Confraternity of Penitents
The Confraternity of Penitents (CfP) is a private, non-profit, international Catholic association of lay people who live a penitential life of prayer, fasting and simplicity. Members live a modern adaptation of the Rule of 1221, which Saint Francis of Assisi originally gave to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance in 1221. The CfP's goal is to live the Rule as closely as possible to its original intent, in their own homes and families, and in obedience to the Roman Catholic Church.
Confraternity of Penitents - A Franciscan Third Order
Our charism is to live the original rule for Franciscan laity, the Rule of 1221 for the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, as close as possible to its original intent. Other Franciscan Third Order groups are living the Leonine Rule from 1889. The Order of Franciscans Secular (Secular Franciscan Order) is living the Pauline Rule of 1978. Some Franciscan First Orders have Third Order (lay members) associated with them whose rule reflects the charism of the First Order. Those discerning a life as a Franciscan tertiary are encouraged to study and pray about various rules and their constitutions and to discern where God is calling them and which will most help them progress spiritually.
The Confraternity of Penitents Rule and Constitutions are prescriptive; that is, they clearly define the prayer life, fasting and abstinence, possessions, and dress of its members, as did the Rule which St. Francis accepted in 1221 for the original penitents, then called the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. Saints were made through the living of this Rule.
The 1221 Rule has been updated with modern constitutions, accepted by the Church, so that it can be lived today with the same intent and results as in 1221.
What are you seeking?
Are you a faithful Catholic? Looking for more? More discipline? More prayer? More joy? More God time? Are you willing to give up some of what you don't want to get more of what you do want? Make every day a way to holiness through living the Rule of the Confraternity of Penitents.
Prayer. Penance. Fasting. Simplicity of Life. Works of Mercy. Community. Just what Our Lady is calling for today. Saint Francis knew the heart of lay people. That is why he accepted this Rule of life for his lay followers.
Our Rule of life also works well for those who would like to be in religious life but who are not able to enter or remain in religious life at this time.
Confraternity of Penitents - A Franciscan Third Order
Our charism is to live the original rule for Franciscan laity, the Rule of 1221 for the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, as close as possible to its original intent. Other Franciscan Third Order groups are living the Leonine Rule from 1889. The Order of Franciscans Secular (Secular Franciscan Order) is living the Pauline Rule of 1978. Some Franciscan First Orders have Third Order (lay members) associated with them whose rule reflects the charism of the First Order. Those discerning a life as a Franciscan tertiary are encouraged to study and pray about various rules and their constitutions and to discern where God is calling them and which will most help them progress spiritually.
The Confraternity of Penitents Rule and Constitutions are prescriptive; that is, they clearly define the prayer life, fasting and abstinence, possessions, and dress of its members, as did the Rule which St. Francis accepted in 1221 for the original penitents, then called the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. Saints were made through the living of this Rule.
The 1221 Rule has been updated with modern constitutions, accepted by the Church, so that it can be lived today with the same intent and results as in 1221.
What are you seeking?
Are you a faithful Catholic? Looking for more? More discipline? More prayer? More joy? More God time? Are you willing to give up some of what you don't want to get more of what you do want? Make every day a way to holiness through living the Rule of the Confraternity of Penitents.
Prayer. Penance. Fasting. Simplicity of Life. Works of Mercy. Community. Just what Our Lady is calling for today. Saint Francis knew the heart of lay people. That is why he accepted this Rule of life for his lay followers.
Our Rule of life also works well for those who would like to be in religious life but who are not able to enter or remain in religious life at this time.