What are the Vows?

Whether a brother or priest, all Franciscans profess and live by three vows: Poverty, Chastity and Obedience.

Poverty means he will live a life of simplicity without anything of his own. In an age of unbridled materialism and consumerism, the Franciscan Friar is dedicated to having "nothing of his own." He will not cling to material things, but will focus on putting people and the needs of others -- especially the poor-before all else. He will not cling to his way of doing things, but will always defer to the needs of the community.

Chastity means he will be celibate for the Kingdom of God. To live a chaste, celibate life is a call to love all God's people and not enter into exclusive relationships. While we are all sexual beings, Chastity is a way of loving that is not expressed genitally. It opens and draws the Friar into a deeper union with Christ, who Himself was celibate.

Obedience means the Franciscan priest or brother will be at service to something larger than himself. He will place his trust in God through decisions made by his Franciscan community. Obedience underlies the fact no one person has all the answers, and he will listen to the collective wisdom of others. Ultimately, the vow is an openness to the will of God in living out the Gospel life.