Nature of the Secular Franciscan Order

Nature of the Secular Franciscan Order

 

The nature of the OFS is determined by three characteristics: 

• The intention of its founder, Francis of Assisi, based on the inspiration he received from God; 
• Its historical evolution as an order consistently (and continuously) approved by the Holy See; and 
• Through legislation in the form of a Rule and General Constitutions accepted through history by the Church.

 

• The OFS is, therefore, united with the First and Second Orders

o    By a common founder,

o   Common charisms,

o   Common spirituality and

o   A common apostolic mission

• Despite this foundational unity, the OFS remains fully independent of the other Franciscan Orders, though intimately connected to them in a relationship of mutual and vital reciprocity.

See FUN Manual Nature of the Order

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