11

“ What is the very first topicI would present to the Orientation

class?”

Branches in The Franciscan FamilyThe Secular Franciscan Order

2

Dominican

OFS

L.

Mary ??

?

Topic O2 & O6:

Francis of Assisi – The Founder

• Began around 1206• Go and rebuild my Church• The “Penitents of Assisi” was born

Bernad of QuintavalleA rich and important citizen of Assisi

4

Francis’ First Brother

The order of “Friars Minor” was born.

Pope Innocent III :Gave verbal approval Gave right to “preach penance”

The approval of "Propositum Vitae"

5

Francis and 11 brothers go to Rome

The Rule of 1209:

First Order: Order of Friars Minor - OFM

6

7

Franciscan Family Tree

8

The Franciscan Family: Three Distinct Orders

First Order: Order of Frias Minor Capuchin - OFM, CAP

Fr. Nguyễn Quốc Hưng,OFM Cap

9

First Order: Order of Friars Minor Conventual - OFM Conv

Fr. Steven Gross, OFM Conv.CRSA Mentor,

St. Francis Region

Most Holy Trinity – St. MaryWilliamsburg, Brooklyn, New York

1517

Second Order – The Poor Ladies of Assisi - Clara 1212

Founded in 1212 in Assisi

• Religious community of women• Observe a cloistered, Contemplative life• Life of prayer and penance • Franciscan tradition of joy and simplicity

1221 : Started in PoggibonziBrothers and Sisters of Penitence Later - Third Order of St. FrancisLuchesius Modestini and BuonadonnaCurrently: The Secular Franciscan Order

Third Order - Secular Franciscan Order

12

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary - FMM 13

Province of theMost Sacred Heart

of JesusSaint Francis Friary Loretto,

Pennsylvania

Third Order Regular - TOR

St. Clare Fraternity Orange County

Vietnamese Secular Franciscan Gathering

Oceanside Sept. 2010

14

The Secular Franciscan Order - OFS

Jan 31St. John Bosco. OFS

1815-1888

Aug 21St. Pius X, OFS 1835-1914

Aug 4St. John Mary Vianney, OFS

May 16 St. Margaret of Cortona,OFS

1247-129715

Secular Franciscan Saints

Blessed Franz Jagerstatter, OFSBeatified in Linz, Austria, on October 26, 2007.Husband, Father, Farmer, Martyr

Pope John XXIII, OFS

Pope Paul VI, OFS

16

Secular Franciscan Saints

“the distinctive sign of the Secular Franciscan Order of the United States”

17

The TAU Cross – OFS Symbol

“Francis, go and rebuild my house, which is falling into ruins”

18

Prayer before the Crucifix 

Most High,Glorious God

Enlighten the shadows of my heart,

and grant me a right faitha certain hope

and a perfect charityand sense and understanding,

Lord, so that I may accomplish

your holy and true command.

San Damiano Cross – A Franciscan Symbol

Formation and Requirements

I- Orientation- First Interview- Orientation

II- Initial Formation- Inquiry- Candidacy

III- On-going Formation

1919

Topic O-4

I. Orientation

A. Personal interview

B. Orientation

Purpose:

Discovering & affirming your call

20

Time frame: Not less than 3 monthsNational Statue 19.1a, 1b

21

O-1) The Life of Francis

O-2) The Branches of the Franciscan Family

O-3) The Secular Franciscan Order

O-4) Phases of Formation and Expectations

O-5)Review of Catholic Doctrine and Christian Morals *

O-6) The Franciscan Movement & Franciscan Family

O-7) Elements of Ecclesiology &Theology of the Laity

O-8) The Apostles Creed

*may require additional study in an RCIA style program before entering Inquiry.

Minimum Content for the Orientation Phase

SUGGESTED SCREENING NORMS

– desire to learn about the OFS

– proper motivation

– free from any responsibility/restriction

– basic understanding of the Catholic Faith

– be an active participant in fraternity life

– understand that the OFS is a vocation

22

• Desire to continue learning about OFS

• Formally introduced to the fraternity

• Ceremony of Welcoming

23

Initial Discernment

24

Pathway to Profession