The Rule of the Franciscan Oblates of the Holy Spirit (FOHS)
(as revised May 21, 2004)
The Rule of the Franciscan Oblates of the Holy Spirit is centered on Christ and the Christian life. The ordinary Christian can accept this rule as an aid to living a virtuous life within the Church. The Rule reminds us of the order, priorities, and discipline we should have in our lives. It is simple, compelling, and applies to any Christian. The Rule implies a way of life and a philosophy of living that reaches out beyond the person to the whole Community of Christ. The Rule is not meant only to be read and studied, but to be lived and experienced.
Canon One: Service
The word “oblate” means to serve. The Franciscan Oblate of the Holy Spirit is dedicated to be a Servant to others, through the performance of regular works of mercy, goodness, and charity. Oblates shall endeavor to do these works as The Holy Spirit reveals to them opportunities.
Canon Two: Love and Charity
The Franciscan Oblates of the Holy Spirit publicly declare the principles of the holy life by committing themselves to be in "love and charity" with all people. Oblates particularly minister to the Christian community and to those Brothers and Sisters in need spiritually and temporally.
Canon Three: The Sacraments
The Holy Life means the Sacramental Life. As an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace,” the sacraments remind us daily of our spiritual involvement in the Kingdom of God. To the Oblate this means availing oneself of the Sacraments in a regular, systematic, and disciplined way. Regular participation in Holy Eucharist is expected
Canon Four: Discipline
The "holy life" is a life of discipline. It is the cornerstone to well-ordered spiritual growth. It is not easy to give oneself to a disciplined life of prayer and spirituality, particularly when one is living away from communal life; yet, there is no spiritual life without discipline. Oblates are committed to the personal disciplines of prayer and reading of the scriptures. They are committed to the outward disciplines of simplicity, obedience, service, and corporate worship.
Canon Five: Koinonia
The essence of the Oblates is fellowship of the Christian life. As Oblates do not live in community, this fellowship is guaranteed through prayer, meditation, and contemplation, especially on the Rule. The Oblate shall pray for the members of the order daily.
Canon Six: Giving
It is the goal of each Oblate to feel the need to give regularly and joyfully for the maintenance of the Order in all parts of the world, and the greater Church and its people, in the quantity and quality that God reveals.
Canon Seven: Prayer
Prayer is the focus of the life of an Oblate. Through diligent practice, prayer becomes a habitual conversation with God. Oblates use all forms of prayer, but they are bound together with the Daily Offices and the Rule. Prayer is the ground of our everyday life. For many, this will mean at least Morning and Evening Prayer. This may vary according to the denominational practices that one follows.
Canon Eight: Discipleship
The Christian religious life requires accountability. To the Oblate, accountability is a way of life, and assists the Oblate in his or her calling as a disciple of Christ. Responsibility and discipline are some of the ways that Oblates exercise accountability. The Oblate is accountable to his or her Spiritual Director and to the Prior of the Order. The Oblate shall report on his or her spiritual growth regularly to his/her spiritual director and send a yearly report on one's spiritual growth and ministry efforts to the Abbot, during the month of January.
Canon Nine: Penance
The Oblate is taught that a contrite heart is a joy to God. To repent and renew is the road to a full spiritual life. We are sinners and fall short of the glory of God, but through His saving grace, we are able to repent and be renewed in the Spirit. This is the road to salvation and the fullness of the Christian life.
Canon Ten: Hospitality
To be hospitable is a sign of the Christian life. The Oblate is known for his or her hospitable nature and the generosity of soul that he or she shows to friend and stranger alike.
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