April 2005 (part 1 of 2)

Q. - Who are the Franciscans?

A. - The Franciscans is the popular name given to those men and women who are members of religious orders which follow the Rule of Life of St. Francis of Assisi. The Franciscans are divided into First, Second, and Third Orders.

(First Order) The name of the First Order is actually The Order of Friars Minor, which is a literal translation of the latin “fratres minores” (lesser brothers). It was called such because St. Francis wished that humility and poverty be their distinctive features. It began as a small group of 12 men, who were followers of St. Francis, living according to a simple Rule (which was a re-statement of the Gospel counsels of perfection). Their numbers grew exponentially and a new rule (which was confirmed by the pope in 1223) had to made accordingly. Serious differences arose as to the possession of communal property. Francis forbid his friars to accept any money or own property, but this was made difficult due to the growth of the order. Some friars insisted on a literal interpretation of the Rule of Poverty but the majority believed that the good of the Order required common ownership of their houses or convents. Eventually there were 2 groups: Observants, and Conventuals. Later there was added to them the Capuchins. In general, the Friars Minor and the Friars Minor Capuchin now follow the Rule of 1223. The Friars Minor Conventual follow the same Rule but with some modifications concerning property (which Pope Urban VIII approved in 1628). Each branch is noted for preaching and missionary work. Some of the devotions they have spread worldwide are the Angelus and The Stations of the Cross.

(Second Order) These are nuns who have taken solemn vows and live in a cloister. They are noted for the outstanding austerity in their lives. Commonly they are known as “Poor Clares”. This Order was founded by St. Francis and St. Clare in 1212.

(Third Order) This order is subdivided into 2 sections. The first consists of communities of religious (men or women) who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and are engaged in teaching, in care of the sick, in foreign missions or other apostolic works. The second are lay men and women who seek perfection under the guidance of Franciscan priests and by living according to the spirit of St. Francis (even though they are living in the world). They tend to devote themselves to charity and social work.

Recommended reading:

Catholic Encyclopedia

The Perfect Joy of St. Francis (by Felix Timmermans)

Q. Why do we use 15 Stations of the Cross and not just stop at 14 like we used to?

A. - When the Stations of the Cross were first being practiced outside of Jerusalem (in various European churches) the number ranged from 7 to even 39 stations. Later on the number was fixed at 14, with 9 of them commemorating events related from the Gospels and 5 based on very early tradition. More recently, we’ve sometimes seen in practice the number go to 15 (or even 16). It’s not required but here’s why you occasionally see it done.

The thought at the time (when we first saw the “extra” station being added) was that it completes
the paschal mystery because it represents the Resurrection. (The stations would otherwise end at the 14^th with Jesus being laid in the tomb.) The idea behind it was to remind everyone that the story doesn’t end there. He rose again. But for that same token, one can stretch that theory out to where we have the 16^th station (the Ascension) because the salvific plan doesn’t end with Christ’s Resurrection either. If He had not ascended the Holy Spirit would not have come to the Church. So adding stations could go on quite a bit if one really wanted to try.

As far as any official church document regarding 15 (or 16) stations rather than 14, there isn’t any.
Officially, the number is fixed at 14. The rest is extra and not necessary if one is seeking also to gain an indulgence by practicing the devotion.

Also, while there is a normal list of stations, you do not have to meditate on the station in front of you. You can meditate on any episode from His Passion and Death. Some years back, Pope John Paul ll revised the stations and made a version that was scripturally-based. There were still 14 but not all of them matched up with what we typically practice as the Way of the Cross. Instead of the First Station being Jesus Is Condemned To Death, his starts with the Agony in the Garden. This shows that you are not limited by the “particular” station depicted on the wall but are free to use your head and heart to meditate on His Passion and Death.

To make the Way of the Cross, several things are required though. One is that they are legitimately erected (typically by Franciscans), that each station has a small wooden cross by it, and that there are 14 stations, (no fewer). It is allowed to have images or statues added to each station but not necessary. It is the cross at each that is important (and indulgenced). In addition, you need to meditate on the Lord’s Passion And Death and to move from one station to the next. (Unless, during a public celebration the whole group cannot easily do so. Then the one who guides the stations moves for the others). There are usually sacred readings and some vocal prayers which may be added but the meditation is all that is required.

In closing, some parishes do 15 stations but some (really most) still do 14. Even amongst those groups though, the stations that are actually practiced will vary. Some parishes will do the traditional Way of the Cross and some will do the revised scriptural version (to which you may find they add the resurrection at the end of both of them!!). This really shouldn’t bother people too much. While no official church documents were found on the subject at this time, if something is found later you will find an update to this question at that time.

Recommended reading:

Handbook of Indulgences: norms and grants (catholic book publishing, co)

John Paul II's Way of the Cross (by John Paul II)