- Are you being called to the Catholic Franciscan Life?
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Do you ever feel that you are being called to a deeper relationship with God through the Franciscans?
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Do you dismiss the idea because you are married or have to live in the secular world?
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If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, then read on.
Everyone has heard of the Franciscans. Indeed the Franciscan orders are the most successful and popular of all the religious orders. At the heart of the Franciscan orders is St. Francis himself, whose life was, and is still, an inspiration to millions of people around the world. His message was, and remains, one of total love for, and commitment to, Jesus Christ and Christ’s values, so clearly revealed to us in the Gospels.
Francis lived between 1182 and 1226. He had a great religious experience when he heard the voice of God from the crucifix in the derelict church of St Damiano in Assisi saying “Francis, rebuild my church which you can see is falling down”. Although at first Francis took the message literally he very soon came to realise that he was meant to bring a freshness of the spirit of love for God, his fellow man and indeed to all creation into a church that needed new life. He was very popular and drew people to follow him. However, many people who had homes and families, also wanted to follow the Franciscan way of life. So Francis established an order for them. Originally known as the The Third Order we are now known as the Secular Franciscan Order and this order, along with the first order, The Friars Minor, and the second order, The Poor Clares, is 800 years old.
Today the world has become increasingly materialistic and unbelieving. Franciscans are needed to take the joy of the love of Christ to people. The message is still of total love of God, our fellow man who, and where, ever he is, and indeed all of creation. A simple message that calls for a simple life, and a reassessment of our values. In this way although the Order is 800 years old the message is modern and for today.
Here at this Friary there is a well established Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order. You may be interested in getting to know a bit more about us. Dates and times of meetings can be found on the Chilworth Fraternity page of this website, are posted on the SFO board in the Friary Cloisters and are also in the Friary weekly newsletter.
The minister of Chilworth Fraternity is Maggie Larkin who is happy to give you further information about the order.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May he show his face to you and have mercy on you.
May he turn his countenance towards you
and give you peace.
View from Greccio, Italy
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