what is the Secular Francisan Order?

Are you being called to the Catholic Franciscan Life? 

Do you ever feel that you are being called to a deeper
relationship with God through the Franciscans?
Did you dismiss the idea because you are married or have to live in 
the Secular World?
If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes" then read on

Everyone has heard of the Franciscans. Indeed the Franciscan 
Orders are the most successful and popular of all the religious
orders. At the heart of the Franciscan orders is St Francis himself,
whose life was, and is still, an inspiration to millions of people
around the world. His message was, and remains, one of total
love for, and commitment to, Jesus Christ and Christ's values,
so clearly revealed to us in the Gospels.

Francis lived between 1182 and 1226. He had a great religious
experience when he heard the voice of God from the crucifix in
the derelict church of St Damiano in Assisi saying "Francis, rebuild
my church which you can see is falling down". Although at first
Francis took the message literally he very soon came to realise
that he was meant to bring a freshness of the spirit of love of God,
his fellow man and indeed to all creation into a church that
needed new life. He was very popular and drew people to follow him.
However, many people who had homes and families, also wanted to
follow the Franciscan way of life. So Francis established an order for them.
Originally known as the Third Order we are now known as the
Secular Franciscan Order and this order, along with the first order,
The Friars Minor and the second order, The Poor Clares, is 800
years old.

Today the world has become increasingly materialistic and unbelieving.
Franciscans are needed to take the joy of the love of Christ to people.
The message is still one of total love of God, our fellow man who, and wherever
 he is, and indeed all of creation - a simple message that calls for a
simple life, and a reassessment of our values. In this way although the
order is 800 years old, the message is modern and for today.

You may be interested in getting to know a bit more about us.
The Minister is Pat Lee who will be happy to give
you further information.

May the lord bless you and keep you.
May he show his face to you and have mercy on you.
May he turn his counternance towards you
and give you peace.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)