Formation within the Franciscan tradition : its concepts and consequences

DTh (Dogmatics), North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusToday formation is a much-debated subject in Religious circles. Its defining principles vary within different Religious Orders, though the general meaning is similar. Formation is usually thought of from the perspective of forming a candidate in Initial Formation as taught or something to be completed. Hence there is a definite danger to think formation can be finished. This thesis seeks to contribute to a greater understanding, viz. that formation is a continual process and its on-going nature requires even more care, which should be embraced radically and challengingly. Chapter 1 surveys the overall view of formation; its definition and meaning with the general observation of the development of the physical world in line with the development of the human growth process. It traces certain explorations with Christian formation and analyses the Religious perspective of formation beginning with Genesis chapter 1:1 as the bedrock of formation and connecting it to creation which begins with and in God. Chapter 2 propounds the historical background on the development of Religious Life in different eras and its key features and touches on the theme of Franciscan formation and its history. Further, this study examines the evolution of standardised formation in the Church by searching through the Code of Canon Law as well as the early and later Church Councils. In addition to this the Second Vatican Council documents and several recent encyclicals are explained and drawn out for the purpose of understanding the on-going meaning and extension of formation. Chapter 3 deals with the theological perspectives of Franciscan formation. The researcher presents the formative content of Francis’s pedagogy as a lived pedagogy. Chapter 4 analyses the different concepts of Franciscan formation which are highlighted through primary Franciscan sources and theology. Chapter 5 presents a systematic study in order to establish the consequences of Franciscan Formation with an analysis of formation as the ‘Schooling of the Gospel’. Thus, this thesis contributes overall views on Franciscan Formation and its radical elements, especially the ‘Gospel Life’, as the formative basis for every Franciscan. Chapter 6 draws conclusions from the study and reflects on possible implications for the practice of the radical nature of Franciscan Formation. There are also some suggested applications from the findings in this study. This thesis introduces Franciscan Formators to Franciscan Formation literature in order to develop a dynamic intuitive knowledge of theological and theoretical Franciscan Formation. It answers the fundamental question: ‘Who am I becoming?’ rather than: ‘What am I learning?’ In this way formation engages the candidate to the mission of the Church in the contemporary world.Doctora