Evangelical counsels the knotts
Many groups of pious individuals adopt the convention of wearing a knotted cord in recognition of the ropes that bound Jesus and as a reminder of their commitment. The white cord worn by dedicated Franciscans has from one to five knots that are tied in a bullion style.
The three knots on the Franciscan cord represent his vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The Poor Clares wear a fourth knot that represents a commitment of enclosure. The Secular Franciscans wear a cord of five knots that represent the same as the friars' three as well as one for penance and one for detachment.
The Franciscan Rule of 1223, remains the fundamental document for all the branches of the First Order: "The Rule and life of these brothers is this: namely, to live in obedience and chastity". Many similitudes are found on the first chapters on Santa Clare's Rule, for the Second Order.
The Secular Franciscan Order does not have such tight commitment to follow evangelical counsels as our religios brothers and sisters do. However, the Rule of the SFO which has guided countless lifes, are filled with cites urging us to reach a life of poberty, obedience and chastity.
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