By Mary Frances Charsky, OFS
International Councilor, OFS-USA

Mary Francis Charsky, International Councilor

Our OFS Rule Article 5 reminds us that the heart of our vocation is encounter. As Secular Franciscans, we are called to seek the living and active presence of Christ in our brothers and sisters, in sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in the liturgy. This is not an abstract ideal but a daily way of seeing and loving.

Saint Francis himself teaches us how to anchor this encounter in the Eucharist. His words, “I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except His most holy Body and Blood,” invite us to shape our entire lives around the mystery of Christ’s real presence. His Eucharistic faith becomes the pattern for our own: reverent, grateful, and transformative.

This year, Article 5 takes on even deeper meaning as Pope Leo XIV announced the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, marking the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of St. Francis. In union with Pope Leo XIV, we are invited to enter this centenary with renewed devotion, prayer, and fraternity.

The Pope has offered prayers for this historic celebration, encouraging us to rediscover the Gospel life that Francis embraced with such joy. Pope Leo XIV has also granted a plenary indulgence for the faithful during this Jubilee Year, which is an extraordinary gift that invites us to conversion, reconciliation, and deeper communion with Christ and one another.

As we reflect on Article 5, may this Jubilee Year inspire us to encounter Christ more intentionally, to live the Gospel more transparently, and to walk in the footsteps of Francis with renewed love.

Pax et bonum.
Paz y bien.
Pace e bene.
Paix et bien.

OFS Rule Article 5

Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of St Francis, who often said, ” I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this word except His most holy body and blood,” should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life.