St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity at 122 West Smith St, Apt. D, Hicksville, OH 43526 US - The Secular Franciscans

Recently I have received a lot of questions about who the Secular Franciscans are and what our role in the Church is.  I thought that the easiest way to get the information out would be to write a little something down for everyone to read. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask myself or any of the Third Order members.

St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) founded three Orders: The Friars Minor, which is now divided into three branches, with the assistance of St. Clair of Assisi the Order of Poor Ladies or Poor Clair’s, and for people living in the world, the Order of Brothers and Sisters in Penance (now known as the Secular Franciscan Order).

The first simple rule of the Secular Franciscan Order was put into legal language by ‘Cardinal Ugolino in 1221, and orally approved the same year by Pope Honorius III. In 1289, Pope Nicholas IV revised the rule and solemnly confirmed it by a papal bull. Pope Leo XIII adapted this rule to the conditions of his time in 1883. In 1978, Pope Paul VI approved a new rule for the secular Franciscan Order, which reflects the task of the universal Church in the modern world and brings the spirit of St. Francis to bear in a creative way on the world today. This rule invites the Secular Franciscan to become a leaven of the gospel in today’s world and to take part in its transformation into the kingdom, which the Lord Jesus proclaimed.

The Order is comprised of fraternities on various levels made up of men and women, age 21 and older, who have recognized their vocation to the Franciscan Family and strive to achieve holiness in their lay state while bringing the gospel message to the world through the example of their lives. Secular Franciscans should devote themselves especially to careful reading of the gospel, going from gospel to life and life to gospel.

So why would a layperson join the Secular Franciscan Order? Over the centuries, millions of laity have followed the way of Francis, seeking a deeper spirituality and a closer walk with Christ, coming together in a community to support one another in being faithful to that call. St. Francis is respected by people of all faiths across the world and admired for his way of following Christ, loving all of God’s creation and telling all what a privilege and joy we should feel at being children of God.

Saint Michael the Archangel Fraternity has now been formed here at St. Michaels, but it will take two to three years before we receive official establishment from the Vatican. In the mean time we are to function as a fraternity while they “check us out” so to speak. Our present ministry is to the sick and the dying, but we are open to the Holy Spirit, and want to be of service in any way that we can. We are not priests or deacons, but brothers and sisters in penance (in other words, we are to turn from our old ways to follow Christ). I want to thank Father Tom and all the members of St. Michaels for their support over the last couple of years, and I hope that we will have an opportunity to serve this parish for many years to come.

God Give You Peace!

Steven L. Talbott, SFO

Minister, St. Michael the Archangel Fraternity