The Secular Franciscan Order

The Secular Franciscan Order is closely related to the Order by common origin and heritage. The Franciscan Friars hold it in high esteem because they share with us the same Franciscan penitential Charism. In union with the secular brothers and sisters, that charism is completely expressed.

All the friars, especially the Ministers Provincial and the Local Ministers, shall promote the Secular Franciscan Order, respecting its rights and special identity as an Order.

The friars are eager to offer spiritual assistance to the fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order and thus share in their efforts to transform the temporal order according to the spirit of the Gospel.

It is within the competency of the TOR Franciscans to erect fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order and to offer guidance to them in accordance with the norms of canon law. Therefore, it is the competency of the Minister General and the Minister Provincial, in collaboration with the respective minister of the Secular Franciscan Order to approve the erection of fraternities that will be related to our fraternities.