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Profession of Vows

The Lord Gives Us Brothers

Francis of Assisi set out in the early 1200's to live and share the message of the Gospel:

"The rule and life of the Friars Minor is this: to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without anything of their own, and in chastity." (The Rule, Chapter One, 1223)

His instruction is found in three Bible verses, where Jesus says:

"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me." (Matt. 19:21)

"Take nothing with you for the trip: no walking stick, no beggar's bag, no food, no money, not even an extra shirt." (Luke 9:2-3)

"If anyone wants to come after me, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me." (Matt. 16:24)

Promises of Life

Having completed their formation in simple vows, student friars come one by one before their Provincial Minister during a special Mass to profess their solemn vows in the Order of Friars Minor:

"Since for the glory of God, the Lord has given me this grace, of living more perfectly and with firm will the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I...., in the presence of the assembled friars, and into your hands, (provincial minister), vow for the whole time of my life to live in obedience, without anything of my own, and in chastity according to the Rule of St. Francis confirmed by Pope Honorius III and the General Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor.

I give myself to this brotherhood that through the work of the Holy Spirit, the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, our Father Francis and all the saints, and with the help of my brothers, I may fulfill my consecration to the service of God and of the Church."

Their minister replies:

"In the name of the Church and of the brotherhood, I accept your vows. And on the part of Almighty God, if you observe them, I promise you life everlasting.

Therefore, O Lord, look upon these our brothers whom in your providence you have called to follow the poor, humble Francis, the lover of the cross. Pour into them the fullness of the sevenfold Spirit so that what they have promised today with joy and gladness through your giving, that they may with the divine assistance observe faithfully to the end. May they follow highest poverty, gird themselves with the virtue of patience and not extinguish the spirit of prayer and holy devotion...

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."