The Secular Franciscan Order, or Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS), is an official Order within the Catholic Church. St. Francis of Assisi established it in 1221 for lay men and women wanting to follow his way of life. Unlike religious brothers and sisters, those in secular orders do not remove themselves from the world but remain in it. Secular Franciscans meet each month in local fraternities, to pray, study, worship and encourage one another in applying the distinctive Gospel spirit of St. Francis to daily life. Like Francis, we joyfully and actively take part in Christ’s mission to bring the good news of salvation to the world.
St. Mary's Fraternity O.F.S