Handbook of the Confraternity of Penitents Large Print Eighth Edition

Book excerpt: Contains Rule, Constitutions, all Formation Lessons, Pledging Ceremonies, Directory of Governance, articles on Penance and Conversion, for Confraternity of Penitents, an international Roman Catholic private association of the faithful with commendation of Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, USA. Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. Members of the Confraternity of Penitents are single or married men and women who live, in their own homes, a modern update of the original Franciscan Rule of Life which Saint Francis of Assisi gave to the lay people of his time. This Rule is lived as closely as possible to its original intent and includes daily prayer including the full Liturgy of the Hours or another prayer option, simplicity of dress and life style (limiting possessions), days of fast and abstinence from meat products, spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Many saints including Saint Thomas More, Saint Elizabeth of Hungry, Saint Margaret of Cortona, Saint Angela of Foligno, and St. Louis IX of France lived this Rule of Life. Much information on the internet at www.penitents.org