Secular Fransiscan Order

St Francis of Assisi founder of the Franciscans (c 1180-1226)
Son of a wealthy merchant in the Italian town of Assisi, Francis led a carefree youth.  In 1209 he was inspired by a sermon to give away all his possessions.  He began to live like beggar, travelling barefoot, preaching repentance, and aiding the poor. 
In time he was joined by two companions and they were determined to live by the rule of poverty and simplicity that Christ had given to his apostles. 
In the year 1210 Francis gained the blessing of Pope Innocent III for his new Order the Franciscans.
Before his death in 1226 his followers numbered many thousands, all inspired by Saint Francis’ humble and compassionate example.  
There are THREE Orders of the Franciscan Family:-
1  The Friars
2  The Nuns
3  The Secular Franciscans (Order of Franciscan Secular)
In Flint Parish we have a well established Secular Franciscan Fraternity.
We meet on the first Saturday of every month in the Church Hall from 10.00am to 12.30pm. 
Unlike the Friars and Nuns we do not take vows, our commitment-promises are made by each one of us at our profession.
We pledge ourselves to live our lives by the Rule of our founder, St Francis of Assisi, thus living our lives according to the Gospels and from Gospels to daily life. 
Our commitment is one of personal prayer; apostolic work/service within the Church/Parish and supporting Charities worldwide.
We liaise with other Fraternities as well as the Friars and the Nuns, ALL UNDER THE SAME UMBRELLA – “FRANCISCANS” – AND HAPPY TO BE UNITED WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS WORLD WIDE. 
 
MINISTER OF FLINT FRATERNITY
MRS BEATRICE FIELD
 
 
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