St Francis admonishes his brothers to apply themselves to good works tirelessly, so as to avoid idleness, the enemy of the soul. Heeding his call, we work with our hands as a particular way for us to take on the simple and humble tasks required in our ministries, or in the upkeep of our churches and friaries. As sons of St Francis with a particular reverence for God’s creation, manual work also allows us to be good stewards of the gifts we have been entrusted with, making our houses simple yet dignified places which give praise to God and encouragement to His people.

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At the same time, our work is itself a prayer of praise, offered to the glory of God, and must always be ordered towards him. For St Francis reminds us that in our work we must not extinguish "the Spirit of holy prayer and devotion to which all temporal things must contribute" (Rule of St Francis, Ch 5).