Secular Franciscan Order

Secular Franciscan Order
Name	Secular Franciscan Order
Native name	Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis
Abbreviation	OFS
Founder	Francis of Assisi
Founded	1221
Type	Lay religious order
Headquarters	Rome
Membership	Lay men and women, diocesan clergy
Leader title	Minister General (Guardian)

Secular Franciscan Order The Secular Franciscan Order is a lay fraternity within the Catholic Church tracing origins to Francis of Assisi and Clare of Assisi. It gathers lay men and women, diocesan clergy, and consecrated persons who live the Franciscan charism in secular life under a Rule approved by Pope Honorius III and later revised by Pope Paul VI. The fraternity has historically interacted with institutions such as the Holy See, Order of Friars Minor, and civil authorities across Europe and beyond.

History

The history begins in early 13th-century Assisi when Francis of Assisi and companions developed forms of popular penitential movements like the Penance of Assisi and connections with Third Orders emerging in medieval Italy. In 1221 Pope Honorius III issued approval that gave canonical shape while relations with the Order of Friars Minor and Poor Clares evolved through councils such as the Council of Trent and synods addressing lay fraternities. The movement spread through medieval France, Spain, England, and Germany into colonial networks involving Portugal, Spain’s Americas, and Philippines under missionaries from the Franciscan missions in California and Evangelization of the Americas. Reforms and restorations occurred after secularizing pressures from events like the French Revolution and laws of the Kingdom of Italy, followed by 20th-century renewal initiated by papal documents and Vatican institutions including the Second Vatican Council and directives from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Organization and Membership

Governance uses a fraternity model with local, regional, national, and international bodies reflecting Franciscan polity found in the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Members belong to local fraternities tied to diocesan structures and collaborate with bishops like those of Rome, Milan, New York, and Manila. Leadership titles—minister, councilor, treasurer—mirror medieval guilds and modern canonical positions recognized by the Canon Law of the Catholic Church. Admission involves periods of inquiry, formation, and profession; candidates interact with spiritual directors from diocesan clergy, Franciscan friars, and lay theologians from universities such as Pontifical Gregorian University and Catholic University of America.

Rule and Spirituality

The Rule, originally composed by followers in dialogue with Francis of Assisi and confirmed by Pope Honorius III, was revised most recently under authority of Pope Paul VI and promulgated in line with themes of the Second Vatican Council. The Rule emphasizes following the Gospel and the evangelical counsels in lay circumstances, drawing on Franciscan sources such as the Testament of Saint Francis, the Earlier Rule and Later Rule. Spirituality is shaped by Franciscan theology linked to figures like Bonaventure, Duns Scotus, Bonaventura of Bagnoregio, and contemporary interpreters at institutions like St. Bonaventure University.

Practices and Charism

Members live a charism centered on poverty, humility, and service exemplified by Francis of Assisi and Clare of Assisi, embracing practices such as daily prayer, lectio divina influenced by Benedict of Nursia traditions, and sacramental life including frequent reception of the Eucharist and Sacrament of Penance. Popular devotions include the Stations of the Cross, Rosary, and imitating Franciscan care for creation as reflected in modern encyclicals like Laudato si'. Fraternities observe canonical periods for formation—pre-candidacy, candidacy, and ongoing formation—and celebrate professions in the presence of bishops, friars from the Order of Friars Minor, and lay leaders.

Apostolates and Activities

Apostolates range across social services, pastoral care, ecological initiatives, and educational outreach linked with institutions such as Caritas Internationalis, Catholic Relief Services, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, and hospitals named for Saint Francis Hospital. Members engage in parish ministry, chaplaincies in prisons and hospitals, youth work with organizations like Catholic Youth Organization and Scouting, and advocacy on issues discussed at United Nations forums by Catholic non-governmental organizations. Fraternities often collaborate with religious orders on missions to regions served historically by Spanish missions in California, Franciscan missions in New Mexico, and contemporary projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Global Presence and Structure  (International and National Fraternities)

The Order has an international fraternity headquartered in Rome that convenes international chapters and coordinates with national fraternities in countries such as Italy, United States, Philippines, Brazil, Poland, Spain, Germany, and India. National fraternities hold ministerial elections and organize regional chapters mirroring models used by the Order of Friars Minor and other Third Orders across continents. International assemblies and general chapters meet periodically under statutes shaped by the Holy See and collaborate with the Pontifical Council for the Laity and episcopal conferences like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Bishops’ Conference of India to coordinate formation, canonical recognition, and apostolic priorities.

Category:Roman Catholic orders and societies