On Sunday, 19 July 2026, the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity joyfully welcomed eight individuals into the Inquiry Stage of their journey towards becoming Secular Franciscans.

For those unfamiliar with the Secular Franciscan Order, becoming a member does not happen immediately. It is a gradual journey of prayer, learning and discernment known as initial formation. This process ordinarily takes about two to three years, allowing each person time to understand the Franciscan vocation and discern whether God is calling them to this way of life.

What Is the Inquiry Stage?

The Inquiry Stage is the first formal stage of formation. An Inquirer is someone who wishes to look more deeply into what it means to follow Jesus Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi while continuing to live as a lay person in the world.

Before entering Inquiry, the eight individuals participated in an Orientation period lasting approximately three to six months. This informal “come and see” stage gave them opportunities to meet the fraternity, learn about St. Francis and St. Clare, experience Franciscan fraternity life and ask questions about the vocation.

Having completed this period and expressed their desire to explore the vocation more seriously, they were welcomed into Inquiry. Their entry does not mean that they have already made a lifelong commitment. Rather, it marks a more intentional stage of learning and discernment, accompanied by the fraternity and its formation team.

The Inquiry Stage lasts for a minimum of six months. During this time, the Inquirers will deepen their knowledge of:

• the life and spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare;
• the history and charism of the Franciscan family;
• the meaning of fraternity and service;
• prayer and discernment; and
• how the Gospel can shape their daily lives, relationships and responsibilities.

What Comes After Inquiry?

If an Inquirer continues to sense a genuine call to the Secular Franciscan vocation, the next stage is Candidacy. Lasting approximately 18 to 36 months, Candidacy involves a deeper study of the Secular Franciscan Rule and a fuller participation in the prayer, community life and apostolic mission of the fraternity.

The formation journey may eventually lead to Permanent Profession, made publicly during Mass. Through this profession, a person promises to live the Gospel throughout life according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Permanent Profession is not the end of formation. Professed members continue their spiritual growth through ongoing formation, regular fraternity gatherings, service and participation in the fraternity’s apostolates.

To mark this meaningful milestone, the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity held a simple welcoming ceremony, followed by a warm tea reception. It was a joyful occasion for the fraternity to receive the eight Inquirers with friendship and hospitality.

We give thanks to God for planting within them the desire to explore the Franciscan way of life. Please keep them in your daily prayers as they discern their vocation and learn to go, in the words of the Secular Franciscan Rule, “from Gospel to life and life to the Gospel.”

Learn more about joining the Secular Franciscan Order and its formation pathway.

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