What is the Secular Franciscan Order?

The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) has been around for about 800 years. There are about 14,500 professed Secular Franciscans in the United States. The order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi to help lay people follow Christ. To learn more about the SFO read the Welcome Letter from Tom Bello, SFO, the National Minister. Pax!

National Prayer for Vocations to the Secular Franciscan Order

O good and gracious God,
God of mercy, compassion, generosity, and love
As we live our lives today in the model of St. Francis,
  choosing daily to live the Gospel life,
Help us to help others hear your call.
Help us to help other recognize their vocation
  as a Secular Franciscan
  that you have already planted in their heart.
Help us, so that together we all may work
  to bring the Gospel to life.
Amen.

(Composed by Marian R. Crosby, SFO, at the 2010 NAFRA gathering in Scottsdale,AZ)

General Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order to Speak in Terre Haute, Indiana

St. Rose of Viterbo SFO Fraternity cordially invites OLIR SFOs and Spiritual Assistants to a special presentation on April 2 by Friar Martin Bitzer, OFM, Conv., General Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order, who is visiting from Rome, Italy. Friar Martin is in Terre Haute to attend a brief course at Indiana State University.

"The New Spiritual Assistant for the New Secular Franciscan Order" is the topic of Friar Martin's program which will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Gregorian Room at St. Joseph University Parish in Terre Haute. St. Rose of Viterbo SFOs are hosting the event and will provide day-long refreshments and lunch.

Friar Martin's presentation on what the ideal spiritual assistant should be in today's SFO is not merely based on research. During the time of his initial formation, he founded a Youth Franciscan (YouFra) fraternity and collaborated in the running of an SFO fraternity from 1982 to 1986. From 1996 to 2004 he worked as the national Assistant of the SFO in Argentina and Uruguay. 

He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1958 and joined the Conventuals in 1979. Perpetually professed in 1985, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1987. After studying philosophy and theology at Cordoba, Argentina, he obtained his license in biblical theology at the Gregorian University in Rome. He worked in formation, first as Rector of the International College, "Seraphicum," in Rome( 1989-1993) and then in his province as Master of Novices( 1994-1995).

The Minister General of the Order, Fr. Joachim A Giermek, appointed Friar Martin General Spiritual Assistant for the SFO in July 2004, and Fr. Marco Tasca confirmed this appointment in July 2009 for another six years until 2016.

Responding to the Gospel Challenge

Secular Franciscans are called to bring the Gospel to life and life to the the Gospel.  Back and forth. To and fro.  Here are five ways Secular Franciscans seeks to respond to the challenges of the Gospel:

1. Esteeming work as both a gift and as a sharing in creation, redemption, and service to the human family. 
2. Respecting all creation both animate and inanimate which reveals the love of God for us, thus fostering in us an attitude of environmental sensitivity and limiting our needs in order to live simply. 
3. Making family life a sign of peace, fidelity, respect for life, and a world renewed in Christ. 
4. Individually and collectively being in the forefront in promoting peace and justice.
5. Promoting the development and growth of youth and young Franciscans.

We try. We work at it. We help each other.

Reflection on "A Prayer Inspired by the Our Father"

This morning, I discovered the web site of Br. Cathal Duddy ofm in Galway, Ireland. I like what he did with "A Prayer Inspired by the Our Father," which St. Francis wrote. Francis' version reflects his particular view of God. The scholars say it is not an original work. Back then, i.e., the 13th century, it was common to reflect on the "Our Father" prayer. Borrowing from the reflections of theologians and religious thinkers and putting together your own reflective version was accepted practice. Here is an idea: set aside some time this month and write your own version. Or, following Br. Cathal's example, select your own pictures to accompany Francis' version. I am sure you will find it rewarding. Pax!

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