Third Order
From Franciscan Wiki
The Franciscan Third Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi and was composed of people who lived in the world. There were people who wanted to follow Jesus and live the Gospels according to the style of Francis and Clare -- but who were unable to because of circumstances in their life.
Over time some of these Brothers and Sisters of Penance came to live together in convents and took vows. Today these Franiscans are known as Third Order Regular. The members of the Third Order who continued to live in the world have been known as Third Order Secular and, today, the Secular Franciscan Order.
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The Secular Franciscan Order is a "public association" of Catholic lay men & women (married & single) & diocesan (non-religious order) priests, bishops, etc. Persons interested in becoming members attend several gatherings of a local fraternity before deciding to make the commitment to start "Initial Formation" - a time of study about St. Francis of Assisi, other Franciscan saints, our Rule of Life and how to apply the Gospel Way of Life to our everyday way of living. Currently, Initial Formation lasts about 36 months before one makes Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order. There are many fraternities throughout the world. Some are located in Franciscan schools or hospitals; others are located in Franciscan and non-Franciscan parishes. Most fraternities gather once a month, although some gather more frequently. Gatherings include time for prayer, formation (study/discussion of Franciscan topics or topics related to Gospel-living, e.g. documents of Vatican II, documents & statements of our bishops and/or our Holy Father), time to develop/deepen our ties to each other - building community/family, & some discussion of "business" (upcoming fraternity events, communications from other fraternities or other levels of fraternity, etc.). Usually, people hear about our Order from friends who are members but more and more, people are finding out about us through the internet. You may call 1-800-FRANCIS to get information about the location of a fraternity near you.
I am a member of St. Francis Fraternity in Phila., PA which is a member of St. Katharine Drexel Regional Fraternity (parts of Eastern PA, Southern NJ & DE) which is a member of NAFRA (all fraternities within USA) which is a member of the International Fraternity (all fraternities in the world). We all live according to the same "Rule" and "General Constitutions" which have been approved by our Holy Father the Pope.
Among the many saints, blesseds and "famous" who have been members of the Third Order/Secular Franciscan Order are Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI - the Popes of Vatican II.
SFO_Terri
