History and Mission of OFS

“O Lord Jesus Christ, before I die I ask you for two graces: First, that (in my lifetime) I may feel (as far as possible, both in my soul and body) that pain which You (sweet Lord) endured in the hour of your most bitter Passion; Second, that I may feel in my heart (as far as possible) that excess of love which moved You (O Son of God) to suffer so cruel a Passion for us sinners.”

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS), originally known as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, was established by St. Francis of Assisi in 1221, later called the Third Order of St. Francis.

From the very beginning of his ministry St. Francis found people who desired to follow his way of life and spirituality, yet were married or did not want to become religious. St. Francis responded by writing “The First Letter to all the Faithful” around 1215.

The Secular Franciscans Order was born for laypeople, married or single, who wished to live out his Gospel-centered charism while remaining in their secular lives, homes, and jobs. The Rule of the Secular Franciscans was approved in 1221.

One of the earliest Secular Franciscans was Lady Jacoba de Settesoli who was present when Saint Francis died in 1226. From this Order the Third Order Regulars (T.O.R.) emerged in the 15th century. The Order continued as the Third Order of St. Francis, Secular. In 1978, its name was changed to the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO). In 2011, the acronym changed from SFO to OFS (Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis or Order of Secular Franciscans).

The Order Today

As of late 2025, the OFS is an official international religious order within the Catholic Church with approximately 350,000 to 430,000 members across more than 100 countries. Modern Secular Franciscans: 

Structure: Organize into local, regional, and national fraternities.

Lifestyle: Live at home and work in the world, following a Rule of Life confirmed by Pope Paul VI in 1978.

Activities: Meet monthly for prayer and “ongoing formation,” and engage in social and missionary work, such as promoting peace and caring for the marginalized. 

Mission of the Order

The mission of the Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is to “observe the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of St. Francis of Assisi”. He was consider not just a very good person, but a radical one. He lived the gospel literally.

Members pledge to make Christ the center of their lives and to go from “Gospel to life and life to the Gospel,” bringing spiritual values into their daily work, families, and secular responsibilities.

Core Objectives:

Daily Conversion: Practicing metanoia (a continuous change of heart) to align one’s life with Christ.

Fraternal Communion: Living out the vocation within a local community, or “fraternity,” to support one another’s spiritual growth.

Social & Ecological Witness: Acting as “instruments of peace” and “stewards of creation,” actively working for justice, peace and environmental care.

Service to the Marginalized: Identifying with the poor and vulnerable through direct service and simple living. 

Historical & Modern Impact

Since their founding in 1221, Secular Franciscans have had a significant influence on society and the Church: 

• Medieval Reform (1200s): Early members were forbidden from bearing arms or taking oaths of fealty. This was a major force in undermining the feudal system, as it allowed common people to refuse to fight in local lords’ constant wars.

• Social Services (1200s–1400s): They established hospitals for the sick, “interest-free banks” (Mounts of Piety) to help the poor escape debt, and dispensaries for those in need.

• Saints & Leaders: Over 112 members have been canonized as saints, including Kings (St. Louis of France), Princesses (St. Elizabeth of Hungary), and several Popes (St. Pius X, St. John XXIII).

• 20th Century to 2025:
  • Justice Work: Modern fraternities engage in prison ministries, immigrant accompaniment, and advocacy for social and environmental justice.
  • Global Relief: In 2025, the order contributed significantly to international causes, such as a leprosy center in Zimbabwe and flood relief in Texas.
  • Evangelization: They continue to serve in parishes as teachers, liturgical ministers, and volunteers for organizations like St. Vincent de Paul.

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The Story of The Stigmata

“Who am I”?

Have you asked yourself this question? Do you know the answer?

For St. Francis, the only person that he asked this question to is Jesus. He knew that only God, our Creator, who truly knows who we are. His prayer is simple, “Who are you Lord? and who am I?”

As his faith grew, he learned that the truth for him, and for all of us, is that our identity is God’s beloved. That is the foundation of all other identities that we may have.

God’s beloved. That is who we are. Let’s just stop here for a moment. To be loved is great. To be loved by God is all we need. If we truly believe this, what other people say or judge will not matter anymore. Even my own judgement does not matter anymore. What matter is who I am in the Lord’s eyes.

Let us take as much time as we need to stop, reflect, discern, and give thanks for this. I am God’s beloved. When we truly believe this, we will be filled with Joy, and we will not be able to stop talking and sharing about this.

For St. Francis, as he grew in realization of God’s love for us, he desired something even deeper, to feel the pain of the Lord’s bitter Passion and to feel the Love that endured that Passion.

God loves us. What do we ask from the Lord?

Reflection

• Who are you? Whose definition(s) of you have you been listening to?

• What do you desire? Does your desire move you closer to God?