Franciscan Q&A
Q.
Is it true that Secular Franciscans cannot get married and must remain single?
A.
No! A layperson (male or female) who is single (dating or a consecrated virgin) can be professed into the Order of Franciscans Secular, but they do not have to remain single. If called to the Sacrament of Marriage by Christ, Secular Franciscans who are single, can get married and have children. Married couples can even be professed together. Secular Franciscans only promise to embrace chastity, not celibacy. It is important to mention that diocesan priests who become Secular Franciscans, do continue to embrace celibacy, and so do consecrated virgins as well.
Q.
Can a Secular Franciscan join another third order as well?
A.
No. Canon Law 303 defines Third Orders as: "Associations whose members share in the spirit of some religious institute while in secular life, lead an apostolic life, and strive for Christian perfection under the higher direction of the same institute are called third orders or some other appropriate name".
Since a third order is living the spirituality of a specific religious order in a lay state one cannot belong to multiple lay branches of different religious orders. For example, as a Secular Franciscan, when one is professed, they are promising to live the spirituality of St. Francis within the context of one's particular state of life. Being a member of the OFS makes you part of the entire Franciscan Family meaning you belong to the entire religious order. This means if a Secular Franciscan joins the third order Dominicans, for example, they would be trying to live out two different spiritualities simultaneously. A person who belongs to a third order is called to live out the particular spirituality of that order in every dimension of their life. You would not be able to live two distinct spiritualities at all times. This is why when a person goes through the steps to profession, the Order, through the fraternity, asks the individual if they are part of any other organizations within the Church that might distract or take away from their Franciscan vocation.
Q.
If I am professed into the OFS, do I become a consecrated religious or join holy orders?
A.
No. When a layperson is professed into the OFS, that member of the laity remains in whatever vocation they have been living previously when they join the Order. Of course, for example, members of the laity who are professed into the OFS can be ordained into Holy Orders if called by God. Also, members of the diocesan clergy who are interested in living out the Franciscan spirituality within the context of their particular vocation, are welcome to join the OFS.
Q.
Is it true that Secular Franciscans cannot have a career?
A.
No! Laypeople who are professed into the Order can continue to have a career. Lay Secular Franciscans are still part of the secular world, and have responsibilities that require them to continue to work and make money. The only thing Secular Franciscans are called to do, is to not have money as their sole desire.
Q.
Are there any famous people in history that joined the OFS?
A.
Yes! Here are some examples of some famous and saintly individuals who joined the OFS. They are:
Q.
I heard that the Order of Franciscans Secular, and the Third Order Franciscans, are completely two different orders. Is this true?
A.
No! The Catholic Church decided to change the name Third Order Franciscans, to Order of Franciscans Secular. The reasoning for the name change, is to emphasize that the Franciscan Third Order members, who are mostly laypeople, are still part of the secular world, and are living secular lives.
Q.
Is joining the Order of Franciscans Secular similar to joining a club? Is it true that there are no responsibilities?
A.
Joining the Order of Franciscans Secular is in no way joining a club or an association. A Secular Franciscan fraternity is not like a college fraternity which has secret rituals and on-going parties. A Secular Franciscan fraternity can be pictured as a large family socializing and worshiping Christ together. Joining the OFS is a vocation. Also, when a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, that person cannot arbitrarily decide to leave the Order, like a person can in a club. Only through a formal process can a Secular Franciscan leave the Order and renounce their profession.
Further more, if a Secular Franciscan moves to another community, he/she has to officially transfer to the new fraternity. It is important to mention however, that if there is no fraternity at their new community, it is ok if they become a "lone ranger" - type Franciscan. It is good advice though, for the professed Franciscan to dialogue with their former fraternity in figuring out, what is the most prudent course of action to take, in finding a new fraternity to transfer to. Sometimes the answer to the problem is to establish a new fraternity or to commute a couple of hours to a fraternity that is close to you. Whenever a new fraternity is found, an official transfer needs to be established and if this is not possible, then the Franciscan's files can remain at the former fraternity. Through technology like Zoom, it is possible for a "lone ranger" Franciscan to participate in meetings with their former fraternity in this manner, until a new fraternity is found.
Lastly, when a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, he/she promises to live the Franciscan spirituality. All Secular Franciscans must actively participate in their local fraternity to the best of their ability according to the circumstances of their life. If a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, there are responsibilities one must do.
Responsibilities Include:
1. Praying daily either the Divine Office, the Office of the Passion, the 12 Our Fathers, or The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2. Financially supporting your local fraternity according to your means
3. Giving volunteer support to fraternity ministries & charities as you are able
4. Attending fraternity meetings when possible
5. Going on a fraternity retreat when possible
Q.
Is it true Secular Franciscans have to wear a robe? What do Secular Franciscans use to identify the Order?
A.
Secular Franciscans do not wear robes/habits. The distinctive sign of membership in the Secular Franciscan Order is the Tau Cross, which is presented to the candidate at the Rite of Admission, along with a copy of the OFS Rule. (See General Constitutions Art. 43). This means the Tau Cross is the "habit" used to distinguish someone as being professed into the Secular Franciscan Order and that an official robe/habit should never be used in day to day wear.
Q.
Are there any benefits in becoming a Secular Franciscan?
A.
When someone becomes a Secular Franciscan, all members within the three branches of the Franciscan family tree (First Order, Second Order & Third Order) are praying for each other. Another benefit of joining the OFS and being professed, is that you get to be buried as a Franciscan. The Franciscan Order has a special devotional ceremony to bury a fellow Franciscan. Although, the habit/robe should not be used for day to day usage, it can be permitted at times, for a Secular Franciscan to be buried in the robe/habit, depending upon the statutes of a specific nation.
Q.
Is it true, that St. Francis was devoted to St. Michael the Archangel?
A.
Yes, St. Francis was deeply devoted to the saintly angel.
"… this ancient tradition is important to us. St. Michael’s Lent is a period of 40 days, honoring Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on The Feast of the Archangels.… the people of the Middle Ages (and St. Francis) nourished a special devotion to this Archangel, signifer santus Michaelis, the standard-bearer of the Heavenly Host, and the one who with his trumpet was to wake the dead in their graves on the last day . . . .” ("St. Francis of Assisi" by Jorgensen). For more of a deeper look at St. Francis' devotion to St Michael and to the observance of the Lent of St. Michael, read the article: "St. Michael's Lent: A period of fasting observed by St. Francis of Assisi". Also, for more information about the angels, read "His Angels at Our Side".
Q.
Is it true that, St. Dominic and St. Francis were good friends?
A.
Yes, St. Francis and St. Dominic were contemporaries of the 13th Century. These two saints had a special friendship that has continued to this day, between Franciscans and Dominicans.
Q.
Is St. Clare of Assisi important to the life of the Franciscan Order?
A.
Yes, St. Clare is very important to the Franciscan Order. Not only was she a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, but she was also a co-founder of the Order. St. Clare founded the Second Order, which was dedicated to women religious, who wanted to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. The Poor Clares were the first Franciscan female order established. The holy and saintly nun, Mother Angelica, for example, belonged to the Second Order of the Franciscan family tree.
Q.
Is the TOR part of the Franciscan Order?
A.
Yes, the Third Order Regulars (TORs) are part of the Franciscan Order and these professed men and women religious, branch out of the Franciscan Third Order. These men and women (friars & sisters) follow the Rule of the OFS as their guide to live out their vows of consecrated religious life. Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, is an example of a Third Order Regular, Franciscan friar.
Q.
Is it true that Franciscans are not devoted to intellectual endeavors?
A.
St. Francis originally intended his order to focus on simplicity and not intellectual studies. However, as the Order grew and intellectuals joined the Franciscan Order, such as St. Bonaventure and St. Anthony of Padua, the Order started to embrace intellectual activities. Today, Franciscans are involved in establishing higher education institutes, such as Franciscan University of Steubenville, and involved in the field of media, like EWTN.
Q.
Is it true that the prominent spirituality of Franciscans, is focused on creation?
A.
Although St. Francis did have an appreciation and love for creation, the prominent spirituality of Franciscans is not centered on creation. The true prominent spirituality of Franciscans, is centered on the Eucharist, the birth (i.e., the Incarnation) and passion of Jesus, Mary, penance, simplicity and care for the poor in physical and spiritual
poverty (e.g., pregnant women). For an application and a look at Franciscan spirituality, watch: Metanoia, Sign of Contradiction and Explore with the Miracle Hunter - Assisi.
A care for creation is secondary in the area of Franciscan spirituality. G.K. Chesterton in page 86 of his book, "A Short History of England", once said: "... with Franciscan familiarity, which can love nature because it will not worship her.", beautifully encapsulates the balance of Franciscan spirituality towards creation. Franciscans have contributed a lot in history to Catholic traditions and teachings. For example, the Nativity scene at Christmas originated by St. Francis, and even the Stations of the Cross were popularized by this holy saint. It must also be noted, that the Franciscans deep devotion to our Blessed Mother, greatly helped the Church develop Marian doctrines, such as the Immaculate Conception, which Blessed John Duns Scotus promoted.
Q.
Is it true that becoming a Secular Franciscan is a calling from God?
A.
Yes, joining a third order is a vocation and is a calling from God. It is important for anybody who is considering joining the Secular Franciscan Order, to prayerfully discern if this desire is a calling from God. Although the "Spiritual Exercises" was created by the Jesuit saint, Ignatius of Loyola; this powerful spiritual guide is still a great resource for Franciscans in discerning the will of God, and for those discerning a vocation to the OFS. To pray for the growth and renewal of the Franciscan Order, pray the following prayer below and the "Franciscan Family Chaplet".
Is it true that Secular Franciscans cannot get married and must remain single?
A.
No! A layperson (male or female) who is single (dating or a consecrated virgin) can be professed into the Order of Franciscans Secular, but they do not have to remain single. If called to the Sacrament of Marriage by Christ, Secular Franciscans who are single, can get married and have children. Married couples can even be professed together. Secular Franciscans only promise to embrace chastity, not celibacy. It is important to mention that diocesan priests who become Secular Franciscans, do continue to embrace celibacy, and so do consecrated virgins as well.
Q.
Can a Secular Franciscan join another third order as well?
A.
No. Canon Law 303 defines Third Orders as: "Associations whose members share in the spirit of some religious institute while in secular life, lead an apostolic life, and strive for Christian perfection under the higher direction of the same institute are called third orders or some other appropriate name".
Since a third order is living the spirituality of a specific religious order in a lay state one cannot belong to multiple lay branches of different religious orders. For example, as a Secular Franciscan, when one is professed, they are promising to live the spirituality of St. Francis within the context of one's particular state of life. Being a member of the OFS makes you part of the entire Franciscan Family meaning you belong to the entire religious order. This means if a Secular Franciscan joins the third order Dominicans, for example, they would be trying to live out two different spiritualities simultaneously. A person who belongs to a third order is called to live out the particular spirituality of that order in every dimension of their life. You would not be able to live two distinct spiritualities at all times. This is why when a person goes through the steps to profession, the Order, through the fraternity, asks the individual if they are part of any other organizations within the Church that might distract or take away from their Franciscan vocation.
Q.
If I am professed into the OFS, do I become a consecrated religious or join holy orders?
A.
No. When a layperson is professed into the OFS, that member of the laity remains in whatever vocation they have been living previously when they join the Order. Of course, for example, members of the laity who are professed into the OFS can be ordained into Holy Orders if called by God. Also, members of the diocesan clergy who are interested in living out the Franciscan spirituality within the context of their particular vocation, are welcome to join the OFS.
Q.
Is it true that Secular Franciscans cannot have a career?
A.
No! Laypeople who are professed into the Order can continue to have a career. Lay Secular Franciscans are still part of the secular world, and have responsibilities that require them to continue to work and make money. The only thing Secular Franciscans are called to do, is to not have money as their sole desire.
Q.
Are there any famous people in history that joined the OFS?
A.
Yes! Here are some examples of some famous and saintly individuals who joined the OFS. They are:
- St. Elizabeth of Hungry
- St. Joan of Arc
- St Jean Vianney (Cure d'Ars)
- St. Thomas More
- St. Pope Pius X
- St. Pope John XXIII
- St. Ives
- St. Angela of Foligno
- Christopher Columbus
Q.
I heard that the Order of Franciscans Secular, and the Third Order Franciscans, are completely two different orders. Is this true?
A.
No! The Catholic Church decided to change the name Third Order Franciscans, to Order of Franciscans Secular. The reasoning for the name change, is to emphasize that the Franciscan Third Order members, who are mostly laypeople, are still part of the secular world, and are living secular lives.
Q.
Is joining the Order of Franciscans Secular similar to joining a club? Is it true that there are no responsibilities?
A.
Joining the Order of Franciscans Secular is in no way joining a club or an association. A Secular Franciscan fraternity is not like a college fraternity which has secret rituals and on-going parties. A Secular Franciscan fraternity can be pictured as a large family socializing and worshiping Christ together. Joining the OFS is a vocation. Also, when a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, that person cannot arbitrarily decide to leave the Order, like a person can in a club. Only through a formal process can a Secular Franciscan leave the Order and renounce their profession.
Further more, if a Secular Franciscan moves to another community, he/she has to officially transfer to the new fraternity. It is important to mention however, that if there is no fraternity at their new community, it is ok if they become a "lone ranger" - type Franciscan. It is good advice though, for the professed Franciscan to dialogue with their former fraternity in figuring out, what is the most prudent course of action to take, in finding a new fraternity to transfer to. Sometimes the answer to the problem is to establish a new fraternity or to commute a couple of hours to a fraternity that is close to you. Whenever a new fraternity is found, an official transfer needs to be established and if this is not possible, then the Franciscan's files can remain at the former fraternity. Through technology like Zoom, it is possible for a "lone ranger" Franciscan to participate in meetings with their former fraternity in this manner, until a new fraternity is found.
Lastly, when a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, he/she promises to live the Franciscan spirituality. All Secular Franciscans must actively participate in their local fraternity to the best of their ability according to the circumstances of their life. If a person becomes a Secular Franciscan, there are responsibilities one must do.
Responsibilities Include:
1. Praying daily either the Divine Office, the Office of the Passion, the 12 Our Fathers, or The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2. Financially supporting your local fraternity according to your means
3. Giving volunteer support to fraternity ministries & charities as you are able
4. Attending fraternity meetings when possible
5. Going on a fraternity retreat when possible
Q.
Is it true Secular Franciscans have to wear a robe? What do Secular Franciscans use to identify the Order?
A.
Secular Franciscans do not wear robes/habits. The distinctive sign of membership in the Secular Franciscan Order is the Tau Cross, which is presented to the candidate at the Rite of Admission, along with a copy of the OFS Rule. (See General Constitutions Art. 43). This means the Tau Cross is the "habit" used to distinguish someone as being professed into the Secular Franciscan Order and that an official robe/habit should never be used in day to day wear.
Q.
Are there any benefits in becoming a Secular Franciscan?
A.
When someone becomes a Secular Franciscan, all members within the three branches of the Franciscan family tree (First Order, Second Order & Third Order) are praying for each other. Another benefit of joining the OFS and being professed, is that you get to be buried as a Franciscan. The Franciscan Order has a special devotional ceremony to bury a fellow Franciscan. Although, the habit/robe should not be used for day to day usage, it can be permitted at times, for a Secular Franciscan to be buried in the robe/habit, depending upon the statutes of a specific nation.
Q.
Is it true, that St. Francis was devoted to St. Michael the Archangel?
A.
Yes, St. Francis was deeply devoted to the saintly angel.
"… this ancient tradition is important to us. St. Michael’s Lent is a period of 40 days, honoring Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. It begins on the Feast of the Assumption and ends on The Feast of the Archangels.… the people of the Middle Ages (and St. Francis) nourished a special devotion to this Archangel, signifer santus Michaelis, the standard-bearer of the Heavenly Host, and the one who with his trumpet was to wake the dead in their graves on the last day . . . .” ("St. Francis of Assisi" by Jorgensen). For more of a deeper look at St. Francis' devotion to St Michael and to the observance of the Lent of St. Michael, read the article: "St. Michael's Lent: A period of fasting observed by St. Francis of Assisi". Also, for more information about the angels, read "His Angels at Our Side".
Q.
Is it true that, St. Dominic and St. Francis were good friends?
A.
Yes, St. Francis and St. Dominic were contemporaries of the 13th Century. These two saints had a special friendship that has continued to this day, between Franciscans and Dominicans.
Q.
Is St. Clare of Assisi important to the life of the Franciscan Order?
A.
Yes, St. Clare is very important to the Franciscan Order. Not only was she a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, but she was also a co-founder of the Order. St. Clare founded the Second Order, which was dedicated to women religious, who wanted to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis. The Poor Clares were the first Franciscan female order established. The holy and saintly nun, Mother Angelica, for example, belonged to the Second Order of the Franciscan family tree.
Q.
Is the TOR part of the Franciscan Order?
A.
Yes, the Third Order Regulars (TORs) are part of the Franciscan Order and these professed men and women religious, branch out of the Franciscan Third Order. These men and women (friars & sisters) follow the Rule of the OFS as their guide to live out their vows of consecrated religious life. Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, is an example of a Third Order Regular, Franciscan friar.
Q.
Is it true that Franciscans are not devoted to intellectual endeavors?
A.
St. Francis originally intended his order to focus on simplicity and not intellectual studies. However, as the Order grew and intellectuals joined the Franciscan Order, such as St. Bonaventure and St. Anthony of Padua, the Order started to embrace intellectual activities. Today, Franciscans are involved in establishing higher education institutes, such as Franciscan University of Steubenville, and involved in the field of media, like EWTN.
Q.
Is it true that the prominent spirituality of Franciscans, is focused on creation?
A.
Although St. Francis did have an appreciation and love for creation, the prominent spirituality of Franciscans is not centered on creation. The true prominent spirituality of Franciscans, is centered on the Eucharist, the birth (i.e., the Incarnation) and passion of Jesus, Mary, penance, simplicity and care for the poor in physical and spiritual
poverty (e.g., pregnant women). For an application and a look at Franciscan spirituality, watch: Metanoia, Sign of Contradiction and Explore with the Miracle Hunter - Assisi.
A care for creation is secondary in the area of Franciscan spirituality. G.K. Chesterton in page 86 of his book, "A Short History of England", once said: "... with Franciscan familiarity, which can love nature because it will not worship her.", beautifully encapsulates the balance of Franciscan spirituality towards creation. Franciscans have contributed a lot in history to Catholic traditions and teachings. For example, the Nativity scene at Christmas originated by St. Francis, and even the Stations of the Cross were popularized by this holy saint. It must also be noted, that the Franciscans deep devotion to our Blessed Mother, greatly helped the Church develop Marian doctrines, such as the Immaculate Conception, which Blessed John Duns Scotus promoted.
Q.
Is it true that becoming a Secular Franciscan is a calling from God?
A.
Yes, joining a third order is a vocation and is a calling from God. It is important for anybody who is considering joining the Secular Franciscan Order, to prayerfully discern if this desire is a calling from God. Although the "Spiritual Exercises" was created by the Jesuit saint, Ignatius of Loyola; this powerful spiritual guide is still a great resource for Franciscans in discerning the will of God, and for those discerning a vocation to the OFS. To pray for the growth and renewal of the Franciscan Order, pray the following prayer below and the "Franciscan Family Chaplet".