Conclusion

This paper has attempted to prove that it is possible to construct a single Franciscan ecclesiology. It has looked at the different models of the Church from Franciscan perspectives. This is possible because the Franciscan movement is an expression of the Church, and shares the same ecclesial constitutive elements. The Franciscan sources can enrich the appreciation of the various models of the Church. Directly, St Francis did see the Church in an institution model, a people of God model as well as a Marian model. These three models were classic theological themes and Francis' direct use of these was natural.

Indirectly, the postconciliar models -- the Eucharistic, herald and servant -- can be approached too through the writings of Francis. Finally, the image of Lady Poverty is suggested as an alternative model to bring out the Church of the poor in particular. No wonder the whole Church, not just the Franciscans, could and should sing the antiphon -- Franciscus vir catholicus et lotus apostolicus -- wholeheartedly: not simply to celebrate this medieval saint but to celebrate the mystery of the Church, as Francis saw it and lived it out so deeply and so well.