St. Francis of Assisi
The Secular Franciscan Order is a Catholic religious movement founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century for men and women who wish to live the Gospel in their ordinary, secular lives without taking the vows of poverty, obedience, and celibacy that bind monks, nuns, and clergy. It is the third branch of the Franciscan family, alongside the Friars Minor (First Order) and the Poor Clares (Second Order), ad is open to any Catholic layperson or secular clergy at least 18 years old who is not bound by another religious vow. members make a public profession and follow the Franciscan Rule, but remain active in their jobs, families, and communities, seeking to observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.
A person may be drawn to the OFS because it offers a spiritual path that integrates faith with daily life. Unlike monastic life, it does not require leaving one’s home or profession, but it does call for a deep personal conversion, a commitment to the Beatitudes, and a Franciscan spirit of poverty, simplicity, and solidarity with the marginalized. Many are attracted by the opportunity to live the Gospel in their own vocation, to grow in prayer and Scripture, and to share in the Franciscan tradition’s emphasis on live of God, neighbor, and creation. The OFS also provides a spiritual community of like-minded believers, with local fraternities and national networks, and the support of the wider Franciscan family. For those seeking a faithful, contemplative, and active way of life that honors St. Francis’s example while respecting their secular calling, the Secular Franciscan Order offers a meaningful and accessible path to spiritual growth and service.
If you feel called to explore the Secular Franciscan way of life, your next step is to contact a member of the Regional Council who will connect you with the community that will accompany you through each state of formation, ensuring you grow in faith, fraternity, and Franciscan Spiritulaity.
By taking this first step, you open the door to a life of Gospel witness, simplicity, and service, rooted in the example of St. Francis within the vibrant Franciscan community of Our Lady of Guadalupe Region.
To move forward, contact the Our Lady of Guadalupe region’s formation director or local fraternity leader to learn about their specific schedule, spiritual guidance, and any local resources. This will connect you with the community that will accompany you through each stage, ensuring you grow in faith, fraternity, and Franciscan spirituality.
By taking this first step, you open the door to a life of Gospel witness, simplicity, and service, rooted in the example of St. Francis, within the vibrant Franciscan community of the Our Lady of Guadalupe region.
Our Prayer Life:
Divine Office – Liturgy of the Hours
Daily Scripture Readings – Daily Mass Readings and Meditations for the Day
Franciscan Blessing:
May the Lord bless and keep us, May his face shine upon us and be gracious to us, May the Lord look upon us with kindness and give us his peace and may the Lord bless us, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit – Amen
ADDITIONAL PRAYER RESOURCES
Franciscan Crown Rosary (The Seven Joys of Mary) — OFS-USA
Prayers & Devotions (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Many Catholic Prayers (Catholic Online) — listed alphabetically & by subject
3-Minute Retreat (Loyola Press)
VIDEO PRAYERS
Friar Alessandro – Ave Maria – Shepherd’s Fields, Bethlehem
Prayer of St. Francis sung by Sarah McLachlan
Gradual and Alleluia – Gregorian Chant