Secular Franciscan Order

What is the Secular Franciscan Order?

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. The OFS is a worldwide community of Catholic men and women, married and single. Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and work.

We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise. We live in the world in communion with the Church in Rome. We seek to pattern our lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. OFSs are members of the Third Order of St. Francis as canonically established by Pope Honorius III in 1221.

In today’s world, we are plagued by time schedules, projects, and activities that may leave us tense and stressed. The OFS becomes our place of spiritual refuge and renewal where others support and inspire us on our spiritual journey. Secular Franciscans use the example of walking in St. Francis’ footsteps as we endeavor to bring Christ more fully into our daily lives.

What do Secular Franciscans do?

Secular Franciscans gather monthly. We support each other through the ups and downs of daily life. We pray together. We create opportunities to learn about our Church, our community and our world. Secular Franciscans do not make religious vows of chastity or poverty.

The OFS members are involved in apostolic ministries and with youth. When we are called to action, we embrace the call joyfully. Examples of Franciscan service include: teaching religious education, leading the rosary before masses, committing to Perpetual Adoration, serving as stewards of the environment and working with the poor, sick and homeless.

Is the OFS for you?

If you have a Franciscan vocation, you probably have a desire to do something more — perhaps you feel a need for support in growing spiritually. Perhaps, deep down, you sense a need to serve God in a special way. Perhaps you have felt an affinity with St. Francis of Assisi, Padre Pio, St. Clare, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Louis IX, St. Joan of Arc or other Franciscan saints. Perhaps God is calling you to the Franciscan family.

Getting to know the OFS better may be a way to determine if you have a Franciscan vocation. You’ll have plenty of time to get to know us before you make a commitment.

The three required phases of spiritual progression that encompass the two year period prior to the formal lifetime commitment are: Orientation, Inquiry and Candidacy.

Both during exploration of a potential vocation in the Fraternity and following the lifetime commitment, there are monthly gatherings, informal study sessions, retreats, volunteering opportunities and other programs.

OFS Brochure PDF

OFS Brochure DOC

St. Margaret of Cortona Fraternity - Bloomington

Minister Contact:

Carol Burroughs, OFS

bfp@a5.com

Other Fraternities in the Franciscans of the Prarie Region

Secular Franciscan Order - USA

Map of OFS - USA Regions

Franciscan History

St Francis

St. Francis of Assisi was born in 1181/82 in Assisi (Assisi, duchy of Spoleto [Italy]). He was baptized Giovanni di Pietro Bernardone and called Francis by his father. He died on October 3, 1226. St. Francis is one of the most beloved and well-known saints.

Canonized July 16, 1228
Feast day October 4
Founder of the Franciscan orders of the Friars Minor (Ordo Fratrum Minorum), the women’s Order of St. Clare (the Poor Clares), and the lay Third Order.
Francis’s devotion to the human Jesus and his desire to follow Jesus’ example reflected and reinforced important developments in medieval spirituality.
The Poverello (“Poor Little Man”) is one of the most venerated religious figures in Roman Catholic history, and he and St. Catherine of Siena are the patron saints of Italy.
In 1979 Pope John Paul II recognized him as the patron saint of ecology.

Saint Francis of Assisi is perhaps the most known and loved saint within the Catholic Church. Though many flock to him because of his portrayal as one who loved animals and nature, he became one of the greatest saints in history for one simple reason: he was a true servant of the Most High God.

Fun Franciscan FACTS!

On Sunday, August 29th, 1219, the Christians launched a battle against the Muslims during the Crusades. It was during the 4-week ceasefire after the battle that St. Francis went to visit the Sultan to try and stop the fighting.

On Sunday, August 25th, we celebrate the feast day of St. Louis IX, King of France. He is a patron of the Third Order of St. Francis, now known as Secular Franciscans.

The Franciscans have custody of the Holy sites in Jerusalem and throughout the Holy Land. Please pray for the Friars and Sisters there.

Our Franciscan Roots

The Franciscan order is a group of Catholic religious orders founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209. The order is divided into three main orders:

First Order: Consists of male friars, including the Order of Friars Minor, which is the largest contemporary male order

Second Order: Consists of female nuns, such as the Order of Saint Clare

Third Order: Consists of men and women, some cloistered and some remaining part of society. This order is also known as the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) and has about 350,000 active members in over 100 countries. To become a Secular Franciscan, a person must be a Catholic in good standing, at least 18 years old, and profess the Catholic faith. They must also live in communion with the Church, be of good moral standing, and show signs of a vocation.

The Franciscan Friars served St. Mary’s for 135 years.

From 1881 to 2016