The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.
A selection from our Rule of Life:
The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people . Christ, the gift of the Father’s love, is the way to him, the truth into which the Holy Spirit leads us, and the life which he has come to give abundantly . Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to the gospel.
OFS Governing Documents
- The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order – 2020 Updated Translation in English & Spanish
- The General Constitutions of the Secular Franciscan Order (2000) – 2020 Updated Translation in English & Spanish
- Statutes of the National Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States of America
- Ritual of the Secular Franciscan Order – 2020 Updated Translation