Most Holy Name SFO Fraternity at 471 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424 US - Becoming a Secular Franciscan

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, you may become a candidate.

Is the Secular Franciscan Order really a true order?

The Secular Franciscan Order is a secular order within the Roman Catholic tradition. Like all orders in the Church we have a rule which is approved by Rome. We also have a novitiate, a formal profession and regular fraternity meetings which provide for community.

Why are you called Secular Franciscans?

The term "secular" indicates that we live in the world and not in religious communities. 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, which grew out of the Third Order Secular, which now comprises numerous Franciscan communities of religious sisters and brothers/priests all over the world.

What do Secular Franciscans do?

Did you take note of 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 as proclaimed in the Gospel and apply them to our everyday situations. Not only wondering, what would Jesus do, but demonstrating to people around us 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 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 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 Popes, members of the clergy, royalty, scientists, authors and artists including: All Popes from Pius IX to and including John XXIII, St. Charles Borromeo, St. John Vianney, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Louis of France, St. Elizabeth of Portugal, Ferninand and Isabella of Spain, St. Joan of Arc, St. Thomas More, Christopher Columbus, Dante, Giotto, Raphael, Michelangelo, Franz Liszt, Louis Pasteur and Matt Talbot.
 
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.

The first stage is Orientation. Typically, it lasts about three months. It is a time for you to discern if the SFO way of life is for you. It provides time to talk about what it means to be a Secular Franciscan. You begin to develop relationships with other SFO's. You'll have chance to observe first-hand what it means to be an SFO. During this time, you'll also begin to study Francis, Clare and the history of the Order. You'll be introduced to Franciscan prayer life. At the end of this time, you will be asked if you would like to continue.

The second stage is Inquiry. It is usually about six months in length. This will be your formal period of initiation. Now, your studies will begin to intensify. Discussions wil take you deeply into Franciscan spirituality. 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. If it is discerned (by you and the Order) that you are meant to be a Secular Franciscan, you will be received into the Order at the end of this period.

The third stage is Candidacy. It is the final part of the period of initiation and lasts about eighteen months. At the end of this time you will either make a permanent commitment to the Order as a professed Secular Franciscan or you may choose to be temporarily professed. During this time you will be fully immersed into fraternity life. There is more discussion with your Formation Director, decisions about choosing a ministry and involvement in fraternity activities. 

    We invite you to meet with us and discern whether you are called by the Spirit of God to become an expression of the Gospel in the manner of St. Francis. May the Lord give you His Peace!

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