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Saint Francis founded the Order of Penitents, as it was called in his time. This
was an order for lay persons, single or married, who wanted to follow him. Over the years, this burgeoning group of faithful
souls became known as the Third Order of Saint Francis, and is currently known as the Secular Franciscan Order. Over one million
lay Franciscans belong to the SFO. This Franciscan Family, as one among many spiritual families raised up by the Holy Spirit
in the Church, unites all members of the People of God — laity, religious, priests — who recognize that they are
called to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi.
It was Saint Francis's vision that all Roman Catholics could join his orders,
join by being open to the Holy Spirit. We, members of the Secular Franciscan Order, an order for lay people as well as Diocesan
clergy, have discerned a vocation to become Franciscans. We have also learned in a deeper way to love our brothers and sisters,
even the stranger and to pray unceasingly with a heart free from self-interest.
We invite you to come and get to know us by attending our monthly meetings
for a while. Perhaps you will feel drawn to join us. If you do, be open to the Holy Spirit, and be open to discernment to
determine if it is your vocation to join us. This is a life-long commitment.
The process of becoming a professed Secular Franciscan is a
journey that involves three separate stages and culminates in a lifelong commitment to live the gospel following the example
of St. Francis of Assisi. This formation process unfolds in regularly scheduled formation sessions during which the home study
material is thoroughly discussed.
The first stage, Orientation, provides time for dialogue and
developing relationships in fraternity. During Orientation you will be introduced to the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare
and share in Franciscan prayer life. You will be given general information about the Secular Franciscan Order. Orientation
is a time to discern if the Spirit is calling you to a Secular Franciscan vocation. The period of Orientation is a minimum
of three months.
The second stage,
Inquiry, is the first formal period of initiation. It is a time of in-depth study of the lives of St. Francis and St.
Clare. During Inquiry you will learn about the Franciscan charism and Franciscan history. You will deepen your understanding
of what it means to be secular and Franciscan, and you will continue to discern if the Spirit is calling you to the Secular
Franciscan way of life. The period of Inquiry is a minimum of six months. If a vocation is discerned, the Inquirer
is received into the Order.
The third stage, Candidacy, is the final formal period of initiation.
It is a time of preparing for permanent commitment by immersion into fraternity life. Central to this stage of formation is
Article 4 of The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order which states, “The rule and life of the Secular Franciscan is
this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration
and the center of his life with God and people.” The period of Candidacy is a minimum of eighteen months and
culminates in permanent commitment to the gospel life. "Temporary Profession" is an option, too.
After
profession of the Rule and permanent commitment to the gospel way of life, the newly professed member joins the rest of the
fraternity in ongoing formation.
Is the SFO for you? If you would like more information about
the Secular Franciscan Order, in USA, please call 1-800-FRANCIS. (toll-free). Elsewhere, see here.
*In English speaking countries, the order
is known as "Secular Franciscan Order" (SFO); this is based on the official name of the order, in Latin: Ordo Franciscanus
Saecularis (OFS)
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