Secular Franciscans Worldwide
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The Secular Franciscan Order
Fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order are found in 116 nations throughout the world, with approximately 350,000 members. Local fraternities may be organized into area or regional fraternities. These regional fraternities are organized into national fraternities. All national fraternities are organized into the International Secular Franciscan Order (also know as the Consilium Internationale Ordo Franciscanus Secularis (CIOFS).
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A secular order in the Roman Catholic Church, part of the Franciscan family founded by St. Francis of Assisi .
Over the past 800 plus years, men and women have followed in the footsteps of St. Francis as members of the Secular Franciscan Order. In the period from 1209 to 1221, Francis established the Franciscan Family. As they witnessed Francis’ true joy in living and being of service to others, a number of his friends and countrymen came to join him. The Pope accepted their Rule of life, and the First Order of Franciscans began. Women also came and wanted to live the type of life Francis and his brothers were living, and with the inspiration of St. Clare of Assisi, the Second Order of Franciscans was developed. When lay people told Francis that they, too, wanted to live his lifestyle but remain in the world, Francis adapted the Rule to fit their way of life. After receiving Papal approval, the Third Order of Franciscans was established. Today, this is called the Secular Franciscan Order (the OFS), because these Franciscans remain living and working in the everyday world, bringing Franciscan spirituality into their personal, family, work, parish, and community lives. "The Secular Franciscan Order belongs to the Franciscan Family and is 'formed by the organic union of all the Catholic fraternities, whose members, moved by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves through profession to live the Gospel after the manner of St. Francis in their secular state following the Rule approved by the Church". (Constitutions Article 1.3)
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The International Presidency of the OFS from 2014-2020
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Franciscans International
Franciscans International (FI) is a non-profit, international non-governmental human rights organisation established in 1989. Its staff consists of professionals of diverse backgrounds working to translate grassroots voices in human rights advocacy action at the United Nations level. Franciscans International seeks to promote and protect human rights and environmental justice.
Franciscans International (FI) is a non-profit, international non-governmental human rights organisation established in 1989. Its staff consists of professionals of diverse backgrounds working to translate grassroots voices in human rights advocacy action at the United Nations level. Franciscans International seeks to promote and protect human rights and environmental justice.
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