WHO ARE SECULAR FRANCISCANS?

WHO?

Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women in the world who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of Francis. We believe that as human beings and Christians, we have such a sublime vocation that we cannot fulfill it alone. In our common response to the Gospel, we work together in the community toward a deep evangelical life and toward communion with all people. This is our way of life.

We are not a club or society. We are united in an international ORDER founded by St. Francis of Assisi nearly 800 years ago. There are over 12,000 members in over one thousand fraternities of Secular Franciscan scattered throughout the United States alone.

What Do We Do?

We PRAY alone and together.
We LEARN about Christ (Gospels), Francis, Clare, & ourselves.
We SHARE our journeys, ourselves.
We LIVE WITH THE GOSPELS as our guide - reaching out to others.

HOW?

MEETING on regular basis to share our lives and efforts to line the Gospel.
RETREAT together and gather our thoughts, re-direct our lives through time away.
WORKING TOGETHER to change our lives and our world.

Article 14 (Rule)

Secular Franciscans, together with all people of good will, are called to build a more fraternal and evangelical world so that the Kingdom of God might be brought about more effectively.

WHY?

We feel called by the Holy Spirit to follow Christ in the Franciscan spirit with the support and encouragement of others who are committed to a Gospel life style.

Almost 800 years ago in Assisi, a man named Francis was called by God to "Rebuild My Church." The times were difficult, war and greed were rampant. He chose the Life of Christ (Gospels) as his guide. People began to follow him embracing his values of poverty, joy, simplicity, gratitude, and love of all God's creatures.

This Franciscan Family grew to include Religious and Secular men and women. At present there are over four million members of our family worldwide.

ARE YOU INVITED TO "come and see"

We would love to meet you.    

SFO INQUIRY: You can call 1-800-FRANCIS or submit our online information request form