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 (The 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.
Contacts
Hugo Bader at: bader@ptd.net
Debbie Zweier at: debbiez@ptd.net
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