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Secular
Franciscan Q
& A
What is a Secular Franciscan?
Secular Franciscans are members of the third order founded by St. Francis of
Assisi. Originally we were known as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance.
Today, we are called Secular Franciscans.
Do you have to be single or celibate to join the Secular Franciscan Order?
NO! This order, approved and recognized by Rome, is composed of and suitable
for any Roman Catholics not bound by religious vows. If you are married,
single, young or old, laity or clergy and not bound by religious vows and
want to follow Christ as Francis of Assisi did, please contact us.
Is the Secular Franciscan Order really a true order?
Rome has repeatedly stated that the Secular Franciscan Order is a true
order. Like all orders we have a rule which is approved by Rome. We also
have a novitiate, a formal profession, and a monthly meeting which
substitutes for communal living.
Why are you called Secular Franciscans?
The term Secular indicates that we live in the world and although we make a
public profession we are not bound by public vows as are religious orders
living in community. It also distinguishes the Third Order Secular from the
Third Order Regular. The Third Order Regular, which grew out of the Third
Order Secular, now comprises numerous Franciscan communities all over the
world.
What do Secular Franciscan do?
Did you notice the words Living Gospel to Life and Life to Gospel above?
This is what we do. For most of us, it would be more accurate to say it is
what we strive to do. Gospel to Life means we are to take the teachings of
Jesus Christ and apply them to our every day situations. Not only wondering,
what would Jesus do, but demonstrating to our fellow man what Jesus did.
This means bringing peace to people and drawing them to God by living the
Gospel message. We must be ready to forgive, to comfort and most of all to
love. This is only accomplished by dying to ourselves. Life to Gospel means
we are to conform our life to Jesus' life. We are to turn the other cheek,
walk the extra mile, suffer as He suffered, pray as He prayed, forgive as He
forgave, love as he loved. To the Secular Franciscan these words are not
only a motto or a beautiful ideal. The words signify our mission, our way of
life, our vocation. It is supposed to be the mission and way of life for all
who call themselves Christians. It isn't easy or accomplished quickly. It is
a life long work. That's the purpose of our on going formation program.
Are there any well known or famous Secular Franciscans?
Yes there are many notable people who are and have been members of the
Secular Franciscan Order. The list includes members of the clergy, royalty,
members of science, authors, artists, and those of us just interested in
serving the Lord.
POPES:
Popes Gregory IX, Blessed Gregory X, Innocent Xll, Pius IX,
Pius X, Pope Martin V, Clement XII, and all Popes from Pius IX to and
including John XXIII
CARDINALS:
Charles Borromeo, Manning, Vaughn
ROYALTY:
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, Ferdinand
and Isabella of Spain
OTHERS:
St. John Vianney (Le Cure D'Ars) patron saint of Diocesan
Priests, St. Joan of Arc, Dante, Giotto, Raphael, Michelangelo, Christopher
Columbus, St. Thomas More, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Franz Liszt,
Charles Gounod, André and Marie Ampère, Louis Pasteur, John Michael Talbot,
parents of St. Theresa (little flower), parents of St. Maximilian Kolbe,
mother of St. Maria Goretti , Blessed Peter of Sienna, a comb manufacturer,
Blessed LuChesio a merchant, and dock worker Matt Talbot.
How can I find out if there is a Secular Francican Fraternity near me?
Call 1-800-FRANCIS (1-800-372-6247). This source will provide information
about Secular Franciscan Fraternities near your home. If there isn't one in
your local community consider starting one. We will be glad to help you. If
you have questions not answered on this page, have prayer requests or just
want to chat E-Mail us.
Brief history of the Secular Franciscan Order
Rule of
the Secular Franciscan Order
Secular Franciscan
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