long as the other conditions are fulfilled. 57 OCCASIONS UPON WHICH TERTIARIES CAN GAIN A PLENARY INDULGENCE 1. On the days of reception, profession, and the Golden Jubilee of profession {con- ditions: sacraments). 2. On the day of the monthly meeting {conditions: sacraments, visit to a church, and 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys for the intentions of the Pope). 3. For Tertiary priests on the day of their first Mass ( conditions : confession). 4. At the hour of death {conditions: sac- raments; if impossible, true contrition, and the invocation of the name of Jesus with the lips, or at least in the heart). 5. On the titular feast of a church or pub- lic oratory in which a Fraternity is estab- lished {conditions: sacraments, visit to said church, and prayers). 6. On the titular feast of a church or pub- lic oratory of the First, Second and TTiird Order Regular {conditions: sacraments, visit to said church, and prayers). 7. By making an eight-day retreat ( con- ditions : sacraments). 8. By making a retreat of at least three days under the direction of a priest of the 58 First Order ( conditions : sacraments and prayers). 9. By attending the first Mass of a priest of the First or the Third Order (conditions : sacraments). 10. On each day of the Forty Hours’ de- votion ( conditions : sacraments, visit to the exposed Blessed Sacrament, and 6 Our Fa- thers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys) . 11. Three times a month at the choice of the Tertiary ( conditions : sacraments, visit to a church, and prayers). 12. Once a month, on any day, for daily spending fifteen minutes in mental prayer ( conditions : sacraments, prayers). 13. On the first Saturday of the month if they hear or celebrate the Mass of the Im- maculate Conception when it is permitted, or the Mass of an occurring vigil, feast, or oc- tave of the Blessed Virgin ( conditions : sac- raments, visit to a church, and prayers). 14. Every Tuesday and on the seventeenth of every month ( conditions : sacraments, visit while the Blessed Sacrament is exposed, prayers). 15. Each time they recite the Crown or Rosary of Our Lady’s Seven Joys. 16. Saying the Cross prayers once daily for a month (conditions: sacraments, visit to a church, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope). 59 FRANCISCAN CALENDAR OF INDULGENCES In order to gain a plenary indulgence, the required works must be done personally, at the appointed time, and in the manner pre- scribed. When confession is prescribed, it must be made within eight days before or after the day to which the indulgence is al- lotted. Holy Communion must be received worthily on the vigil, the day itself, or with- in its octave. When visiting a church is pre- scribed, it must be entered with the intention of honoring God; and unless the contrary is stated or a special indult obtained, the visit must be made in a church or public oratory. To fulfill the obligation of praying for the Pope, one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory is sufficient (or its equivalent in time) unless a particular prayer or number is specified. For all toties quoties indulgences, 6 Our Fa- thers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys are re- quired with each visit. Except as noted below, a plenary indul- gence may be gained on the days here listed, and on any three days of the Tertiary s choosing during each month. When, in addition, the Indulgenced Blessing (General Absolution) may be imparted, the day is marked with an asterisk (*). (When only 60 the Indulgenced Blessing is granted, the day is printed in parentheses.) (2) at the end of a line signifies that on that day two plenary indulgences may be gained, one for each designated feast. Brackets surrounding a feast signify that the indulgence is still gained on that day, al- though the celebration of the feast either has been transferred or is no longer observed. January * 1 . 2 . *6 . 14. 16 . 19. 30. 31. The Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Most Holy Name of Jesus (or the Sunday between the Circumcision and the Epiphany). The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. BB. Odoric, Roger, and Giles, Conf. I Ord. SS. Berard and Comp., Protomartyrs I Ord. Bl. Bernard of Corleone, Conf. I Ord. St. Hyacintha, Virg. Ill Ord. {Bl. Louise Albertoni, Wid. Ill Ord.; feast now on Feb. 28.J February The Purification of the B. V. M. St. Joseph of Leonissa, Conf. I Ord. 61 *2 . 4. {St Jane of Valois, Wid.; feast now on Feb. 14.} (2) 5. SS. Peter Baptist and Comp., Martyrs I and III Ord. 17. Bl. Andrew of Conti, Conf. I Ord. 19. St. Conrad of Placentia, Conf. Ill Ord. 22. St. Margaret of Cortona, Penitent III Ord. 28. Bl. Angela of Fulgineo, Wid. Ill Ord. One Friday in Lent. Conditions: confes- sion, Communion, visit to a church, and prayers. March 5. St. John-Joseph of the Cross, Conf. I Ord. 6. St. Colette, Virg. II Ord. 9. St. Catherine of Bologna, Virg. II Ord. 18. St. Salvator, Conf. I Ord. *19. St. Joseph, Spouse of the B. V. M. 22. St. Benvenute, Bp., Conf. I Ord. *25. Annunciation of the B. V. M. 26. Bl. Didacus-Joseph, Conf. I Ord. 28. St. John Capistran, Conf. I Ord. 30. St. Peter Regalatus, Conf. I Ord. *First Friday in March, Feast of the Mys- teries of the Way of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. *Easter Sunday. 62 General Absolution may be given every day from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, inclusively. April 4. St. Benedict the Moor, Conf. I Ord. 16. The Profession of our holy Father St. Francis. Conditions for plenary indul- gence: Renewal of profession, and re- ception of the sacraments. Renewal can be made on the following Sunday if the Tertiary is prevented on this day. 21. St. Conrad of Parzham, Conf. I Ord. 24. St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr I Ord. 28. Bl. Luchesius, Conf. and first Tertiary; St. Paul of the Cross, Conf. (2). 30. St. Joseph-Benedict Cottolengo, Conf. Ill Ord. {Bl. Benedict of Urbino, Conf. I Ord.; feast now on May 14.} (2) The Solemnity of St. Joseph (on the Wednesday following the second Sunday after Easter). May 17. St. Paschal Baylon, Conf. I Ord. 18. St. Felix of Cantalice, Conf. I Ord. 63 19. St. Theophilus of Corte, Conf. I Ord. {St. Ives of Brittany; feast now on June 17.J (2) 20. St. Bernardine of Siena, Conf. I Ord. 21. Bl. Crispin of Viterbo, Conf. I Ord. 30. St. Ferdinand, King, Conf. Ill Ord. *Ascension Thursday. June 1. St. Angela Merici, Virg. Ill Ord. {Bl. Felix of Nicosia, Conf. I Ord.; feast now on June 2.} (2) 13. St. Anthony of Padua, Doct. and Conf. I Ord. 19. {Bl. Michelina, Wid. Ill Ord.; feast now on Sept. 9.J 24. Nativity of St. John the Baptist. *29. SS. Peter and Paul; if solemnity is transferred to following Sunday, in- dulgence is also transferred. *Pentecost Sunday. ^Trinity Sunday. ^Corpus Christi: Thursday after Trinity Sunday; if solemnity is transferred to follow- ing Sunday, indulgence is also transferred. *Sacred Heart of Jesus: Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi. Conditions: sac- raments, renewal of profession, consecration to the Sacred Heart. 64 July (*2. Visitation of the B. V. M.) 8. St. Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen, Wid. Ill Ord. 9. SS. Nicholas and Comp., Martyrs I Ord. 11. St. Veronica of Juliani, Virg. II Ord. 13. St. Francis Solanus, Conf. I Ord. 14. St. Bonaventure, Doct., Bp., Conf. I Ord. 23. St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Conf. I Ord. 26. St. Anne, Mother of the B. V. M. 27. Bl. Mary Magdalen Martinengo, Virg. II Ord. August 2. Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels : Portiuncula Indulgence. Conditions for gaining are given on p. 70. 7. BB. Agathangelus and Cassian, Mar- tyrs I Ord. 9. St. John-Mary Vianney, Conf. Ill Ord. *12. St. Clare of Assisi, Virg. II Ord., Foundress of the Poor Clare Nuns. *15. Assumption of the B. V. M. 16. St. Joachim, Father of the B. V. M. 17. St. Roch, Conf. Ill Ord. 19. St. Louis of Toulouse, Bp., Conf. I Ord. 65 *25. St. Louis of France, King, Conf. Ill OrA, Patron of the III Order. *27. Seven Joys of the B. V. M. September 1. {BL Bernard of Ophyda, Coaf. I OrA; feast now on Aug. 26.} 4. St. Rose of Viterbo, Virg. Ill OrA *8. Nativity of the B. V. M. *17. Stigmata of Our Holy Father Francis. 18. St. Joseph of Cupertino, Conf. I OrA 24. St. Pacificus, Conf. I OrA 27. St. Flzear, Conf. Ill OrA 29. Dedication of St. Michael the Arch- October 2. Feast of the Guardian Angels. *4. Solemnity of Our Holv Father St. y j Francis. 6. St. Mary-Frances, Virg. Ill OrA 10. SS. Daniel and Comp., Martyrs I OrA 13. St. Seraphin of Montegranario, Conf. I OrA 19. St. Peter of Alcantara, Conf. I OrA 26. Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza, Conf. I OrA 30. BL Angelus of Aerio, Conf. I OrA Feast of Christ the King, last Sunday in October. 66 November (*1. All Saints.) 2. All Souls. From noon of Nov. 1 until midnight of Nov. 2 a plenary indulgence may be gained for the souls in purgatory by those who receive the sacraments between Nov. 1 and Nov. 9, as often as they visit a church or public oratory and recite 6 Our Fa- thers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys for the intentions of the Pope. 13. St. Didacus, Conf. I Ord. 14. St. Josaphat, Bp., Martyr. 16. St. Agnes of Assisi, Virg. II Ord. *19. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Wid. Ill Ord., Patroness of the III Order. (*21. Presentation of the B. V. M.) (*25. St. Catherine of Alexandria, Virg., Martyr.) 26. St. Leonard of Port Maurice, Conf. I Ord. 28. St. James of the Marches, Conf. I Ord. 29. All Saints of the Franciscan Order. December 1. All Souls of the Franciscan Order. *8. Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M. 9. £B1. Delphine, Virg. Ill Ord.; feast now on Sept. 26.} Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 67 *23. The aforementioned indulgences apply to the Tertiaries of all four jurisdictions, with the exceptions and additions noted below, which pertain respectively to the Friars Minor Conventual, the Friars Minor Capu- chin, and the Third Order Regular. Friars Minor Conventual Jan. 31. {Bl. Louise Albertoni} Feb. 3. Bl. Andrew of Conti May 19. SS. Theophilus of Corte and Ives of Brittany (2) May 31. St. Angela Merici June 1 . {Bl. Felix of Nicosia} July 24. St. Lawrence Brindisi Aug. 26. Seven Joys Nov. 3. All Souls of the Franciscan Order Nov. 27. Bl. Delphine Friars Minor Capuchin Jan. 28. Bl. Odoric Jan. 31. Bl. Louise Albertoni Feb. 14. Bl. Andrew of Conti May 19. St. Ives May 31. St. Angela Merici June 1 . Bl. Felix of Nicosia July 9. St. Veronica Juliani July 11. SS. Nicholas and Comp. July 21. St. Francis Solanus Aug. 26. St. Roch Oct. 5. All Souls of the Franciscan Order Dec. 9. Bl. Delphine 68 Jan. 4. Jan. 31. May 13. May 31. July 16. July 21. July 24. Aug. 4. Sept. 23. Sept. 26. Oct. 11. Oct. 12. Dec. 2. Third Order Regular Bl. Angela of Fulgineo Bl. Louise Albertoni St. Peter Regalatus St. Angela Merici Our Lady of Mount Carmel Bl. Angelina of Marsciano, Wid. Ill Ord. St. Francis Solanus St. Dominic, Founder Order of Preachers St. Pacificus Bl. Lucy of Calatajerone, Virg. Ill Ord. Maternity of the B. V. M. St. Seraphin All Souls of the Franciscan Order 69 PORTIUNCULA DEVOTIONS The Portiuncula Indulgence A plenary indulgence may be gained from noon of August 1 to midnight of August 2, by visiting a Franciscan church or public oratory where a Third Order is canonically established, or a church or pub- lic oratory to which a special indult has been granted. (The local ordinaries, the pastors, and rectors of privileged sacred edifices can, for just causes, transfer the toties quoties indulgence to the following Sunday in case August 2 is not on a Sunday. If this is done, visits may be made from noon of Saturday until midnight of Sunday.) The conditions for gaining the indulgence are as follows: confession and Communion (within eight days of the day on which the indulgence is given), visits to a church or public oratory wdiere the indulgence can be gained, and at each visit the recitation of at least 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys, and 6 Glorys for the intentions of the Pope. While the churches or oratories are open to the faithful for the gaining of the Porti- uncula indulgence, a relic or at least a statue of St. Francis or the Blessed Virgin should be adorned with flowers and candles, and exposed for public veneration. Devotions 70 should be held consisting of prayers to the Blessed Virgin, to St. Francis, and for the Pope, together with the Litany of the Saints of the Order, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. ( The prayers given below may be recited by the priest and people between the O Salu- taris and Tantum Ergo of Benediction . Ven- eration of the relic of St. Francis follows Benediction.) Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, * our life, our sweetness, and our hope. * To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; * to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. * Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, * thine eyes of mercy toward us, * and after this, our exile, * show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! V. Pray for us, O Mary, Queen of the Franciscan Order. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray O God, Who didst give to St. Francis and his children the Most Blessed Virgin 71 Mary a5 their special patroness: grant us, through the protection of our Queen and Mother, to be faithful in serving Thy Maj- esty, and by our word and example, to give glory to Thy holy name. Amen. Prayer to St. Francis Holy Father, St. Francis, * I beg of thee, by the holy Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ, * which were impressed on thy body : * help me to control the five senses of my body, * according to the will of Almighty God. Ask Him to give me the grace * to keep His holy commandments. Obtain for me sorrow for my sins, * a stronger faith, * a firmer hope, * and a more ardent love, * joined to purity of body and soul. Obtain for me the grace of perseverance in serving God, * so that after this life * I may be worthy to come to thee, * and enjoy ever- lasting happiness in heaven with thee, * through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord. * Amen. V. Thou hast marked, O Lord, Thy serv- ant Francis, R. With the signs of our redemption. Prayer for the Pope V . Let us pray for our Holy Father, Pope N. R. May the Lord preserve him and give him life * and make him to be 72 blessed upon the earth, * and de- liver him not up to the will of his enemies. Let us pray O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, mercifully look upon Thy servant N., whom Thou hast chosen as the Chief Shepherd to preside over Thy Church; grant him, we beseech Thee, so to edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may attain unto everlasting life, together with the flock com- mitted unto him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of the Saints of the Franciscan Order Lord, have mercy on us. Christ , have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ , graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us. God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Pray for us. Holy Mother of God, Pray for us. Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us. 73 St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All ye holy Angels and Archangels, All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, St. Simon, St. Thaddeus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Luke, St. Mark, All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, All ye holy Innocents, St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, St. Vincent, SS. Fabian and Sebastian, SS. John and Paul, 74 SS. Cosmas and Damian, SS. Gervase and Protase, SS. Berard and Companions, First Mar- tyrs of the Order of Friars Minor, SS. Daniel and Companions, Martyrs of Septa, SS. Nicholas and Companions, Martyrs of Gorkum, SS. Peter-Baptist and Companions, Mar- tyrs of Japan, St. Fidelis, All ye holy Martyrs, St. Sylvester, St. Gregory, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Bonaventure, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, St. Benvenute, St. Louis, All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, All ye holy Doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Dominic, Our holy Father St. Francis, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Bernardine, St. Peter Regulatus, 2 75 St. John Capistran, St. Didacus, St. James of the Marshes, St. Peter of Alcantara, St. Salvator, St. Felix, St. Benedict, St. Paschal, St. Seraphin, St. Francis Solanus, St. Joseph of Leonissa, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, St. Joseph of Cupertino, St. Pacificus, St. John-Joseph, St. Theophilus, St. Leonard, St. Conrad of Parzham, St. Ferdinand, St. Louis, St. Ives, St. Elzear, St. Roch, St. Conrad of Placentia, St. Joseph-Benedict, St. John Vianney, St. Joseph Cafasso, All ye holy Priests and Levites, All ye holy Monks and Hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Agatha, St. Lucy, I v '"K 76 St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St. Catharine, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Agnes of Assisi, St. Colette, St. Catherine of Bologna, St. Veronica, St. Rose of Viterbo, St. Angela, St. Hyacintha, St. Mary-Frances, St. Anastasia, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Margaret of Cortona, All ye holy Virgins and Widows, Pray for us. All ye holy men and women, Saints of the Three Orders of our holy Father St. Francis, Intercede for us. All ye holy men and women, Saints of God, Intercede for us. V. Pray for us, all ye holy Saints of the Franciscan Order, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray O Almighty and Everlasting God, Thou Who dost ever glorify Thy Church with 77 © the manifold splendors of Thy saints, and dost strengthen her through Thy mighty protection: grant to us who honor the merits of blessed Francis and his sainted children, to be loosed now from all our sins, and finally, to enjoy eternal glory. Amen. 78 The Immaculate Conception 79 IN TRANSITU SANCTI PATRIS NOSTRI FRANCISCI In festo S. P. N. Francisci, circa occasum solis qua hora S. P. N. Franciscus evolavit in coelum , vel immediate post Vesperas , con- venient Fratres, candelas ardentes gestantes ad sacellum vel altare ipsius Sancti Patris nostri . Ibique more solito incensum impo- nitur et benedicitur; deinde praemissa pro- funda capitis inclinatione Celebrans, indutus pluviali albo, stans Reliquiam Sancti Patris duplici ductus adolet. Quibus finitis et omni- bus ante ejus aram stantibus, Cantores inci- piunt antiphona, O Sanctissima Anima. Ant. O sanctissima anima, in cujus tran- situ coeli cives occurrunt, Angelorum chorus exsultat, et gloriosa Trinitas invitat dicens, Mane nobiscum in aeternum ( vid . p . 88). Deinde canitur Ps 141 ( vid. p. 88): Voce mea ad Dominum clamavi: * voce mea ad Dominum deprecatus sum. . 80 THE TRANSITUS OF ST. FRANCIS The ceremony of the Transitus recalls to mind the death of St. Francis. When his Friars had recited the last verse of Fsalm 141, his soul passed on to its eternal glory. This is commemorated toward sunset on October 4 . The church lights are dimmed , the altar of St. Francis is adorned with flowers and candles , and his relic is exposed for venera- tion. All bear lighted candles in their hand , while the celebrant , vested in a white cope , proceeds with his assistants to the altar , where he makes a profound inclination of the head and incenses the relic with a dou- ble ductus. All remain standing while the chanters intone the O Sanctissima Anima. Ant. O most holy soul, whom the inhabit- ants of heaven hasten to salute on thy pas- sage, the choir of angels receives with joy, and the glorious Trinity welcomes, saying, Remain with us forever. (For chant melody , see p. 88.) Then Psalm 14 1 is sung ( see p. 88): I cried to the Lord with my voice: * with my voice I made supplication to the Lord. 81 Effundo in conspectu ejus orationem meam, * et tribulationem meam ante ipsum pronuntio. In deficiendo ex me spiritum meum, * et tu cognovisti semitas meas. In via hac, qua ambulabam, * absconde- runt laqueum mihi. Considerabam ad dexteram et videbam, * et non erat qui cognosceret me. Periit fuga a me: * et non est qui requirat animam meam. Clamavi ad te, Domine: * dixi Tu es spes mea, portio mea in terra viventium. Intende ad deprecationem meam: * quia humiliatus sum nimis. Libera me a persequentibus me: * quia confortati sunt super me. Educ de custodia animam meam * ad con- fitendum nomini tuo: * me exspectant justi donec retribuas mihi. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Arnen. Ad verba Educ de custodia, campanae pulsantur. Post Gloria Patri, repetitur ant. O Sanctissima Anima, et mox, extinctis can- delis, genuflectitur ab omnibus, recitantur 6 Pater, Ave, et Gloria. Postea, omnes stant et cantant: 82 In His sight I pour out my prayer, * and before Him I declare my trouble. When my spirit failed me, * then thou knewest my paths. In the way wherein I walked, * they have hidden a snare for me. I looked on my right hand and beheld, * and there was no man that would know me. Flight hath failed me; * and there is no one who hath regard unto my soul. I cried to Thee, O Lord, and said: * Thou art my hope, * my portion in the land of the living. Hearken to my supplication: * for I am brought very low. Deliver me from those that persecute me: * for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, * that I may praise Thy name: * the just wait for me until Thou reward me. Glory be to the Father, etc. At the words Bring my soul out of prison, the church bells are rung . After the Glory, the antiphon O Most Holy Soul is repeated, the candles which were held are extinguished, and all kneel to say 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys and 6 Glorys. After- ward, all stand and sing: 83 Salve, sancte Pater, patriae lux, forma Minorum, virtutis speculum, recti via, regula morum; carnis ab exsilio duc nos ad regna polorum ( vid . p. 89). Genuflectunt nunc omties et cantores can- tant: V. Franciscus, pauper et humilis, coelum dives ingreditur. R. Hymnis coelestibus honoratur. Tunc celebrans assurgens subjungit: Oremus Deus, qui hodierna die, animae beati Patris nostri Francisci aeternae beatudinis praemia contulisti: concede propitius; ut qui ejus migrationis memoriam piis affectibus celebramus, ad ejusdem beatitudinis prae- mia feliciter pervenire mereamur. Per Do- minum. V . Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. V. Benedicamus Domino. R. Deo gratias. 84 Hail, holy Father, glory of thy country, model of the Friars Minor, mirror of virtue, way of rectitude, rule of conduct; from this exile lead us to the kingdom on high. (For chant melody, see p. 89.) All now kneel, and the chanters sing the versicle: V. Francis, poor and humble, rich in merits, enters heaven. To which all respond: R. Celestial hymns are sung in his honor. Then the celebrant rises to sing the ora- tion . Let us pray O God, Who on this day didst confer the reward of eternal happiness on the soul of our Father Francis : mercifully grant that we, who with pious affections celebrate the com- memoration of his death, may happily attain to the joys of the same most blessed eternity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. V. Let us bless the Lord. R. Thanks be to God. 85 Post haec, celebrans imposito ac benedicto incenso, sacram Reliquiam denuo duplici ductu adolet, et populum in genere cum ea benedicit . Benedictione Sacratissimi Sacra- menti persoluta , potest praebere Reliquiam populo singulariter osculandum . Si aderit sermoncinatio, ante Benedictio- nem fieri debet . 86 When this has been done , the celebrant puts incense into the censer, blesses it, and incenses the relic again with a double ductus, after which he blesses the people with the relic . At the end of Benediction, he may let the people kiss the relic . If there is to be any sermon at this de- votion, it should come before Benediction . 87 From the CANTUALE ROMANO-SERAPHICUM O Sanctissima Anima p-fa-yj. t— r — r ——— rr=F F* P w O san- cKs- si- ma a- ni- ma, * in cu- jus trans-i- tu ) V"*-rs ^ tv . .--.'fr-fffr- rv- - ~ V - 1 ' 1 1 -1 1 111 11 l\ i i T 1 1 coe- li ci- ves oc- cur-runt, An-ge- lo-rum cho- rus ex- suU tat, et glo- ri- o- sa Tri- ni- tas in- vi- tat di- cens, Ma- ne no- bis- cum in ae- ter-num. Psalm 141 ¥ $ Vo- ce me-a ad Do-mi-num da- MA-vi: * vo-ce g=E^= Do-mi-num de- pre- CA-tus sum. Ef-fun-do in me-a ad con- From the CANTUALE ROMANOSERAPHICUM Salve, Sancte Pater U-l ^ ^ j ^ Sal- ve, san- cte Pa- ter, * pa- tri- ae lux, r~r~ N h =—l —7cn— ^ r-n m r~ . m - - m .O r ^ i j Jl i L r* a. . _ -!- V' —V—* for- ma Mi- no- rum, vir- tu- tis spe- cu- lum, —et r\ n r k rs i i - i ... . -n k k n -P i*’ b 1 1 1 n v v W J v In r I' m m * i: i a J L J m rec- ti vi- a, re- gu- la mo-rum; car- nis ab ex- si- Ii- o duc nos ac1 re gna po- lo-rum. V. Franciscus pauper et i mW—•— # humilis coelum dives ingreditur m R. Hymnis coelestibus honoratur =«£=£== miis Be- ne- di- ca-mus Do De o hJ^jj mi- no. gra ti- as. 89 RENEWAL OF PROFESSION* Most holy Trinity, * I cast myself before Thy Divine Majesty, * to give Thee thanks * for all the blessings and mercies * I have so generously received from Thee, * from the first moment of my existence. I thank Thee most especially, * O my God, * for having made me a member * of the Third Order of Thy servant, * St. Fran- cis. I joyfully embrace the holy Rule * of our Seraphic Father, * and renew it with my whole heart and soul. I once again promise * in Thy divine presence, * in honor of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, * of blessed Father Francis, * and of all the saints, * to observ e all the days of my life * Thy command- ments, * as well as the Rule of the Third Order; * likewise, to fulfill the penance * imposed upon me by my superiors * for any transgression * against the same holy Rule. O God, * I promise, with the help of Thy grace, * to be more exact * in the fulfill- *A plenary indulgence may be gained for the re- newal of profession on the Solemn Commemoration of St Francis, April 16. Tertiaries who are prevented from making renewal on this day can gain the indul- gence on the following Sunday. ( Conditions : recep- tion of the sacraments.) 90 ment of my duties as a Tertiary. Bless this holy resolution, * and inflame my heart * with the fire of thy love, * so that, burning with divine charity, * I may be a true child * of our holy Father, St. Francis, * and never cease to love and honor Thee. Amen. 91 THE ROSARY OR FRANCISCAN CROWN OF OUR LADY’S SEVEN JOYS The mysteries of Our Lady’s Joys are as follows : 1. The Annunciation . 2. The Visitation . 3. The Birth of Our Lord. 4* The Adoration of the Magi. 5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. 6. The Apparition of the Risen Saviour to His Blessed Mother. 7. The Assumption and Crowning of the Blessed Virgin in Heaven. How to say the Crown: Start immediately with a decade of one Our Father and ten Hail Marys. Continue with six decades con- sisting of the same prayers, commemorating each mystery in turn. At the end of the sev- enth decade, add two Hail Marys to com- plete the seventy-two Hail Marys in honor of the years Our Lady is said to have lived on earth. Then recite an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory for the intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope. To gain the indulgences, meditation on the mysteries is not necessary as long as the decades are recited in honor of the Joys. 92 The Crown may be interrupted, provided that the entire rosary of seven decades is re- cited within one natural day. A plenary in- dulgence is gained each time the Crown is recited, and since the indulgence is personal, Tertiaries need not hold beads to obtain it. In public recitation of the Crown in Fran- ciscan churches, all who join in the prayers gain the plenary indulgence. 93 BENEDICTION OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT O Salutaris O Salutaris hostia, Quae coeli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia; Da robur, fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in patria. Arnen. Tantum Ergo Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui; Et antiquum documentum Novo cedat ritui. Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui. Genitori Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio: Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Arnen. 94 V. Panem de coelo praestitisti eis. (Alleluia) R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. (Alleluia) Oremus Deus, qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili, Passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. R. Arnen. The Divine Praises Blessed be God. Blessed be His holy name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. Blessed be the name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacra- ment of the Altar. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Con- ception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. 95 Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste Spouse. Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints. Immediately after the Divine Praises, St. Francis’ Act of Adoration may be recited by all. We adore Thee, * most holy Lord Jesus Christ, * here and in all Thy churches which are in the whole world, * and we bless Thee, * because by Thy holy Cross, * Thou hast redeemed the world. (Adoremus Te, * sanctissime Domine Jesu Christe, * hic et ad omnes ecclesias tuas, quae sunt in toto mundo, * et benedicimus Tibi, * quia per sanctam Crucem tuam, re- demisti mundum.) 96 HYMNS 1. COME, HOLY GHOST Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest. And in our hearts take up Thy rest; Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid, To fill the hearts which Thou hast made, To fill the hearts which Thou hast made. O Comforter, to Thee we cry; Thou heavenly Gift of God Most High; Thou Fount of Life and Fire of Love, And sweet anointing from above, And sweet anointing from above. 2. JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all! How can I love Thee as I ought? And how revere this wondrous Gift, So far surpassing hope or thought? Chorus Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore, O make us love Thee more and more. O make us love Thee more and more. Had I but Mary’s sinless heart To love Thee with, my dearest King, Oh, with what bursts of fervent praise Thy goodness, Jesus, would I sing! 97 3. TO JESUS’ HEART ALL BURNING To Jesus’ Heart all burning With fervent love for man. My heart with fondest yearning Shall raise the joyful strain. Chorus While ages course along. Blest be with loudest song, The Sacred Heart of Jesus By even7 heart and tongue | O Heart for me on fire With love no man can speak, My yet untold desire God gives me for Thy sake. 4. OH, WHAT COULD MY JESUS DO MORE? Oh, what could my Jesus do more, Or what greater blessings impart? O silence, my soul, and adore. And press Him still nearer thy heart. ’Tis here from my labor I’ll rest. Since He makes my poor heart His abode. To Him all my cares I’ll address. And speak to the Heart of my God. In life and in death Thou art mine; My Saviour, I’m sealed with Thy Blood. Till eternity7 on me doth shine. I’ll live on the Flesh of my God. In Jesus triumphant I’ll live, In Jesus triumphant I’ll die. The terrors of death calmly brave. In His bosom breathe out my last sigh. 98 5. IMMACULATE MARY (Lourdes Hymn) Immaculate Mary, Our hearts are on fire. That title so wondrous Fills all our desire! Chorus Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria! We pray for God’s glory, May His kingdom come! We pray for His Vicar, Our Father in Rome. We pray for our Mother, The Church upon earth. And bless, dearest Lady, The land of our birth. 6. HAIL, HOLY QUEEN, ENTHRONED ABOVE Hail, holy Queen, enthroned above! O Maria! Hail, Mother of Mercy and of Love! O Maria! Triumph, all ye Cherubim, Sing with us, ye Seraphim; Heaven and earth resound the hymn: Salve, salve, salve, Regina! Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria! Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria! 99 7. QUEEN OF THE HOLY ROSARY Queen of the Holy Rosary, O bless us as we pray, And offer thee our roses In garlands day by day: While from our Father’s garden. With loving hearts and bold, We gather to thine honor Buds white, and red, and gold. Queen of the Holy Rosary, The prayer with power divine; Whose beads of joy and sorrow Blend Jesus’ life with thine. Thy soul was His fair garden, Thy virgin breast His throne, Thy thoughts His faithful mirror. Reflecting Him alone. 8. DEAR GUARDIAN OF MARY Dear Guardian of Mary, dear nurse of her Child! Life’s ways are full weary, the desert is wild; Bleak sands are all round us, no home can we see; Sweet Spouse of Our Lady, we lean upon thee. For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide. And Jesus and Mary felt safe at thy side. Ah, blessed St. Joseph, how safe should I be, Sweet Spouse of Our Lady, if thou wert with me! 9. BLESSED FRANCIS* Blessed Francis, holy Father, Now our hearts to thee we raise. As we gather round thine altar. Pouring forth our hymn of praise. *From the St. Gregory Hymnal, No. 75, p. 100, 1940 ed. 100 Bless thy children, holy Francis, Who thy mighty help implore, For in heaven thou remainest, Still the Father of the poor. By thy love so deep and burning, For thy Saviour Crucified, By the tokens which He gave thee, On thy hands and feet and side: Bless thy children, holy Francis, With those wounded hands of thine, From thy glorious throne in heaven, Where resplendently they shine. 10. FROM THE STREETS OF LONE ASSISIf From the streets of lone Assisi rang a voice of piercing might, Through the orange groves and myrtle, in the sun- shine and the night. From a world that lay in darkness, came a sweet and thrilling cry, When our Francis called the nations to the Wis- dom from on high. O thou messenger of Jesus, O thou Saint of gentle love! Who didst see thy God in all things, and didst dwell with Him above. Like the angel in mid-heaven, with the everlasting scroll. Thou didst bear the Gospel tidings to each lost and darkened soul. fFrom St. Francis Little Hymnal , p, 77, 101 Ultima Laudate Franciscum j-i \ ' - " ' * :E== O hear thy poor chit- dren, St. To car- ry our cross- es With r r ! ° ; Fran- as, we pray. And lead us to joy and with peace, St. Fran- ds, we =*:»" T - - ’ = F=^ * •' : : Sod, for Thou know- est the way. Lau- pray thee Our love to in- crease- • • • !• • ' ' • r LL-tl da- te, lau- da- te, lau- da- te Fran- cis- cum, -cum. 102 RULE OF THE THIRD ORDER SECULAR OF ST. FRANCIS (Promulgated May 30, 1883, by Pope Leo XIII.) CHAPTER I Reception, Novitiate, and Profession 1. Only those may be received as mem- bers who have completed their fourteenth year, and are of good character, peace-loving, and, above all, of tried fidelity in the prac- tice of the Catholic Faith and in loyalty to the Roman Church and the Apostolic See. 2. Married women may not be received without their husband’s knowledge and con- sent, unless their confessor judges otherwise. 3. The members shall wear the small scapular and the cord as prescribed; if they do not, they deprive themselves of the rights and privileges of the Order. 4. All who enter the Order must pass the first year in probation; then they shall duly make their profession upon the Rule of the Order, pledging themselves to observe the 103 commandments of God and of the Church, and to render satisfaction if they have failed against their profession. CHAPTER II Rule of Life 1. In all things let the members of the Third Order avoid extremes of cost and style, observing the golden mean suited to each one’s station in life. 2. Let them with the utmost cautioo keep away from dances and shows which savor of license, as well as from all forms of dissipa- tion. 3. Let them be temperate in eating and drinking, and devoutly say grace before and after meals. 4. They shall fast on the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception— and on that of St. Francis; they are to be highly commended who, according to the original Rule of the Tertiaries, also either fast on Fridays or ab- stain from fleshmeat on Wednesdays. 3. They shall approach the sacraments of Penance and of the Holy Eucharist every month. 6. Tertiaries among the clergy, since they recite the Divine Office daily, shall be under no further obligation in this regard. Lay members who recite neither the Canonical 104 Hours, nor the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary, shall say daily twelve Our Fa- thers, Hail Marys and Glorys, unless they are prevented by ill health. 7. Let those who are entitled to make a last will and testament do so in good time. 8. In their daily life, let them strive to lead others by good example and to pro- mote practices of piety and good works. Let them not allow books or publications which are a menace to virtue to be brought into their homes, or to be read by those under their care. 9. Let them earnestly maintain the spirit of charity among themselves and toward others. Let them strive to heal discord wherever, they can. 10. Let them never take an oath except when necessary. Let them never use inde- cent language or vulgar jokes. Let them ex- amine their consciences every night whether they have offended in this regard; if they have, let them repent and correct their fault. 11. Let those who can do so, attend Mass every day. Let them attend the monthly meetings called by the Prefect. 12. Let them contribute according to their means to a common fund, from which the poorer members may be aided, especially in time of sickness, or provision may be made for the dignity of divine worship. 105 13. Let the officers either personally visit a sick member, or send someone to perform the services of charitv. In case of serious ill- ness, let them remind and urge the sick per- son to arrange in time the affairs of his soul. 14. At the funeral of a deceased member, the resident and visiting Tertiaries shall as- semble and say in common five decades of the Rosary for the soul of the departed. Moreover, let the priests at the Holy Sacri- fice, and the lay members, if possible, having received Holy Communion, pray with fervent charity for the eternal rest of the deceased. chapter m Offices, Visitation, and the Rule Itself 1. The offices shall be conferred at a meet- ing of the members. The term of these offices shall be three years. Let no one, with- out good reason, refuse an office tendered him, and let no one discharge his office negligently. 2. The Visitor, who is charged with the supervision of the Order, shall diligently investigate whether the Rule is properly ob- served. Therefore, it shall be his duty to visit the Fraternities every year, or oftener if it need be, and hold a meeting, to which all the officers and members shall be sum- moned. Should the Visitor recall a member to his duty by admonition or command, or 106 impose a salutary penance, let such member meekly accept the correction and not refuse to perform the penance. 3. The Visitors are to be chosen from the First Franciscan Order or from the Third Order Regular, and shall be appointed by the Provincial or local superiors when re- quested. Laymen cannot hold the office of Visitor. 4. Disobedient and harmful members shall be admonished of their duty a second and a third time; if they do not submit, let them be dismissed from the Order. 5. Those who offend against any provision of this Rule do not incur the guilt of sin unless in so doing they also transgress the commandments of God or of the Church . 6. Should a just and serious cause prevent a member from observing any provision of the Rule, such person may be dispensed therefrom, or the regulation may be pru- dently commuted. For this purpose, the or- dinary superiors of the First and the Third Order Regular, as also the aforesaid Visitors, shall have full power. 107 THE ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF THE CORD OF ST. FRANCIS The candidate kneels before the priest, who wears a surplice and stole . BLESSING OF THE CORD V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Do- mini. R. Qui fecit coelum et terram. V. Domine exaudi orationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. V. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus Deus, qui ut servum redimeres, Filium tuum per manus impiorum ligari voluisti; bene)J(dic quaesumus, funem istum, et prae- sta, ut famulus tuus, qui eo, velut ligamine poenitentiali sui corporis cingetur, vinculo- rum ejusdem Domini nostri Jesu Christi per- petuo memor existat, et in statu devotionis, quem assumit, perenniter perseveret tuisque cum affectu semper obsequiis se alligatum esse cognoscat. Per eundem Christum, etc. R, Arnen. 108 Oremus Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui omnibus peccatoribus quaerentibus veniam et miseri- cordiam, quaesita et optata misericorditer tri- buisti: oramus immensam clementiam tuam, ut funem istum beneS&dicere et sancti fi&ficare digneris; ut quicumque eo pro peccatis suis cinctus fuerit, et clementiam tuam implora- verit, meritis et intercessione beatissimi servi tui Patris nostri Francisci veniam et indul- gentiam suorum peccatorum, fructumque tuae sanctae misericordiae consequatur. Per Chri- stum Dominum nostrum. R. Arnen. The priest then sprinkles the cord with holy water , and invests the person with it. Accipe chordam beati Patris nostri Fran- cisci, in signum timoris, temperantiae et castitatis, ut sint lumbi tui praecincti. In no- mine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Arnen. Deus, qui Ecclesiam tuam, beati Patris no- stri Francisci meritis, foetu novae prolis am- plificas; tribue nobis ex ejus imitatione ter- rena despicere, et coelestium donorum sem- per participatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Arnen. The priest then adds: Ego auctoritate qua fungor, et mihi con- cessa, recipio te, et suscipio ad participa- tionem omnium bonorum spiritualium quae 109 in toto Ordine Seraphici Patris nostri Fran- cisci, ex gratia Dei, peraguntur. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, * et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super te, et maneat semper. R. Amen. For further information, address: The Third Order Commissary Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus 174 RAMSEY STREET PATERSON 1, N. J. 110