The OFS is 800 years old and was founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The OFS is part of the same Franciscan family that includes friars, Poor Clare nuns, and other Franciscan religious. Formerly , the OFS was called the Third Order of St. Francis, since St. Francis founded it after the Order of the Friars Minor (OFM) and Poor Ladies (Poor Clare nuns). In 1978 our name changed from Third Order of St. Francis to the Secular Franciscan Order to better reflect who we are. While we are an established (canonical) Order in the Catholic Church, whose rule of life is approved by the Pope, we do not make religious vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Previous commitments, such as marriage, and other responsibilities prevent us from taking such vows or living in religious communities.
|
Throughout the ages, men and women from all walks of life joined the Order and lived out their worldly calling. Among the more famous ones are Christopher Columbus (discoverer of America), Michelangelo (painter and sculptor), Dante (author), St. Joan of Arc (liberator of France), St. Elizabeth of Portugal (queen), Louis Pasteur (scientist), Franz List (musician), Pope John XXIII, and the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Wouldn't you like to be in such good company? Today, we have about 14,500 members in the United States and 400,000 professed members worldwide. Most of us are simple, ordinary people, but many good people can do good things.
|