In today’s fast-paced world, instilling the principles of humility, simplicity, and service to others is a task that cannot be overlooked. To guide students on this path of spiritual growth, teaching the lessons of the Third Order of Saint Francis can be both enlightening and transformational.
The Third Order of Saint Francis, also known as the Secular Franciscan Order, is a Roman Catholic lay order established by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century to allow laypeople to live a life imbued with spirituality while remaining engaged with the world. From its inception, the Order has thrived and adapted through time, offering timeless teachings and a way of life that has inspired generations.
Introducing students to the journey of Francis of Assisi will help them delve deeper into their spiritual lives while learning valuable life skills centered on humility and service.
1. Teach the history of St. Francis and his calling: Begin by sharing the life story of Francis of Assisi, from his birth into a wealthy family to his radical transformation after encountering God’s message through lepers’ service. This will give students an understanding of how St. Francis’ mission unfolded, motivating them to discern their own role as members of society.
2. Emphasize the values advocated by St. Francis: Imbue in your students the core values upheld by St. Francis, such as compassion for all creatures, voluntary poverty as a path toward internal freedom, love for the marginalized and outcasts, peace within ourselves and society, and joy rooted in faith.
3. Introduce key elements of Franciscan spirituality: Teach students about The Canticle of Brother Sun (also known as The Canticle of Creatures), authored by St. Francis himself. This hymn beautifully portrays his strong connection with God’s creation and glorifies every element, including, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Mother Earth, and more. Familiarizing students with such works will expose them to different forms of prayer and praise.
4. Explore contemporary issues through a Franciscan lens: Encourage students to reflect on current societal problems, such as poverty, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Discuss challenges faced by their community and solutions that align with the teachings of St. Francis. This will allow them to make personal connections to the concerns of the world.
5. Offer opportunities to practice service: Organize community service activities or projects in partnership with local non-profit organizations based on Franciscan principles. This will give your students hands-on experience in serving others while learning the joy that comes from humble acts of love.
6. Encourage personal reflection and growth: Provide opportunities for quiet contemplation and self-examination rooted in Franciscan teachings. Regular reflection and prayer will help your students develop their belief system and inspire them to actively engage with the world with open hearts.
Incorporating the teachings of the Third Order of Saint Francis into your curriculum will enable your students to build a strong foundation rooted in spirituality and service that will guide them throughout their lives. As they learn about St. Francis’ humble beginnings and unwavering commitment to God’s people, they too can contribute positively to the world in their own unique way, driven by love, compassion, and humility.

