Welcome to the website of the Junipero Serra Fraternity of Carmel of the Secular Franciscan Order founded in 1956 at St. Clare's Retreat in Soquel, Californina. We are located on the Central Coast of California, which spans from Santa Cruz in the north to Carmel in the south. We are one of 25 local fraternities of the Blessed Junipero Serra Regional Fraternity of Northern and Central California and Northern Nevada.
The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is an official Religious Community of the Roman Catholic Church, governed in the United States by the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, and a member of the International Franciscan family. Our order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1233 with permission of Pope Innocent III. It is comprised of lay men and women, as well as, diocesan priests, who make a commitment to follow the Gospel according to Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Our fraternity meets on the third Sunday of each month, with some exceptions, at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California.
We, the members of the Junipero Serra Fraternity of Carmel of the Secular Franciscan Order, are called to follow the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the footprints of Saint Francis of Assisi, seeking holiness through prayer and action, and promoting the reign of God within the Franciscan Family, the Church, and the World.
Because we believe that Jesus is present among us, especially in the poor, the broken, and the disenfranchised, we are compelled to reach out, to serve, and to cherish them.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, nurtured by the Blessed Mother, we believe that all creatures are our sisters and brothers and are gifts from God. To this end, we accept our mission of stewardship in peace and harmony with all.