To live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, embracing simplicity, humility, penance, and fraternity while remaining engaged in secular life. Members witness to Christian values in their families, workplaces, and communities, promoting peace, justice, care for creation, and service to the poor. Their life is expressed through prayer, penance, fraternity, and apostolic action.

Order of Secular Franciscans — Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (O.F.S.), commonly abbreviated S.F.S. in some regions. It is a Secular (lay) Franciscan Order recognized by the Catholic Church, under Canon 303 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Members live in the world while following the Franciscan charism.

The Secular Franciscan Order traces its origin to St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226), who founded a movement of men and women who wished to live the Gospel fully while remaining in their everyday lives. These early followers were laypeople who could not enter religious life but wanted to commit to Franciscan ideals through fraternal gatherings, prayer, and service. Over time, the Church formally recognized them as the Secular Franciscan Order, giving it canonical statutes to guide lay members living in the world.
Today, the O.F.S. is a worldwide fraternity of lay men and women, clergy, and consecrated members who commit to the Franciscan way of life through a public profession and ongoing formation. Members live in small fraternities locally, meeting regularly for prayer, fraternity, and apostolic projects while integrating the Franciscan spirit into their everyday secular responsibilities.

Contact your local Catholic parish and ask if a Secular Franciscan fraternity (O.F.S.) meets there. Many are attached to Franciscan friar ministries (OFM, OFM Conv) who provide formation support. ✉️ International Secular Franciscan Order (O.F.S.) – Secretariat: • ofs@ofsgb.org — Contact for inquiries about formation, membership, and vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order. (ofsgb.org)