ABOUT US
We gather in fraternity once a month to pray, to share about our lives, and to continue our lifelong journey of formation. Both individually, and as a fraternity, we engage in apostolic work and various ministries, with a particular outreach to the poor and marginalized, and a focus on peace, justice, and care of creation. As Franciscans, we are called to prayer and contemplation, as well as to an active presence in the world.
What does the Church say about the
Secular Franciscans
The church accepts the Secular Franciscan Order as part of the Franciscan family. Secular Franciscans are directly under the Pope. A number of the Popes, Pius IX (1846-1878); Leo XIII (1978-1903); Pius X (1903-1914); Benedict XV (1914-1922); Pius XI (1922-1939); Pius XII (1939-1958) to Saint John XXIII (1958-1963), belonged to the Secular Franciscan Order.
Beginning with Pope Leo XIII the Franciscans and especially the Secular Franciscan Order was seen as the best way to contribute to the transformation of the world by teaching Saint Francis’ vision of universal brotherhood and peace.
What does it mean to be a Secular Franciscan?
Secular Franciscans commit themselves to living the Gospel according to Franciscan spirituality in their secular condition. The Secular Franciscan must personally and assiduously study the Gospel and Sacred Scripture to foster a love for the word of the Gospel as it is proclaimed by the Church with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.
Secular Franciscans, called in earlier times “the brothers and sisters of penance”, propose to live in the spirit of continual conversion.
Secular Franciscans should pledge themselves to live the spirit of the Beatitudes and, in a special way, the spirit of poverty.
Who are Secular Fanciscans?
Secular Franciscans are the Third Order of Franciscans. We are made up of people who live, not in community, but in the world, as we bring Life to the Gospel and the Gospel to Life.