Formation Friday October 31, 2025
Please share with your local fraternity

“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no one living can escape. 

During the month of November, the entire Church prays for the dead. St. Francis meditated on Sister Death throughout his life. Toward the end of his earthly life, he spoke of Sister Bodily Death in the Canticle of the Creatures.

Woe to those who die in mortal sin. 

Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will, 

for the second death shall do them no harm.” [FA: ED vol 1, p. 158]

Our Rule and Constitutions ask us to remain in communion with our deceased brothers and sisters.

Rule, Article 19: Since they are immersed in the resurrection of Christ, which gives true meaning to Sister Death, let them serenely tend toward the ultimate encounter with the Father.

Rule, Article 24: It should adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life and encourage everyone to a life of fraternity42. This communion continues with deceased brothers and sisters through prayer for them.

GC, Article 27.2: Secular Franciscans should commit themselves to create in their environment and, above all, in their fraternities, a climate of faith and hope so that “Sister Death” may be regarded as a passage to the Father, and all may prepare themselves with serenity. 

There is a tradition in the Catholic Church dating back to Pope Clement XII in 1736 who encouraged all Catholics to pray Psalm 130, also known as the “De Profundis” followed by the short prayer, “Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord,…” for all of our deceased brothers and sisters in Christ.

Psalm 130 “De profundis clamavi ad te, Domine…”

I

Out of the depths  I call to you, LORD; ²Lord, hear my cry! May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

³If you, LORD, keep account of sins, Lord, who can stand? ⁴But with you is forgiveness and so you are revered. 

II

⁵I wait for the LORD, my soul waits and I hope for his word.^c 6My soul looks for the Lord more than sentinels for daybreak.

More than sentinels for daybreak, ⁷let Israel hope in the LORD, For with the LORD is mercy, with him is plenteous redemption, ⁸And he will redeem Israel from all its sins.

To ponder and discuss with a prayer partner or in fraternity throughout the month of November:

+How do you remember in prayer the deceased members of your family? 

+How does your fraternity (local, regional, and national) remember our deceased members? 

+Share some thoughts on how your local fraternity might celebrate a Rite of Remembrance for your deceased members.

Challenge: This month, pray the De Profundis (Psalm 130) for all those who have died, especially those who have no one to pray for them.