The Secular Franciscans are an order of laity (men and women) who through their profession live the Gospel in the manner of St Francis in their secular state, following the Rule approved by the Church. Secular Franciscans are members of the Franciscan family founded by St Francis of Assisi.
The Franciscan Family consists of the First Order (the Friars Minor who are religious men), the Second Order (the Poor Clares who are cloistered women religious), the Third Order Regular(TOR) who are Religious Congregations, and the Third Order which in earlier times known as the Brothers and Sisters of Penance, now called the Secular Franciscan order.
The Secular Franciscans are called to vocation by God to fulfil a special role in the Church. Secular Franciscans seek to live in their own secular state the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi who made Christ the inspiration and the centre of his life with God and people. Secular Franciscans seek to live in the spirit of continual conversion.
Secular Franciscans in Singapore are active in areas of promoting inter-religious harmony, hospices works, Institute of Mental Health, care for the mentally and physically handicap, visiting the sick in hospital and homes, help for Migrant workers, works of mercy and other charitable works.
The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is open to mature Catholic laity (men or women, single or married) who profess the Catholic faith, live in communion with the Church, of good moral standing, and show clear signs of a vocation.
All Enquirers to the Secular Franciscans Order will go through a period of initial formation for Enquirers for 6 month to help them to discern the call to this vocation. The Enquirer will then be received into the order as a candidate. The Candidate will undergo a more intensive formation for about a year before profession as a Secular Franciscan.
The profession of the Secular Franciscan has a deep meaning in that by profession, the Secular Franciscans renews their baptismal vows and consecration to God and commit themselves to live the Gospel according to Franciscan spirituality in their secular condition, going from Gospel to life and life to Gospel. The profession of a Secular Franciscan is a permanent commitment to the Church.
Secular Franciscans are not required to give up their possession but are encouraged to maintain a balanced relation to material goods, not allowing the heart become attached to them and using them as God requires and wishes in the spirit of poverty.
Secular Franciscans should pledge themselves to reduce their own personal needs so as to be better able to share spiritual and material goods with their brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. They should give thanks to God for the goods they have received, using them as good stewards and not as owners. (GC Art 15:3).