A day in the life of a Franciscan friar

[doubleestark]

How about helping the Pope tuck away much of the wealth accumulated into various Swiss Bank accounts to protect it from Sovereign Default of the Euro?

[boogiebuddy01]

does he jerk off even?

[ninjaonline]

@boogiebuddy01 No, he does NOT! I too have started to follow Christ and have left many of my vices and bad habits (not all just yet; still working on that) and one thing that I realized is that once you start to immerse yourself in Christ Jesus, it is no longer highly desired. Now I do not say I don't get temptations every-now and then but there is definitely a different type of fulfillment when following Christ Jesus. I am no monk or priest, I simply live in chastity.

[ninjaonline]

@boogiebuddy01 I stopped dating and having sexual relations and will not do it again until I find the right woman and marry through the Church OR perhaps find another vocation as a brother, priest, monk, or single lay person. Not sure what I will do. I was TOUGH trying to stay away at first from porn, masturbation, sex, but man with Christ everything is possible I kid you not! Anyway hope this helps and God bless you brother.

[greatbookie]

sign me up!

[PICLex]

1:15 level 1 wizard.

[PeRVaDEily]

i think i have vocation to the franciscans! ;D

[PInk77W1]

@PeRVaDEily glory be to God

[lilzozo94]

thumbs up if your on here for school work lol

[AZ0960036]

Excuse me...but...how is this poverty? They live in a big house, have bicycles, cars and even GPS...This isn't poverty.

It is great what these fellows do, but this is not poverty. Christ had no place to rest his head, and Francis was a restless traveler/beggar. They lived in poverty. This, however, is not poverty.

[cheesemonkey1990]

@AZ0960036 even the kings of Europe did not have GPS's. So Franciscan poverty reflects the poverty of time and place, the few things they do have are for their apostolic mission work.

[AZ0960036]

@cheesemonkey1990 I'm sorry, but that is not equivicol. Saint Francis vowed to himself to live a life of poverty. This is not poverty. You cannot say poverty is simply relative to time and place, because I know homeless people who don't have cars, or houses. Thus, they are homeless. And, thus, they live in poverty.

This is not poverty, and they should not claim it to be so. Perhaps this is simplicity, but it is an insult to Francis to call this poverty.

[cheesemonkey1990]

@AZ0960036 the poverty of the Franciscan must be relative to the poverty of time and place. Poor people in the US if they even own a house would have a refrigerator. Also the friaries do not belong to the friars, they can be kicked out at any moment by the rightful owners.

[norrisonthespot]

@AZ0960036 You misunderstand. Lord Buddha learnt a valuable lesson after taking 'absolute poverty' to extremes in a masochistic manner. Thus his doctrine of the the 'Middle way'. The ego tends to cling in very subtle ways.It can even use poverty! The motive of the heart is everything. It is the 'clinging' that causes the suffering. The comparison with others. The judgemental mind. Thus 'Relative poverty' is sufficient for selfishness to be transcended. Andy x

[AZ0960036]

@norrisonthespot Well, interesting that you brought in Buddhism. You, however, have missed my point. I'm not making the assertion "poverty is the way to paradise," or that "poverty is necessary for spiritual realization." I'm making the assertion that the way these men are living does not fall under the category of "poverty" properly understood.

[MyBetty111]

A guitar early morning Mass? How Novus Ordo! Get rid of the guitar, and have your monks wear their habits at breakfast. Otherwise you are a sham. And adhere to Traditionalism.

[8TBALL]

Yea they really look like they're living in poverty.

[kakabukkake0]

hahaha he looked just like st francis at the ends with the rats all over him, good dude

[newtochrist]

VERY NICE

[divingpanda801]

Now,i missed my formation..huhuhu..Im from Franciscan Friars of Penance..I left monastery way back 2006

[rgock01]

Nice story and the video is put together quite nicely. I thought how the Father said that drug addicts are like the modern day lepers who need help and spiritual inspiration was a good comparison. They are truly doing God's work. Thanks for posting this.

[DaCatholicCrusader]

GOD BLESS THE FRANCISCANS

[BrWulfman68]

As a Secular Franciscan I was deeply moved from your video. If I was looking for a Religious community this would be an awesome intro video for a vocational video. I give this Video five STARS!!! St. Francis of Assis would be proud. Where can I sign up?

[bangedurdaughter69]

That house, car, and watch he has is pretty nice for a vowel of poverty.

[brotherryu]

where can i contact this franciscan monks?anyone could help me?

[cheesemonkey1990]

@brotherryu depends on the order you want to join and where you are geographically

[brotherryu]

i would like to contact this franciscan community but how?do you know someone where to contact them?someone can help me?thank you

[brotherryu]

do you know someone about this franciscan monks address?email or where to contact them?thank you and happy easter to all.God bless

[Domodeath]

Swissinfovideos thank you!

[doubleestark]

I am wondering how they manage to balance their porfolios with a healthy mix equity and debintures during their economic crisis. I think they should discuss shorting the dow jones industrial average.

[1962SatanTookOver2]

OFM, 1st Order.

[DiVeronica]

this is fucking disgusting. what a waste of life.

[1917fatima]

with the comments you are leaving, they will have a more meaningful and holy life than your comments say you are having. consider leaving a happy and positive comment!:)

[1917fatima]

i am sure you will have something good to say my friend :) :) :)

[DiVeronica]

consider not being motivated by what ever "sin" possesses you to belief in this bullshit for fear of eternal hell, because, in the end, it's just all bullshit.

[DiVeronica]

So tell me, what "sin" is it that makes you fear eternal damnation and motivates you to shout hurrahs for this medieval horse shit?

[1917fatima]

the sin that makes us catholics fear the fires of hell are things that are called mortal sins which are hte very bad sins sucha s killing, stealing from extremely apoor people, abusing a child and so on. Catholics believe that the "stain" of the mortal sin can only be removed by going to confession and recieving penance which is an act you must do for forgiveness. it can be 2 simple prayers or reciting the rosary. :)

[DiVeronica]

Yes I'm aware what procedures are supposed to take place in order to be "absolved." My question is what sin do you commit that makes you so terrified of hell in the first place?

[1917fatima]

the sins that make you scared of hell are the mortal sins. thank you for not using swear words and sorry for the bad spelling, i did not edit.

[DiVeronica]

My question is not an example of sins, it's what sin that YOU commit.

[1917fatima]

I do not understand you, do you mean a sin that i have commited that makes me fear hell (which i dont fear hell because i have not killed anyone or commited a mortal sin) or a sin like killing or stealing?

[DiVeronica]

either

[1917fatima]

Well I have not commited any sins like that.

[DJQ87]

@DiVeronica

I still have ways to go on my journey to true peace and joy, but I have experienced the beauty of knowing God. I yearn to know God and I try to seek God more and more with each day. No amount of drugs or sex or money or power can compare to the infinite happiness that comes with knowing God. I know because I have tried them all and I choose God's love over all of them. I do not love because I fear. On the contrary, you can not love if you have fear. I love because God loves.

[DiVeronica]

@DJQ87 That's fine, you're welcome to have your magical delusions, and imaginary friends. Just don't try to push it on other people.

[DJQ87]

@DiVeronica I'm sorry if you felt like I was pushing my faith on you for that wasn't my intention. I was simply sharing my encounter and experience with God and I thank you for taking the time to read it. Whether you acknowledge God's existence or not, God is within you, just as he dwells within every human being. Whenever you act out of love or compassion or joy, that is God. Peace and Goodness be with you, brother DiVeronica!

[DiVeronica]

@DJQ87 There is no god, you are deluded. Enjoy your imaginary menagerie.

[MrJ567]

@DiVeronica If you don't believe in God, then why are you on a religious video? Get lost you prick.

[DiVeronica]

@MrJ567 I'm on a religious video for the same reason people watch Jerry Springer- I like to observe the crazies from a safe distance.

[MrJ567]

@DiVeronica Or maybe you're a miserable hypocrit.

[DiVeronica]

@MrJ567 Hypocrite? In what way?

[8TBALL]

@DJQ87 What you say sounds great, however, even the Bible states we should fear God, is it not the Catholic mantra to work out one's faith with fear and trembling? Please stop distorting the Truth.

[DJQ87]

@8TBALL Brother 8TBALL, "Fear of the Lord" is not being afraid of the Lord. It is fearing to offend the Lord who is all good and deserving of all our love. I fear to offend the Lord and I am driven by the desire to love the Lord.

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

The fear I spoke of, which God has conquered within me, is the fear of death. God is love!

Pace e bene

[DJQ87]

@DiVeronica

DiVeronica, I am a 23 year old man who has lived a life of sin. As a child, I witnessed extreme acts of violence and a particularly gruesome death. As a young man, I grew up with a violent spirit filled with hate and rage and I turned that anger onto others and hurt many lives. My life seemed meaningless and I almost ended my life 4 years ago. It was then that a miracle of love saved me. I did not know it at the time, but that was God, for God is Love.

[agentjs09]

@DiVeronica Would it be better that he give up this life and go get super rich and have many women and live his life to please himself? This is the life of true happiness yes? Jesus taught that a meaningful life is one that is full of love for others, not for self, and that the poor and suffering shall find their joy in God, far greater than any pleasure of earth could bring. Jesus was right about this. If the objective of your life is to make yourself happy, you never truly will be.

[MrJ567]

@DiVeronica "this is fucking disgusting. what a waste of life."

I think this sentence accurately describes you. Maybe you should meet the Friars, and then decide how you feel about them.

[cheesemonkey1990]

AHHHHHHHHH! FRANCISCNAS ARE NOT MONKS! Monks are cloistered men who live in silence and solitude. Franciscans are Friars (brothers) and while they may live away from the people, they are not secluded.

[kodachromefilm]

Onlythe cloistered or hermit monks live in silence and solitude. But not all monks. Even though silence is a special part of the life, monks live at a monastery ruled by an abbot. They usually stay at the monastery and move around locally (some orders do while other orders never leave). So we have a variety of lifestyles depending on the charism.

[patfealy]

that is the life i want. but i need another year of German

[cheesemonkey1990]

join a connunity that does not reqire the knowlesge of german. Lots of OFMs out there.

[hunarf]

I think worst thing about all of this is that people are so preoccupied with such minor and irreverent things compared to these Franciscans.

[TheLodgeMaster]

I thought that people in Germany and Switzerland are only blacks nad Arabs...

[AureusVenerabilis]

LodgeMaster, are you a freemason, or what?

[TheLodgeMaster]

No, I'm not. Does "lodge" means only freemason lodge?... Your movie shocked me! There are still white people in Germany/Switzerland? Hell, I thought that these lands are West Islamic Republic or something... I don't believe in Jesus the Saviour, but I admire their faith. Thanks for this movie.

[anongoat]

Monks do good work. Even myself, a Muslim, admire their devotion to God and to the community. May they be rewarded.

[AureusVenerabilis]

But you Muslims have also one mystic branch of Islam - the Sufism, isn`t it right?

Everyone who devotes himself to God as a member of an order and lives according to the Rule of his order has my respect

[anongoat]

yes. in fact my family are linked to the sufi tradition but since moving to the west, we have lost this tradition. its sad that devotion to God is weakening in many parts of the world.

[AureusVenerabilis]

I saw one documentary film, Baraka, there were snapshots from that "ritual dance" of Sufism (correct me, I don't know the name of this). Nice and mysterious... Sufists try to reach ecstasy and connect with God through the dance, do they?

[anongoat]

yes, the "whirling dervishes" are from Turkey, caleld Mawlawi sufis. there are many branches and methods of sufism but the aim is to devote oneself to God, through praise, song and chanting, and generally living in peace with oneself, others and thus God. I find Sufi views to be very attractive which is why I am also interested in the religious devotion of other faiths.

[AureusVenerabilis]

So you are for ecumenism in religions?

[anongoat]

of course i am. the abrahamic religions have more similarities than differences. by understanding each other's beliefs we can live in greater harmony, and surely peace and harmony is the essence of all religions that believe in God.

[stefanielorimer]

@anongoat

when a believer in the Quran kills an unbeliever, he is doing what he has been commanded...when a believer in the Bible kills an unbeliever he is committing a mortal sin.

This is a very large philosophical difference (and by far not the only one) between Islam and Christianity. We all want peace (I grant you that), but while we want it on our own terms, it matters a lot what those terms are.

[NativeNewYorkGuy]

@stefanielorimer Have you actually read any part of the Quran or are you just assuming? The Quran teaches respect for Jews and Christians or the "people of the Book".....

In the Old Testament God commands the Israelites to invade & kill everyone down to the last goat and to smash babies against the rocks....BTW the Crusaders killed mercilessly believing they would gain heaven by killing infidels.....Sound familiar?

Educate yourself! ignorance is no virtue.

PS>I'm Catholic

[omadon7]

@stefanielorimer -- so why was moses sent into those lands to kill all the unbelievers?

[JNathanK2011]

@stefanielorimer Yah, I'll respect someone as a human being if they're a Muslim, but I have some fundamental disagreements with the religion. I think if more Christians live through the selfless love of Christ, it will inspire Muslims to convert. There's too many fake Christians who don't represent Christ well.

[Halfwit66]

Great men for takin a toke. Always very with-it.

Good on yee boys.

Architecture was always a sweet spot too, nice !!!!

[ruttsy42]

Yes, blessed are the peachmakers -except of course , the franciscan monk who provided Adolf Eichman with a passport in 1950 so he could escape prosecution for extermination of jews during the holocaust. Otherwise, really, a terrific bunch!

[stancan2]

What a wonderful life through hard work and obedience! And I am thankful these men pray for the salvation of all mankind in their daily life. Blessed are the peacemakers!

[YANKEEKID95]

I`m pretty young, 14. I really think I would like to become an OFM and not face the extremely political public life of a Priest who ministers to a diocese. If anyone knows please answer me in a comment. Can a Franciscan see his family? Thank you.

[baronblokken]

Yankeekids95,

As a franciscan you have permission to see your family.

More information you can easily find on the internet .

[14chazz88]

I think thats awesome you would like to dedicate you life in this form at such a young age. I encourage you to propell foward in this ministery if you truly belive its you calling. I am 22 and wanted to become a Franciscan Fiar (Monk) since 17. Do well Brother. And yes you can visit your family, alothough there are some orders of (monks) which iv been told will not allow it, Franciscans however are flexible...

[inri120]

yankeekid95 im 14 as well and i have some thouts on becoming a franciscan i hope you find your vocation and be happy with what you chose may god blles you sorry for my spelling

[garicx]

Whoops... sorry, I marked you down when I intended to click on reply. Yes, you can visit your family, but probably only a week a year unless the friary is close to your family; in which you can visit them more often. I've known a Benedictine Monk who visited their family for a month every three year. God bless you.

[Hosea22]

The lesser orders are:

* the Minims, established in 1474...

* the Conventual Franciscans, established in 1517...

* the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, established in 1521...

* the Capuchin, established in 1525...

* the Discalced Carmelites, established in 1568...

* the Discalced Trinitarians, established in 1599...

* the Order of Penance, established in 1781...

[Hosea22]

The Augustinians, founded in 1255. The Augustinians are also known as the "Hermits of St. Augustine", or the "Austin Friars". Their rule is based on the writings of Augustine of Hippo. The Augustinians were assembled from various groups of hermits as a mendicant order by Alexander IV, from whom they obtained papal approval in 1255.

[Hosea22]

The Carmelites, founded ca. 1155. The Carmelites are also known as the "White Friars" because of the white cloak which covers their brown habit. They received papal approval from Honorius III in 1226 and later by Innocent IV in 1247. The Carmelites were founded as a purely contemplative order, but became mendicants in 1245. There are two types of Carmelites, the Calced and Discalced Carmelites.

[Hosea22]

The Franciscans, founded in 1209. The Franciscans are also known as the "Friars Minor" or the "Grey Friars". The Franciscans were founded by St. Francis of Assisi and received oral papal approval by Innocent III in 1209 and formal papal confirmation by Honorius III in 1223.

[Hosea22]

The four great orders were mentioned by the Second Council of Lyons (1274), and are:

The Dominicans, founded ca. 1216. The Dominicans are also known as the "Friar Preachers", or the "Black Friars", from the black mantle ("cappa") worn over their white habit. The Dominicans were founded by St. Dominic and received papal approval from Honorius III, in 1216 as the "Ordo Praedicatorum" under the Rule of St. Augustine. They became a mendicant order in 1221.

[Hosea22]

There are two classes of orders known as friars, or mendicant orders: the four "great orders" and the so-called "lesser orders".

[Hosea22]

The name Friar is derived from the French word frère ("brother" in English), and dates from the 13th century. The French word frère in turn comes from the Latin word frater, which also means "brother".

St. Francis of Assisi called his followers fratres minores, which G. K. Chesterton translated as "little brothers". However, another interpretation of fratres minores is "lesser brothers", because the Franciscan order stresses minority or humility.

[Hosea22]

A friar is a member of one of the mendicant orders.

Friars differ from monks in that they are called to live the evangelical counsels (vows of poverty, chastity and obedience) in service to a community, rather than through cloistered asceticism and devotion. Whereas monks live cloistered away from the world in a self-sufficient community, friars are supported by donations or other charitable support.

[AUGUSTINOjr]

a noble work!

weiter so!!!

[pi31415926535lover]

even monks need a gps to drive!

[alieco]

What if your purpose is to be hitler? See even the monks have been touched... I want to find a culture that isnt completley saturated in the works of man or satan. Just true followers of God.

[FreedomLiberty21]

he is a hero of our era, but this humble brother probably does not know that.

May God bless him in truly abundant ways.

Father Francis pray for him.

[solusito]

Beautiful work.

[ProfeAngel]

Great video, sorry my english is some bad.

A veces me me gustaria ser un fraile franciscano, tal vez me vaya al seminario un dia, no lo se, cuando termine el doctorado y me dedique de lleno a la vida franciscana y a dar clases en una escuela.

[babsaloops]

why is he driving a car with a sat nav????

[ForFriarsandMonks]

Hi, I would like to ask if you could correct the wrong texts since the word "monk" is misleading. In the vid itself it mentions that St. Francis of Assisi founded the Order of FRIARS Minors. Knowing about how much many Swiss pay attention to details (my father was Swiss) it called my attention that you used a wrong word. I guess that there is no chance to correct the recording, right? but the texts can be corrected. Vielen Dank!. Peace.

[swissinfovideos]

Thanks for the observation. Unfortunately we can't change the video script, but I've corrected the title and information text. Best regards

[kodachromefilm]

Franciscans are friars of a mendacant order. The other mendacant orders that have friars are Carmelites (O carms and discalced) and the Dominicans

[AureusVenerabilis]

kodachrome, and also the Servites (Ordo Fratrum Servorum Beatae Mariae Virginis - Order of the Servants of Mary, or OSM :-) ). They have a monastery for example in Austria.

[kodachromefilm]

AureusVenerabilis: True. There are more mendacant orders. But the franciscan friars are not monks. lol

[AureusVenerabilis]

Yes, I know:-) I have written somewhere that they tend to call themselves "brothers" instead of "monks" . Check my comment to "A monk's life" (differences between monks and friars).

God bless you

[cheesemonkey1990]

Thank you!!!!!!!! Franciscans are not monks.

[cheesemonkey1990]

yes, the other main ones are dominicans, Augustinians -_- and Jesuits.

[paped2505]

Franciscan's are not monks. I was one for 8 years and should know!!

[HeatherFeather56]

Paped2505 were you really a franiscan...whatever it is cuz i am doing a paper on them for religion class and i am having a hard time finding information.

[ForFriarsandMonks]

Hi, perhaps I'm too late but there is a lot of info on the web. There are several channels owned by Friars here. Peace

[rodneykingstrikesbck]

Here's a simple yet important question; I notice that one of the first and most important aspects / requirements of being a "Franciscan Frier" is taking a vow of "poverty."

I have been to many homes/missions/properties/mona­steries of "Franciscan Friers" in my lifetime in many countries- more than I can count...

[rodneykingstrikesbck]

I am in real estate and have been for many years. Now all that said I would have to say that I have personally stood on several hundred billions of dollars in property that I have been specifically told by tour guides/hosts/friers that this land was "owned by the Franciscan Friers."

[rodneykingstrikesbck]

I am quite familiar with a vow of poverty and have taken it at several points in my life. Now how is there any allowance for being a literal multimillionaire and owning an epic piece of land- or in this case an island with a very expensive structure built upon it within the "vow of poverty."

[rodneykingstrikesbck]

I was on a parcel today that was recently appraised at 1.1 billion dollars including the structures. That's just one single property "owned by the Franciscan Friers."

And I could not imagine what the little island in this video is worth...

Now I may not be a top economist but I do understand that being worth a minimum of $1,100,000,000.00 is a bit far off from poverty...

[rodneykingstrikesbck]

If someone could explain this to me I would greatly appreciate it. I would like a reference to some writings that make allowance for land ownership in excess of a million and sometimes a billion dollars. Just imagine what the sale of these lands could generate for the poor and underprivileged Catholic children of many nations...

As a monk I always lived a very modest life in very modest accommodations.

[catholicpriest1]

Is that a lesbian couple?

[rheaperez]

no!

[SilenceAddict]

What a great guy

[catholicpriest1]

I wonder if Brother wears his habit when the camera isn't running. Most Franciscans don't wear their habits that much anymore.

[SFsolano]

I think all consecrated hearts should wear their habits with proudly. The habits remind us God in you.

[catholicpriest1]

They are not monks, they are mendicant friars. Benedictines are monks.

[sevillaparasol]

Loved it! Thank you. I Love the Friars!

[zquid9]

nice video, i'm a franciscan postulant here in the philippines.

[333vasco]

With these guys around we don't need god. That's the purpose of christianity, do good so there'll be no evil. I'm terribly anti-church, but fransciscans have all my r-e-s-p-e-c-t.

[giulianino84]

but fransciscans are church...

[macaeagan]

I love the Franciscans, they do great work for the poor and needy of the world. I visited a Franciscan friary and the friar I spoke to does a lot of work with Drug addicts and the poor as well.

[TBIGNATIUS]

he seems like a nice guy.....that's a good days work and you get to hold rats at the end of it.

[hollywoodartchick]

Ha ha - I also considered the rats a big benefit - I have some of my own, and they are a gift from God.

[costernocht]

They are indeed!

[clearvision5]

Loved it! He was very real, not like the vision I had of a monk. He's doing his calling

[chessiesmile]

Well done. Loved it.

[rpalomirov]

The interesthing point is that this poor monk didn't read any other book besides that of St Francis of Assisi. I hate close mindeds

[observingwatcher]

Huh? He only said the book inspired him to take up this particular way of life. Nowhere in this vid does it imply that he's close-minded.

[visfati]

Such intense negative feelings towards passive people who never offended you. Are you sure that we should yield to your world view over their's?

[xenigirl]

Pretty enlightening. We need more people like him.

[daytonscott]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing