Rome, November 30, 2021 | Press Announcement The General Chapter of the Secular Franciscan Order concluded its work on Sunday, Nov. 21, with delegates approving priority actions for the next six years as well as giving a mandate to their international leaders to complete the work of establishing permanent offices for formation, finance, communications and … The Secular Franciscan Order sets priorities for the next six years Read More » ...

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTERS GENERAL OF THE FRANCISCAN FAMILY   ...

Rome, November 19, 2021 | Press Announcement In order to carry on the work of the Order and the projects of the International Council of the OFS, the Chapter approved an annual budget that will increase in the next three years from 231,000 to 244,00 euros. This is the amount established and approved by the … Chapter approves budget for the next three years Read More » ...

Rome, November 18, 2021 | Press Announcement The plenary assembly of the OFS General Chapter on Nov. 18 approved the modification of the International Fraternity Statutes ‘ad experimentum’. This means that during the next three years, its practical application will be evaluated before making a final decision at the next General Chapter. Although the modification … Chapter approves new CIOFS International Statutes ‘ad experimentum’ Read More » ...

Tibor Kauser, OFS, of Hungary has been re-elected minister general of the Secular Franciscan Order. He now begins his second six-year term. Mary Stronach, OFS, of the United States of America is the new vice minister general. Mary is a former USA international councilor who has been serving with the Order’s Presidency as an interpreter … Capitulars re-elect minister general, elect new vice minister general and area councilors Read More » ...

Rome, November 16, 2021 | press announcement The CIOFS Presidency ended its service at the final afternoon session on Tuesday, November 16, before a plenary assembly of the General Chapter, after concluding its six-year term (2014-2020), one year later than expected because of the covid-19 pandemic. “We leave our mandate in your hands,” concluded Tibor … CIOFS Presidency ends its service with mutual appreciation Read More » ...

“Let the Gospel, that is, Jesus Himself, shape your life,” Pope Francis told General Chapter participants in a private audience at the Vatican on Nov. 15. ” In this way you will take on poverty, minority and simplicity as your distinguishing marks before all.” “With this Franciscan and secular identity of yours,” he said, “you … Pope Francis tells OFS: ‘may you be men and women of hope’ Read More » ...

A total of 57 capitulars (delegates) started the work of the XVI General Chapter of the OFS, which began Saturday afternoon with the Opening Mass presided over by the TOR General Minister, Fr. Amando Trujillo. The Chapter, which also involves about 40 observers and about 20 fraternal volunteers, will end the six-year term (2014-2020), extended … The XVI General Chapter of the OFS Begins! Read More » ...

by Virginija Mickute, OFS The main goal of Kanafa water project is to provide access to safe potable water for daily consumption (drinking, cooking, hand and body washing, laundry) and improve sanitation and health for 1,000 people (200 households), particularly for children under five, who are extremely vulnerable to diseases (diarrhoea, typhoid, intestinal parasites, etc.) … Well4Africa invites you to become a donor of Kanafa water project in Ethiopia Read More » ...

by Virginija Mickute, OFS Afua is a village in the North-West region of Cameroon. The village belongs to the Fuli-Kom parish which is part of the Bamenda Diocese. There is a local OFS fraternity of St. Clare and a few YouFra members in Afua. The population of 25,000 people consists of Christians and Muslims. Afua is … Help Well4Africa implement water projects like Afua Read More » ...

The summer/autumn issue of Vox Franciscana is now available for viewing and download. It features, among other things: the OFS in Puerto Rico celebrated the repair of their hurricane-ruined national “casa” (photo a above); the Orders celebrated “Memoriale Propositi”; Secular Franciscans operate the Teaching Garden in Sicily; A Secular Franciscan received the Volunteer’s Oscar in … Latest Issue of Magazine Ready to View & Download Read More » ...

The Family Commission wishes to propose the following theme for the fraternities, keeping in mind the great challenges that we are facing today. THE FAMILY AND CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME PDF of this reflection Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis Consilium Internationale FAMILY COMMISSION Silvia Diana OFS Translation: Mary Stronach, OFS   The Family Commission wishes to … The Family And Caring For Our Common Home Read More » ...

SECULAR FRANCISCAN LEADERSHIP 800 years of Memoriale propositi: the relevance for OFS Fr. Alfred Parambakathu, OFMConv. Introduction It is merely common sense to see that any legal document, written some eight hundred years ago, taken solely in its literal sense, cannot guide the life of a group of people in present day, unless that group … Koinonia_2021_3 Read More » ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

Inter-Franciscan Commission for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (informally known as Romans VI) has turned a webinar on “Laudato Si” into an online self-study course. The “Laudato Si” Action Platform course incorporates video, PowerPoints and text from the webinar’s morning and afternoon presentations. The morning presentations are posted, with the afternoon session expected … Course on Laudato Si on Franciscan JPIC Website Read More » ...

How to live the values of the Memoriale Propositi in today’s context by Attilio Galimberti Memoriale Propositi page ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

SECULAR FRANCISCAN LEADERSHIP SAINT JOSEPH, “SHADOW OF THE FATHER” Introduction We link almost immediately Saint Joseph to the virtues of silence and work, but probably not so immediately to our ideas of husband and father. Yet, he is the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the father of Jesus. This year, the Church commemorates … Koinonia_2021_2 Read More » ...

Check out the reflections on Memoriale Propositi by Ottaviano Turrioni, minister of the OFS Fraternity of Cannara -Perugia, with the collaboration of Fr. Alfred Parambakathu OFMConv., general spiritual assistant. Historical Framework Text and Analysis ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this small space for reflection we want to continue reflecting on the reality of our families. There are many realities that every family has to attend to and respond to at each stage of the life of its members. For this we consider what the Church teaches us today based … The Family of Jesus, a Path to Follow Read More » ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

by Virginija Mickute, OFS Kongo is a village community in the Nabdam district in the northeast region of Ghana with around 150 households and a Spiritual Renewal Centre (SRC) run by Capuchin friars. SRC is comprised of the Immaculate Conception Church, a retreat centre and a Marian Grotto, making it a popular pilgrimage site. Twice … Kongo water project in Ghana Read More » ...

Reflections on health and faith by Victoria I. Tirro A., OFS Pychologist, Psycho-Gerontologist Universidad Metropolitana (Caracas- Venezuela) EN Sister Life (PDF) ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

Read Message: EN Pentecost letter 2021 ...

SECULAR FRANCISCAN LEADERSHIP ANIMATE AND GUIDE WITH A LEADERSHIP OF SERVICE Every generation has its challenges. Today we, all over the world, are fighting with covid. The pandemic puts into test our personal as well as institutional spirituality. In this new Easter season the Lord invites us not to lose hope, to maintain peace and … Koinonia_2021_1 Read More » ...

A series of brief videos, commemorating the 800th anniversary of Memoriale Propositi, the Secular Franciscan inspirational document. Each video highlights a similarity between the 1221 document and the current Rule. ...

The beatification of Dr. José Gregorio Hernández, a Venezuelan physician (1864-1919) and member of the Secular Franciscan Order since 1899, will be celebrated on April 30, 2021. José Gregorio Hernandez is widely known, respected and venerated in many countries. A witness of holiness in his layman condition. He was a man full of virtues with … THE BEATIFICATION OF DR. JOSÉ GREGORIO HERNÁNDEZ, member of the OFS Venezuela Read More » ...

The sixth installment of material, from the family commission, to all the fraternities so that our local fraternities may reflect on the family as we were invited to do during the 2014 General Chapter.   PDF   To all OFS and Franciscan Youth International Councilors To all OFS National Councils To all Franciscan Youth National … 2021 Annual theme Family Commission Read More » ...

EN Memoriale propositi – Letter formation material_February 2021 (PDF) See the Memoriale Propositi page for Tibor’s video message and the first reflection. ...

EN Celebration 800 years Memoriale Propositi – circular letter (PDF) ...

The social initiative “Well4Africa” is blessed to share a message which we believe will be a great testimony of the Franciscan spirit to the whole Order. In the beginning of 2020, the National JPIC Team of the Secular Franciscan Order in Canada decided to help our brothers and sisters in Africa by joining the CIOFS … “Well4Africa” fundraising campaign in Canada Read More » ...

From Minister General’s Letter: The Rule, the General Constitutions and the Ritual are the official and vital documents of our Secular Franciscan Order. They are not simple readings or juridical regulations but guiding principles for us to live our vocation. So, there is a good reason to love, study and live these documents and consequently, … Revised translations of official documents Read More » ...

Let us begin our discussion on Franciscan economy by looking at some details of the allegorical  painting on Poverty in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. The painting is attributed to Giotto  or better known as the School of Giotto and is dated around 1334. K O I N Ō N I A … Koinonia 2020_4 Read More » ...

The Family Commission offers a reflection for fraternities to discuss: Family and pandemic, challenges in the face of this new reality. ...

To underline the communion with the Pope, we offer the intention of the Holy Father for the month and an intention for OFS according to the life and important events of the Order. Local Fraternities pray for both. DOC 2021 January For the Evangelization – Human fraternity: May the Lord give us the grace to … Monthly prayer intentions for OFS-YouFra 2021 Read More » ...

6 Water Projects Completed, 2 More Under Way Social initiative “Well4Africa” was born as a particular fruit of the 3rd European OFS and YouFra Congress, which took place in Lithuania in 2018. Since the theme of this Congress was “Whoever believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from within him” (Jn 7:38), the … Well4Africa News and Annual Report 2020 Read More » ...

As a result of a close fraternal collaboration and a living experience of belonging to the same Franciscan Family, the Franciscan Minister Generals send this Christmas letter to every member of the worldwide Franciscan Family. Secular and religious sisters and brothers from the whole Franciscan Family worked on it and now we can give it … ‘Hope is bold!’ Christmas Letter from the Franciscan Ministers General Read More » ...

After having read the document Aqua fons vitae: Orientations on water, symbol of the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth released in 2020 by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, in May we wrote to the Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery, asking for his blessing and … ‘Well4Africa’ receives official letter from Cardinal Peter Turkson Read More » ...

The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Laudato Si, has released a book that presents practical examples aimed at implementing the encyclical. Titled “Journeying Towards Care for Our Common Home,” the book contains a series of short chapters. ...

History and How to Pray EN Franciscan Crown – how to pray ...

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With the continuing impact of the pandemic, Minister General Tibor Kauser calls for a worldwide day of prayer for the Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan Youth on Nov. 29, 2020. (Pray the Franciscan Crown Rosary.) Read his circular letter: EN Worldwide day of prayer Nov 29, 2020 – letter EN Franciscan Crown – how to … World Day of Prayer on Nov. 29 for Secular Franciscan Order and Franciscan Youth Read More » ...

This third issue of Koinonia reflects on the relationship we have with our environment. It follows the 2020 theme on great changes. Because of the times in which we live, this relationship has become a great challenge for all of humanity.   K O I N Ō N I A  _ …together on the journey … Koinonia 2020_3 Read More » ...

The summer-fall issue of Vox Franciscana is available. This issue of the international publication features: Piandarca: where Francis preached to birds. pandemic doesn’t stop Presidency business. the OFS at the Vatican. JPIC in Madagascar. the Tau – history and meaning. OFS action around the globe. ...

As a family commission we want to offer special attention to the young people who enter our Order, many of our families share the Franciscan path between fathers, mothers and children, nephews / nieces, grandchildren, so we want to dedicate this work proposal to them for to better accompany this journey of youth vocation in … Young people in our fraternities: realities, protagonism and assistance Read More » ...

On the anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s death, Pope Francis celebrated Mass before the saint’s tomb in Assisi and signed the encyclical, “Fratelli tutti”. OFS Minister General Tibor Kauser joined the pope for the occasion at the Basilica of St. Francis, along with other members of the Franciscan Family, including friars and sisters. VATICAN … OFS Minister General Joins Pope for Signing of Encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti” Read More » ...

A call for a fundraiser for OFS members in Beirut who suffered damage due to the explosion of last August. EN Lebanon letter from minister general ...

ASSISI — The field where St. Francis preached to a flock of birds will become an outdoor sanctuary. A press conference held June 26 announced the design of the project, introduced the artist and launched a campaign to raise 120,000 euros. The miraculous preaching took place circa 1220 in Piandarca, near the community of Cannara, … Site of Francis’ Preaching to Birds to Be an Outdoor Sanctuary Read More » ...

Pope Francis will sign a new encyclical after Mass celebrated in the Basilica of St. Francis on 3 October. The ceremony will take place without the faithful present, in respect of the current health situation. By Vatican News Pope Francis will visit the Italian town of Assisi on 3 October to sign a new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti … ‘All brothers’: Pope Francis to sign new encyclical on Oct. 3 in Assisi Read More » ...

The JPIC Commission is pleased to share the reflection, Aqua fons vitae: Orientations on Water, symbol of the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth. It was released by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, following the celebration of World Water Day 2020. This new document is rooted in the Social Teaching … Reflection on Water as Symbol of the Cry of the Poor and Cry of the Earth Read More » ...

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The latest issue of KOINÕNIA is published. Fr. Pedro Zitha, OFM, discusses “The secular franciscan and the immigrant” The KOINÕNIA theme for 2020 is: Secular Franciscans in times of great changes. ...

A booklet about the 2008 General Chapter in Hungary is now available in four languages (English, Italian, Spanish and French). The 24-page booklet by Robert and Mary Stronach offers a first-person account and reflection, along with photos, on the historic chapter, which was held in conjunction with the close of the 800th anniversary celebration of … Booklet on General Chapter Offers a Moment in OFS History Read More » ...

Mutemwa is a very special place situated in Mashonaland, in the Eastern Province of Zimbabwe where a Secular Franciscan from United Kingdom, John Bradburne, OFS, lived the last 10 years of his life, caring for the community there who were living with the devastating effects of leprosy. John was killed during the Zimbabwe independence war … Help us to drill water borehole in Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre, Zimbabwe Read More » ...

Franciscans International is cosponsoring a webinar on Monday, July 13, on the topic, “COVID-19 and the human rights of people living in poverty.” The webinar is in English and runs from 3 to 4:30 p.m. CET (Central European Time). To participate in the webinar, please register at: https://bit.ly/C19Poverty Click here for details, including speakers/panelists. (PDF) ...

Marriage and the family: the reality and the challenges (PDF) OBSERVE ¿WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD? The social reputation of Catholic marriages is falling. The numbers of 2018 weddings. Daily Newspaper El País. Madrid, Spain. Barely one third of weddings celebrated every year in Spain (163,430 in 2018, some 5.9% less that the previous … Marriage and the family: the reality and the challenges Read More » ...

God lets us be surprised The answer we seek is in the Good News. Read Tibor’s Pentecost message   Italian: IT-Pentecoste messaggio 2020 Spanish: ES Pentecostés 2020 French: FR Pentecost message 2020 Portuguese: PT Mensagem de Pentecostes 2020 ...

Joyful news in the middle of COVID-19 crisis – water borehole sponsored by “Well4Africa” social initiative was blessed and inaugurated on May 9 in Sibi community, Ghana. A small group of community representatives took part in the celebration due to safety reasons. Sibi is a small village in the Nkwanta District in the eastern part … ‘Well4Africa’ Borehole Blessed in Ghana’s Village of Sibi Read More » ...

Pope Francis has appointed Conventual Franciscan Friar Marco Tasca as archbishop of Genoa, Italy, the Vatican announced May 8. Friar Marco, who served as minister general of the OFM Conventual friars for 12 years, has been a friend to the Secular Franciscan Order, participating in OFS general chapters. “I am a friar and I remain … Friar Marco Appointed Archbishop of Genoa Read More » ...

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the program of the Laudato Si’ Week, that will be celebrated from May 16 to May 24 and that has the Holy See sponsorship, has been revised and can be found in the website here. In summary the proposal is as follows: the world is now in crisis, and … Laudato Si Week (May 16-24) Read More » ...

“Proclaim the good news,” urges Minister General Tibor Kauser, OFS, in his Easter message to Secular Franciscans around the world. “This is one of the most joyful time of the year for us, Christians, because this is the moment to experience: life has overcome death.” Read his full message here. ...

The latest issue of Vox Franciscana (winter 2019-2020) features these stories: • First OFS-YouFra Formation School of the Southern Cone • A pastoral visitation of the Presidency • Vatican Youth Forum • Historic workshop: Spiritual Assistants • OFS and Finances • OFS action around globe • Australia newspaper spotlights OFS   ...

EN-Letter-Laudato-Si-Study-Guide (PDF) ...

MARCH 2020 — Kongo is a village community in the northeast region of Ghana with around 150 households. It is also home to a Spiritual Renewal Centre (SRC) run by Capuchin friars. SRC is comprised of the Immaculate Conception Church, a retreat centre and a Marian Grotto, making it popular pilgrimage site. Twice a year, … Water Projects to Help 2 Communities in Ghana – Kongo and Sibi Read More » ...

26 FEB. 2020 — A “Well4Africa” water project was successfully implemented in St. Lawrence of Brindis Parish, Zomba diocese, Malawi. The parish is situated in the remote area, in the outskirt of Municipality of Zomba, Malawi’s old capital city. People around the Parish are subsistence farmers. They grow maize and vegetables for their livelihood. … Project Brings Clean Water to St. Lawrence Parish in Malawi Read More » ...

The OFS emerging National Fraternity of Nigeria celebrated its National Elective Chapter on 29 February 2020. Lillian-Rita Akudolu was elected as national minister. Also elected: National Vice Minister – Gabriel John Udofia National Secretary – Appolonia Ochugnu National Treasurer – Victoria Udofia National Formator – Anne Asiegbu The newly appointed national spiritual assistant is Fr. … Nigeria Holds Elective Chapter Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Venezuela celebrated its National Elective Chapter from 28 February to 1 March 2020. Marielide De Lima was elected as National minister and as International councilor. ...

The national Fraternity of Chad has celebrated its elective Chapter. Ange-Gabriel Soulassanger has been elected national minister and international councillor. ...

The OFS National Chapter of the Emerging Fraternity of Albania has been celebrated in Bajze. Pavlin Ndreka has been elected national minister and vice minister Hana Kalj. ...

Laudato-Si-Study-Guide (PDF) ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Ivory Coast celebrated its National Elective Chapter on January 24-25, 2020. Christophe Iobognon was elected as national minister and Ludovic Dah as international councilor. ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Uruguay celebrated its National Elective Chapter on November 29 – December 1, 2019. Sergio Rodríguez was elected as national minister and as international councilor. ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Tanzania celebrated its National Elective Chapter on October 25-27, 2019. Lucy Nambuo was elected as National minister and Felix Mosha as International councilor. ...

A report by Kelly Moltzen, OFS, USA New and exciting initiatives, like the Great Green Wall across 11 African countries, were addressed at the The Laudato Si Generation Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya July 15 and 16. It focused on the role of faith and religion in the care for our common home, the role … Laudato Si Generation Conference Focuses on Care for Common Home Read More » ...

Swiss Secular Franciscan Marguerite Bays was elevated to sainthood on Oct. 13, 2019, along with four others.  A native of Siviriez in the western Swiss canton of Fribourg, Bays belonged to the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi. Born in 1815, she was a laywoman from a farming background who dedicated herself to God. She worked as a seamstress, domestic help and … Swiss Secular Franciscan Is Canonized Read More » ...

ROME — Fr. Amando Trujillo Cano, TOR, who served as general spiritual assistant for the OFS and YouFra for the past six years, was elected minister general of the Third Order Regular (TOR) on June 9, 2019. He succeeded Fr. Nicholas Polichnowski. A musician and song writer, Father Amando was known for bringing his gift … Fr. Amando Trujillo Cano Is the New TOR Minister General Read More » ...

Calling it their “Beatitudes” Chapter, Secular Franciscans in Great Britain held a Chapter of Mats June 21-23, 2019, to mark the close of the year celebrating the 40th anniversary of the OFS Rule approved by Pope Blessed Paul VI in 1978. National Minister Betsy Hart, OFS, described the chapter’s theme: “The essence of our Franciscan … Great Britain Holds ‘Beatitudes’ Chapter Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Burkina Faso in West Africa celebrated its Elective Chapter on September 7, 2019. Denis Poda was elected national minister and international councilor. ...

The National Fraternity of Cameroon celebrated its elective chapter from August 22 to 24, 2019, at the home of the Xaverian Fathers of Ngodi Bakoko in Douala. The chapter identified five priority themes to be implemented by the new council, including a commitment to form a National YouFra Fraternity. Genesis Ngwambi was re-confirmed as national … Cameroon Re-Confirms Minister Read More » ...

The OFS National Fraternity of Slovakia celebrated its Elective Chapter from August 30 to September 1, 2019. Jozef Gazdik was elected national minister and Lucia Spodniakova as international councilor. ...

The Secular Franciscan Order (OFS) is celebrating the 800th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Umiliana de’ Cerchi, a Franciscan tertiary who lived and died in Florence, Italy (1219-1246). She was proclaimed blessed in 1694. Festivities took place throughout 2019, thanks to the Friars Minor Conventual at the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. The … 800th Anniversary of Blessed Umiliana de’ Cerchi in 2019 Read More » ...

NISIPORESTI, ROMANIA — A 22-year-old Romanian Secular Franciscan – Veronica Antal – was beatified Sept. 23, 2018 as a “martyr to chastity,” six decades after she was murdered while fighting off a would-be rapist during the Communist-era repression of the Catholic Church. Catholic News Service reported that Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Vatican Congregation … Secular Franciscan is beatified – Veronica Antal of Romania Read More » ...

The Secular Franciscan Order participated in all the preparatory phases of the beatification ceremony. For the great Franciscan family – 1,000 secular and religious — it was a moment to live fraternal joy in one communityduring three days of pilgrimage: 13, 14, 15 April 2018.  The pilgrimage began at a church near where Lucien lived … Secular Franciscan is beatified – School teacher Lucien Botovasoa of Madagascar Read More » ...

By Virginija Mickute, OFS, and Monika Midveryte, OFS MARCH 2019 — The “Well4Africa” project, flowing out of the 3rd European OFS and YouFra Congress in Lithuania last year, is moving ahead in various phases in Malawi, Uganda and Zimbabwe. ...