Franciscan Vocation: ‘A Call to a Life of Perfect Joy’

On August 7, the Franciscan Family of Shisong, Cameroon marked the second day of prayer day of in commemoration of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis with a pilgrimage, reflection, and renewed commitment to living evangelical joy.

Many Franciscan orders and their friends and supporters were represented—including the Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis, the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor, lay Franciscans, and companions of the Tertiary Sisters. Those gathered began with a pilgrimage from Shisong to the Parish Church. Along the way, they prayed the Franciscan Crown for the intentions of peace in Cameroon and the world.

Reflection on Perfect Joy

The day’s reflection was given by Br. Francis Dor, OFMCap. Drawing from Perfect Joy, Psalm 39, and the Beatitudes, he reminded participants that “God invites his people to a life of joy because life with God is a life of joy.” Joy, he said, is the hallmark of Franciscan life. Despite mockery, rejection, sickness and the stigmata, St. Francis and his companions chose poverty and rejoicing. This was not superficial happiness, but a deep joy born from a heart that has encountered true love.

Linking this to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Br. Francis noted that evangelical joy “fills the hearts and is constantly born anew” and calls us to a new form of evangelization. He recalled the famous Anecdote of Perfect Joy:

“Perfect Joy is not in great achievements. Perfect Joy is when a friar returns from ministry tired, hungry and exhausted in the rain and snow, and a brother rebukes and sends him away with blows. If this is endured patiently and happily with the passion of Christ in mind, that is Perfect Joy.”

Even in his final illness, Francis found joy in simple gifts — the song of a bird, a passage of Scriptures .

Sharing, Adoration and Eucharist

During the sharing session, participants observed that to live evangelical joy we must be rooted in prayer, practice humility, persevere in suffering, and unite our trials with Christ’s passion.

As a call to action, the Franciscan Family committed to sow seeds of joy by accompanying those weighed down by sadness and by patiently enduring life’s challenges with hope.

The day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, Sacramental Confession, and Holy Mass, sealing the day in prayer and thanksgiving.

As we journey through this Franciscan Jubilee Year, we are invited to be witnesses of Perfect Joy—a joy that proclaims Christ even in difficulty.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you.”