Saint Francis of Assisi (September 26, 1181 – October 3, 1226) is popularly known today as the Patron Saint of animals, birds, and the environment. In 1209, Francis led his first eleven followers to Rome to seek permission from Pope Innocent III to found a new religious order.

His first attempt to speak with the Pope was refused. The following night, however, Innocent dreamed of a poor man holding up a crumbling church. The next morning, he recognised the man in the dream as the poor man he had refused the previous day, and reversed his decision.

The Third Order has its origins in the movement of the Penitents. These were people who desired to grow in holiness in their daily lives without joining a religious order. Eventually, a religious order grew out of the Secular Franciscan Order and which later became known as the Third Order Regular (TOR).

Membership enquiries are welcomed. Belonging to the Ecumenical Order of St Francis means living by the “Rule of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance”.

The framework of the Ecumenical Fraternity recognises three levels of commitment within the Franciscan structure. Each level demonstrates certain rights and participation in the development of the Order.

Level 1 is a fraternity of itinerant men and women, married or who are either single or have a partner; married or single Friars and Sisters who are either in formation, Temporary Vows or Life Profession.

Level 2 is made up of Secular Brothers and Sisters, married or single men and women, either in formation or Life Profession (Secular Franciscan Order).

Level 3 includes two degrees:
First Degree: Associates are made up of men and women who have a commitment to pray, support and make known the work of the Order and Friends of the Community.
Second Degree: Friends are people who are unable to make a commitment to either the Secular Franciscan Order or Associates, but wish to be involved with and support the Franciscan Community.

For books about the life of St Francis, click HERE

*“Pax et Bonum” is the traditional Franciscan welcome and goodbye. Francis himself favored its use, and often began and ended his sermons and letters with these words. Translated from the Latin, it reads “peace and all good [be with you].”

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