“May whoever observes all this be filled in heaven with the blessing of the most high Father, and on earth with that of his beloved Son, together with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.” Blessing of St. Francis from the Testament.

History

St. Francis of Assisi was called by God to live the Gospel life in its perfection by a close imitation of Christ.

In April 1209 St. Francis obtained approval from Pope Innocent the Third to found his First Order of St. Francis. This includes the Conventual Franciscans who have served our St. Raphael’s parish since it began in 1957.

The Second Order was formed by St. Francis and St Clare for women who also wished to embrace the spirituality of Francis. The community of sisters called Poor Clares are still active in today’s world.

S. Francis founded  The Third Order or Secular Franciscans  in 1221 it was formed for all people who are not bound by religious vows, the laity, young and old, rich and poor, men and women educated and uneducated. Famous Secular Franciscans include Elizabeth of Hungary the patron of the third order, Pope John XXlll.  

Since Francis day this way of life has been adapted to the times and circumstances, but always within the Franciscan Order and in accordance and obedience with the official church under the guidance of the Pope. The revised new rule was approved by Pope Paul V1 on June 24 1978 and it reflects the reality of our current church.

The rule is primarily a positive guide not a list of do’s and do not’s. The spirit of the rule is the important aspect, and this highlights the key points of the gospel which Francis emphasized, a spirit of intimacy with the Lord, a spirit of love, a spirit of service towards all, a spirit of simplicity and constant change of heart towards Christ.

Rome has repeatedly stated that the Secular Franciscan Order is not simply a pious society but is truly  an order in the church. From the beginning the Secular Franciscans were considered an integral part of the Franciscan family, and this continues until today. While the friars provide the spiritual assistance to the order, all three groups constructively share the Franciscan spirituality and charisma and thus support each other.

One difference between the Secular Franciscans and the other two orders is that the Secular Franciscan makes a promise to the order rather than a formal canonical vow which is taken by the first and second orders.

THE PRESENT DAY

What does Francis of Assisi, a saint who lived centuries ago, have to offer today’s men and women immersed in a culture of technology, consumerism, personal gratification and achievement?

The gospel is still totally relevant and Secular Franciscans are particularly called to follow the gospel as Saint Francis did going from gospel to life and back. Secular Franciscans are, like everybody else,  sinners. However they are striving for Christian perfection.

Secular Franciscans are particularly called to:

•         Follow the gospel as Saint Francis did. He went from Gospel to life and back to Gospel, they try to live this gospel way of life as well.
•         Like St Francis and St Clare, Secular Franciscans have a special concern for the works of peace and reconciliation.
•         Value family as a sign of peace fidelity and respect for life.
•         Secular Franciscans esteem work as a gift through which we share in creation, redemption and service to the human family.
•         Seek to live relatively simply and although own private property endeavor not to become overly attached to these possessions. Strive to identify with the poor and less fortunate, reaching out to the needy and the marginalized of society. 

In summary Secular Franciscans are called to ongoing personal conversion growing in their spiritual and prayer life. Then this spirituality calls them to works of mercy and charity. Simply a way of life to grow in Love of God and Love of neighbor.

If you would like to some assistance or more information please feel free to contact us through the following persons.

Hannah de Freitas 905-335-1487

Tina Lavryssen 905-637-7752

Or attend a Fraternity Meeting these are held on the first Sunday of every month at 1.30 p.m. in the St. Francis room. July and August excluded.