Pietas and the Franciscan Imagination

Abstract

The call to holiness manifested in the relationship between God and humankind contemporarily expresses the virtue of pietas, often translated as piety. The spiritual depth of this virtue reflects a Franciscan approach to holiness that emphasizes relational obligations epitomized by the Trinitarian relationship. With numerous challenges and difficulties in life, I argue that the steadfast character of holiness animates recent solemnly professed Capuchin friars in their baptismal call to holiness strengthened in their consecration to God. Chapter I provides an entry point to pietas using the theology of St. Bonaventure in the Legenda Maior. I trace the develop of pietas from its ancient roots as a defining virtue for the Roman people of the Empire and its Christian appropriation by Augustine. I then discuss some key features of Bonaventure’s theology that informs his understanding of pietas as a particularly relational virtue consistent with his Franciscan identity. Chapter II begins with a survey of the Franciscan hermeneutical disputes in its history over the Rule of Saint Francis. This contextualizes the discussion of the call to holiness as an invitation for humanity to participate in the Divine nature through Baptism and the grace to share in the relationship (and thus accompanying duties) of God, the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit. The tendency to prioritize such duties has caused hierarchical divisions that respectively seek to advance communal evangelical proclamation while upholding fidelity to the revealed Truth of God. Consecrated life deepens this responsibility, especially with the expectations set by great witnesses that invigorates others to partake in the mission. Chapter III acknowledges the difficulties of communal discernment by offering a case study of an unanticipated moment of reconciliation through pietas between two prominent 20th century friars. This sets a framework to conclude the thesis with theological reflections for recent solemnly professed Capuchin friars to practice the virtue of pietas in the modern western world.