Fulfilling the Catholic Church's Call to Penance and Repentance

in the Modern World

The Confraternity of Penitents

"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with your whole soul, and with all your mind, (and) you shall love your neighbor as yourself."  (Jesus's words as recorded in Matthew 22:37-38)

Affiliates of the Confraternity of Penitents

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Saint Angela of Foligno

(1248-1309)

Our perfection certainly consists in knowing God and ourselves.

--Blessed Angela of Foligno

Perfection does not consist in consolation, but rather in the submission of our wills to God -- above all in desolation.

--Blessed Henry Suso

Christian perfection consists in three things:  praying heroically, working heroically, and suffering heroically.

--St. Anthony Mary Claret

Saint Anthony Mary Claret

(1807-1870) 

"Repent and believe the Good News!" 

Penance means conversion. The Confraternity of Penitents is a world wide private Catholic association of the faithful, completely loyal to our Pope and the Magisterium. 

Our Rule of Life has been reviewed by our bishop and recognized in these words:  "this Rule does not contain anything contrary to our faith; therefore it may be safely practiced privately by you or by anyone inclined to do so.  . . . His Excellency is appreciative of your efforts to live and promote Franciscan spirituality and especially promote the neglected practice of penance and he wishes you success" (January 30, 1998). 

 Members of the Confraternity of Penitents live this Rule in their own homes, devoted to prayer, penance, fasting, conversion, and works of mercy modeled on Jesus Christ and inspired by the lives and teachings of

St. Francis,

St. Dominic,

St. Therese,

St. Benedict,

St. Augustine,

St. Ignatius,

and all the saints, most especially Mary, the Mother of God, who lived a life of true penance (conversion) in perfect union with our Lord.

May Our Lady and all the saints intercede for all who wish to embrace a life of penance, anywhere in the world, so that the grace of God will assist them to obtain every virtue necessary for a life of holiness and surrender to the Will of God! Amen.

PRAYER OF PENITENTS
 "Most High, Glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my mind, give me right faith, a firm hope and perfect charity, so that I may always and in all things act according to Your Holy Will. Amen." (Saint Francis's prayer before the San Damiano Crucifix)

MISSION OF PENITENTS
"Go and repair My House which, as you can see, is falling into ruin." (The message given to St. Francis in a voice from the San Damiano Crucifix.)

ACTION OF PENITENTS
To pray for God's specific direction in one's life so that, through humbly living our Rule of Life, each penitent may help to rebuild the house of God by bringing love of God and neighbor to his or her own corner of the world.
 

AFFILIATES OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF PENITENTS

The Confraternity of Penitents is most grateful to God for its Affiliates. Affiliates are not Members of the Confraternity of Penitents because they do not wish to participate in formation which is a requirement for Membership.    However, Affiliates do support and pray for the CFP.

Affiliates may become Members at any time by completing the Inquirer Application and then proceeding, after the time of inquiry, into formation as postulants.

The following obligations must be fulfilled for Affiliate status:

* Completion of the Application for Affiliation, found on this link.

* Promotion of penance (conversion) in ways suitable to the Affiliate's vocation.

* Offering attendance at one Mass per year for deceased penitents. 

* Fully living Section 26 of the Rule and Constitutions which enjoins peace with all.

* Being consecrated to Our Lady and praying a daily Marian Consecration prayer of their choice.

* Praying daily the following prayer for all CFP Members and Associates and CFP intentions which will be mailed, along with a Certificate of Affiliation, to all Affiliates:

Affiliates' Prayer for the Confraternity of Penitents

Blessed Lord, as You made Saint Francis reflective of the image of Christ through a life of humility and penance, so, too, please help us and all of our brothers and sisters to die to the world with You, in order that our hearts may be inflamed with the fire of Your Love, and finally we may be brought to new life. Please have mercy on all those who are burdened with leadership in the Confraternity, especially the Bishop, Visitor, Minister General, Regional Ministers, Ministers, Officers, and Formators. Father of all, please renew the marks of Jesus' Passion on our souls, and bring us to perfection for the sake of Your glory. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.

Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us.
Saint Francis, pray for us.
Saint Clare, pray for us.
Saint Anthony, pray for us.
All you saints of God, pray for us. Amen.

Priests, Deacons, and Religious Affiliates are also asked consider becoming Spiritual Assistants for CFP Chapters or Circles and/or Spiritual Directors for CFP Members and Associates as their time, wishes, and obligations permit.

Priest Affiliates are asked to celebrate one Mass yearly for all deceased penitents.

With the permission of the Confraternity leadership sponsoring the event, Affiliates may attend CFP functions and meetings.

The Confraternity of Penitents prays daily for all its Affiliates.
 

Confraternity of Penitents

520 Oliphant Lane

Middletown RI USA

02842-4600

401/849-5421

bspenance@hotmail.com

copenitents@yahoo.com