Apostolates

“Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.”

Secular Franciscan Apostolates are about lay Catholics living the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis within their everyday lives (family, work, community) by forming local communities called fraternities, engaging in prayer and formation, and serving others through ministries of justice, peace, and charity, bringing Franciscan values like joy, simplicity, and service to the world without living in cloistered communities.

They follow a specific Rule and promise to live a Franciscan way of life, focusing on spiritual growth and witnessing Christ through their actions in the secular world. 

Core Aspects of OFS Apostolate:

Living the Gospel: The central goal is to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following St. Francis’s example, making Christ the inspiration for their lives.

Lay Life in the World: Members are single or married, working in all walks of life, integrating faith into daily secular responsibilities, unlike friars or nuns.

Fraternity: Life in a local fraternity (a small community) is essential for spiritual nourishment, formation, fellowship, and developing their Franciscan vocation.

Formation & Prayer: Regular meetings include communal prayer, formation programs, and retreats to deepen their understanding and practice.

Apostolic Works (Ministries): Members are called to serve, often through works of justice, peace, care for the poor, and environmental stewardship (ecology), reflecting Franciscan values.

Commitment: It’s a lifelong commitment, beginning with inquiry and candidacy, leading to a profession of promises to live the Rule. 

Some Apostolates…

In essence, Secular Franciscans are “saints next door” striving for holiness and spreading God’s love in their ordinary, everyday environments. The above apostolates are non-exhaustive, the following may be done, planned or organised as well:

• Serve in parishes and communities.
• Help the marginalized and forgotten.
• Support social justice and human needs.
• Live simply and joyfully as witnesses to Christ in their homes and workplaces. 

For example of more apostolates, visit our Facebook Page and follow us to view more photos and receive updates from us.

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Story of Sister Mother Earth

“Mother”

Out of every element mentioned in The Canticle of Creatures, St. Francis addressed Brother Sun as “Sir Brother Sun”, which shows his respect and reverence and Sister Earth as “Sister Mother Earth”. The motherly character of the earth must be very real for him.

Mothers give and desire the best for their children. If there is only one piece of chicken, a mother would leave it for her child, sacrificing her own appetite. She keeps quiet when her children raise their voice. She would readily prepare the food whenever the children are coming home. Actualy, she would always prepare something even when there is no one coming home. “Just in case…” is what she has in her mind. Always ready to welcome, always ready to embrace.

No wonder St Francis addressed her as Sister Mother Earth. She always provides, she accepts quietly, even when she is not treated fairly. With whatever she has, she tries to provide – not just anyhow provide, but always provides abundantly.

Sister Mother Earth is our home, She is our safety because she protects as long as she can. The question is always whether we can appreciate what she has done for us? Do we care for her? Do we take her for granted as if she does not need our care at all?

Reflection

• Where is your home? Where do you find safety?

• Do you feel safe with God?