National Executive Council Elected at Chapter
A new National Executive Council was elected to a three-year term on Saturday, September 13, at the annual Chapter meeting at the Bon Secours Retreat Center in Marriottsville, MD.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – Exaltation of the Cross – Fr. Christopher
We adore you, Lord Jesus Christ, here, and in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You, because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Our Relationship with CIOFS
Our relationship with the International Fraternity, CIOFS, begins with all of us being brothers and sisters of Secular Franciscans around the world. I recall former National Minster, Tom Bello, OFS, telling us that we are members of four fraternities: the local, Regional, National and International Fraternities. We are connected to all Franciscans around the world.
2025 State of the Order
The State of the Order address delivered by national minister Jane DeRose-Bamman delivered at Chapter outlines the past, present and future of the Order.
Rooted and Built Upon Christ, Guided by the Holy Spirit
Praising God and welcoming the Holy Spirit into their midst is how Fr. Gary Johnson, OFM Conv., encouraged Secular Franciscan leaders to begin the 2025 Chapter at Bon Secours Retreat Center this week.
Formation: The Heart of Secular Franciscan Life
Initial formation is the first step in a lifelong journey of learning, growing and discerning our vocations. ... Ongoing formation provides continuous opportunities for conversion and transformation as we strive to live our Rule. Good formation changes us and challenges us to question how we're doing on that journey. It gives us opportunities to reflect on our lives, the choices we make, the interactions that we have, and if we truly are living life to gospel and gospel to life. Formation supports us to continue growing in our vocation as we study the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare, the OFS Rule, and the gospels.
The Gospel Through a Franciscan Lens – 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Christopher
Prayer opens the way for the Holy Spirit to act in us, through God's gifts, leading us to the fullness of divine wisdom.
OFS-USA Governing Documents Cross-Reference Index
The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order (2005) is no longer in print. The Index in this document has been recently updated and has been added to the Home page on the OFS-USA website along with the OFS-USA Governing Documents that are contained within The Essential Documents of the Secular Franciscan Order.
Favorite Article, Scripture or Story : Compilation by NEC Members
At the last National Executive Council meeting, minister Jane De-Rose Bamman asked members to share either their favorite article of the Rule, scripture quote or story about St. Francis. This is a compilation of their sacred thoughts.
A Dog Bite and Matthew 5:44
Recently, a dog bit me. At our initial encounter, he seemed friendly but as he was passing me, he turned around to bite my leg. Not a nip – a real bite! I did nothing to provoke it. But who really knows … the dog didn’t give me a reason for the action. That experience made me ponder our relationships, especially with our enemies. Although we don’t always recognize them at first, people who can harm us do exist.