Third Order of St. Francis

The Secular Franciscan Order (Third Order) was founded by St. Francis for lay people. You are invited to find out more about this way of life by entering your information in the “Contact” section of this website. 

The Order Celebrated 800 years in 2021

The Secular Franciscan Order belongs to the Franciscan Family.  It is formed by the union of all its Catholic fraternities throughout the world.  The members commit themselves to live the Gospel after the manner of St. Francis.  They do so in their secular state following the Rule approved by the Church (ref. Const. 1,3).

The rule of the Secular Franciscan Order is this: to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, who made Christ the centre of his life with God and people.  

The Secular Franciscan Order (Third Order) was founded by St. Francis in 1221 due to the wish of so many people to be part of the Franciscan movement.

There are over a quarter of a million Secular Franciscans worldwide in more than 100 countries

The entire Franciscan Family will journey together for the following Centenary Celebrations: in 2023 the Rule and Christmas of Greccio; in 2024 the Stigmata; in 2025 the Canticle of Brother Sun and in 2026 the Transitus or, perhaps better, the Easter of Francis. 

If you would like to know more about joining the SFO please visit the site contact page

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