Following Francis: The Franciscan Way for Everyone

by Susan Pitchford

A wonderful resource to guide admirers of the humblest of saints what it means to live out the Christian life with a Franciscan accent. In a little town in Italy, nearly 800 years ago, Francis of Assisi renounced everything he owned to follow Christ with passionate and single-minded abandon. Even today, centuries later, this simple saint draws people around the world to his story of living in humility, love, and joy. Here in Following Francis, Susan Pitchford tells her own story of the Franciscan life, as a member of the Third Order, founded by Francis himself so that people from all walks of life can follow the saint's ideal, without leaving their homes or occupations. Pitchford learned that the Franciscan tradition isn't the exclusive possession of monks cloistered in a monastery, but a spiritual path for ordinary people living in the 21st century.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Christianity

189 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved the concepts presented in this book. The fact that it's not specific to a certain branch of Christianity, but rather to the whole group of people professing to be Christians was awesome. I know there are many books that already do this but I expected this one to be written from the Catholic perspective and aimed at other Catholics or those seeking to belong to that religion.
I was wrong. I enjoyed this book so much, I started reading it aloud with my husband. He enjoyed it so much we made it a point to read it together when we were traveling to different places. There are discussion questions, steps to implement new methods into your own faith practice, and prayers at the end of each chapter. I found that to be so enriching and a great encouragement to continue digging deeper into my own faith practice. (I was raised Southern Baptist, if you'd like to know. And the author writes that she is Anglican/Episcopalian.)
If you wish to deepen your relationship with God, getting to know the working of his hand in your life better, then I highly recommend this book. I've only read one other book which speaks of 'counting the cost' of serving God in so eloquent a way. I'll hopefully have a review to post on that one before too many days have passed.

[Tim Chesterton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this excellent book. Organized around the rule of the Third Order of Saint Francis, it is a very readable introduction to what a Franciscan way of life can look like when followed by someone living ‘in the world’ rather than in a traditional monastic setting. After telling something of her own story the author looks at the various elements of a Franciscan life: Holy Eucharist, Prayer, Love, Penitence, Humility, Self-Denial, Simplicity, Study, Work, Retreat, Chastity, Obedience, and Joy. Each chapter concludes with questions for further reflection as well as practical suggestions for beginning to actually live the various spiritual practices.

I’m not a Franciscan nor am I thinking of becoming one, but I have to say that this was one of the most enjoyable and helpful books about spirituality that I have read in a long time. I highly recommend it.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pitchford's name came up in a monthly Catholic reflection publication I receive (called Give Us This Day). She is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis, which is made up of lay people. Apparently there are lay societies of most orders, something I didn't know but definitely intrigues me to learn more. She is Episcopalian and a professor, but the subjects are applicable to Catholics as well. She writes of her call to the Order, her personal experience, and how the Order incorporates the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi into daily life (such as humility, self denial, simplicity, study, work, retreat, profession, chastity, obedience, and joy). A truly delightful book that will lead to more discoveries.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is a good introduction to the Franciscan Third Order. It's written in an accessible style and gives a flavour of how Franciscan spirituality can be lived out. It wasn't quite the book I needed. Some aspects jarred with me theologically, e.g. I have a real difficulty with seeing suffering as somehow inherently virtuous (I wonder how Franciscan spirituality fares when looked at through a liberation theology lens in this regard). However, I can see this book being really useful to others who are considering the Third Order.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely. I enjoyed its humour, humility and elegance of expression very much

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent overview of Third Order Franciscans and Franciscan principles from an Anglican Tertiary.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for the purpose of becoming a Lay Franciscan with the Rochester sisters of Saint Francis this book brought a view of what it means to follow Francis. Each chapter looked at a Franciscan virtue and how we should live them. At the end of each chapter there were reflection questions which helped during small group meetings for orientation toward being a Conjuror and making a covenant to walk closely with the Rochester Sisters.

[Tim Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise and well written introduction to Franciscan spirituality, really relevant for anybody thinking about joining the Third Order. But don't let that make you think it's simplistic. There's plenty of valuable insights that she offers, careful discussion of what the different elements of the rule mean to us today and the author's own perspective that all make this a great read.

[zaK young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent primer for anyone considering making the oblation to the third Franciscan order. But it is just as readable to the lay-person who doesn't know a thing about the Franciscan way of faith. An easy and enjoyable introduction to St Francis' life and ministry.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of far more use to those drawn to a Franciscan vacation than Brother Ramon's works, which are now starting to seem dated and inapplicable. Rather 'US' in its style but you can't have everything!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for Franciscan tertiaries. Author's insight into TSSF rule of life.