Secular Franciscan Order

The Secular Franciscan Order is a worldwide association of lay people as well as diocesan priests. Secular Franciscans join together as part of a worldwide network through local, regional, national and international fraternities.

Members of the Secular Franciscan Order try to live the Gospel in the spirit that St. Francis of Assisi showed in his life. 

The Secular Franciscan Order traces its origins back to St Francis of Assisi in about the year 1200. Together with the First Order (his "little brothers") and the Second Order (his Poor Ladies of St Clare), the Secular Order (formerly known as the Third Order) completes the Franciscan Family.