Formation Snapshot
As with most things of a spiritual nature, the fruitfulness of formation depends greatly on the Penitent's personal investment in the process. Formation lessons are not meant to be overly academic or difficult to understand. Ultimately, formation is a reflective and meditative process that, when attempted magnanimously, allows the Penitent to discover a personal love for the freedom and simplicity of the Franciscan charism. The formation process increases a member's familiarity with Franciscan history and teaching, and assists in the incremental implementation of the Statutes of the Rule of 1221 into the member's life.
BSP members participate in a minimum of four formation years prior to profession: a brief inquiry period (usually only about three months for the purpose of acquainting chapter leadership with the new inquirer), one year of Postulancy, and three years of Novitiate. Immediately upon entering Postulancy, a Penitent may be referred to as "brother" or "sister" by BSP members. A lifelong profession can be made immediately upon completion of the four formation years, or the penitent may make up to three one-year professions prior to making a lifelong profession.
A brief description of each formation year is provided below.
BSP members participate in a minimum of four formation years prior to profession: a brief inquiry period (usually only about three months for the purpose of acquainting chapter leadership with the new inquirer), one year of Postulancy, and three years of Novitiate. Immediately upon entering Postulancy, a Penitent may be referred to as "brother" or "sister" by BSP members. A lifelong profession can be made immediately upon completion of the four formation years, or the penitent may make up to three one-year professions prior to making a lifelong profession.
A brief description of each formation year is provided below.
Formation Snapshot
As with most things of a spiritual nature, the fruitfulness of formation depends greatly on the Penitent's personal investment in the process. Formation lessons are not meant to be overly academic or difficult to understand. Ultimately, formation is a reflective and meditative process that, when attempted magnanimously, allows the Penitent to discover a personal love for the freedom and simplicity of the Franciscan charism. The formation process increases a member's familiarity with Franciscan history and teaching, and assists in the incremental implementation of the Statutes of the Rule of 1221 into the member's life.
BSP members participate in a minimum of four formation years prior to profession: a brief inquiry period (usually only about three months for the purpose of acquainting chapter leadership with the new inquirer), one year of Postulancy, and three years of Novitiate. Immediately upon entering Postulancy, a Penitent may be referred to as "brother" or "sister" by BSP members. A lifelong profession can be made immediately upon completion of the four formation years, or the penitent may make up to three one-year professions prior to making a lifelong profession.
A brief description of each formation year is provided below.
BSP members participate in a minimum of four formation years prior to profession: a brief inquiry period (usually only about three months for the purpose of acquainting chapter leadership with the new inquirer), one year of Postulancy, and three years of Novitiate. Immediately upon entering Postulancy, a Penitent may be referred to as "brother" or "sister" by BSP members. A lifelong profession can be made immediately upon completion of the four formation years, or the penitent may make up to three one-year professions prior to making a lifelong profession.
A brief description of each formation year is provided below.
Year 1 - Postulant
Monthly Lesson Content
- Study of the Rule of 1221 and its Statutes
- Reflection on basic Franciscan writings
- Review of fundamental Catholic teaching
Spiritual Exercises
- Morning Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, Psalm 54, Psalm 119:1-32
- Evening Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, examination of conscience, Act of Contrition
- Pray daily for the Church, all of the BSP worldwide, all family members, and yourself
- Obtain a cross or crucifix and begin to wear it visibly
Year 2 - Novice I
Monthly Lesson Content
- Study of the Rule of 1221 and its Statutes
- Reflection on Franciscan writings, especially on the Life of Francis by St. Bonaventure
- Scripture passages
- Selections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Spiritual Exercises
- Morning Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, Psalm 54, Psalm 119:1-32
- Evening Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, examination of conscience, Act of Contrition
- Daily Divine Office:Pray the morning, evening, and night hours
- Other Daily items: Pray one rosary, say a blessing before and after meals. Pray also for: your own spiritual growth, the Church, all of the BSP worldwide, and all family members and friends. Say a Marian Consecration prayer of some form. Wear a cross or crucifix visibly
- Annual Prayer: throughout the year, pray all 150 Psalms for deceased penitents
- Abstain from meat on every Friday of the year with the exception of Church Solemnities and special celebrations.
Year 3 - Novice II
Monthly Lesson Content
- Study of the Rule of 1221 and its Statutes
- Reflection on Franciscan writings, especially on the Admonitinos of St. Francis
- Scripture passages
- Selections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Spiritual Exercises
- Morning Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, Psalm 54, Psalm 119:1-32
- Evening Prayer: Apostle's Creed, Psalm 51, examination of conscience, Act of Contrition
- Daily Divine Office:Strive to pray the entire Liturgy of the Hours daily
- Other Daily items: Pray one rosary, say a blessing before and after meals. Pray also for: your own spiritual growth, the Church, all of the BSP worldwide, and all family members and friends. Say a Marian Consecration prayer of some form. Wear a cross or crucifix visibly
- Annual Prayer: throughout the year, pray all 150 Psalms for deceased penitents
- Abstain from meat on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with the exception of Church Solemnities and special celebrations.
- Fast according to the Rule by the end of this year.
Year 4 - Novice III
Monthly Lesson Content
- Study of the Rule of 1221 and its Statutes
- The Sermons of St. Anthony of Padua
- The Life of Francis by St. Bonaventure
- Scripture passages
- Selections from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
- Selections from the Catechism of the Council of Trent
Spiritual Exercises
As a third-year Novice, you should be living according to the Statutes of the Rule of 1221 in its entirety. The flexibility inherent in the Statutes means each Penitent’s journey will look different, but you must always strive to observe the Rule and Statutes to the best of your ability.