Franciscan Devotions

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Angelus

The history of the Angelus is a combination of what is certain and that which has been handed down in history. What is clear is that Franciscan houses and churches were already praying the Angelus by 1263. We have the liturgical texts prepared by the Franciscan Sinigardi di Arezzo that were in use in the 13th century. What is less certain, but carried in the tradition, is the origin of the prayer.

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The Stations of the Cross

During Lent the most popular devotional practice is the Via Crucis or the Way of the Cross or the Stations of the Cross. The Franciscans promoted this devotion and for a time were the exclusive ministers for erecting the Stations of the Cross in churches...

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Tota Polchra Es Maria

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Centuries before that, St. Francis of Assisi initiated this devotion in the Order by decreeing at the second General Chapter of 1219 that a Mass in honor of Mary be said every Saturday in the friaries of the Order. St. Bonaventure introduced the feast into the Franciscan Order.

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Franciscan Crown

The Marian devotion of Francis is simple and yet profound. It emphasizes Mary’s unique place in redemptive history as the mother of the Lord and a faithful exemplar of Jesus by her poverty.

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Christmas Crib

Francis loves Christmas over all other feasts (2 Cel 199). We remember in Greccio, above everything else, the Christmas celebration of 1223. This popularizes, ever since the practice of displaying the Christmas crèche.

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