Titles: Part 3

Friar vs. Brother

Two names that are often used by and for the Franciscans are Friar and Brother. A Friar is an individual who is a part of a Mendicant order. Now a mendicant is defined as a beggar or an individual who combines monastic life with outside religious activity. It just so happens that Franciscans were both, they often begged for food and the basic needs that they required. Our vow of poverty focuses around how Christ chose for himself a poor and humble life, even though he valued all of God’s creation (OLF General Rule ch2, poverty). We remind ourselves in this vow that just as God provides for the lilies of the field, so too will God provide for us (Matthew 6:28-33). Francis was also adamant that the siblings in the order shouldn’t be cloistered away in a monastery, but should be out in the community “caring for the least of these”. However, one interesting fact is that the term “Friar” or “Frater” in Latin, means brother.

Within the OLF it is very common that we use the familial terms of Sister, Brother, and Sibling. However, this term is only used for those who are Novices or Life Professed and not for Friends of the Order or Postulants. This is to help us know who has taken vows to follow the path of Saint Francis and who is just curious and wishes to learn more. Those who are intentionally walking this path are brought into a family where all are equal. From the minister general to the sibling minor, all are valued, seen, and listened to. This title holds onto us just like a doctoral degree or a master’s degree, but it also is rooted deeper into our very spirit. Many pastors in the OLF, when they take their novice vows or their life profession, will choose to have their congregations switch from calling them Pastor to having them call them Brother. This choice is different for everyone, but it is rooted in the importance of the name and what it takes for us to become a Franciscan. This choice isn’t a light one that we take. It is a long spiritual process that takes longer than getting a Masters or some Doctorates. It is also a spiritual process that has no end to it and one we journey with until the day we are reunited with our dear brother Jesus.

Pax et Bonum (Peace and all Good)

Brother Tucker