J
JReducation
Guest
Just to add to the mix, Secular Orders are true Orders. They are not associations or societies.
Secular Orders have a rule, have a life-time commitment, have a community which whom the members share their lives even when each one lives in his own home, they also have superiors, a constitution, must have the approval of the Holy See, and under canon law they have jurisdiction over their members.
For example: Secular Franciscans, Lay Dominicans, Secular Carmelites, Lay Missionaries of Charity are real orders. They were founded for men and women, single, married, deacons, priests, bishops, who wanted to live the life of a particular religioius family, but for whatever reason want to or need to remain outside of the enclosure of a religious house.
Usually the rule of a secular order is very similar to that of the religious order with the exception of celibacy and community life. Those requirements are adapted according to the circumstances. However, there are seculars who are celibate and live in community. This is allowed by some Secular Orders.
For example, the Secular Franciscans, follow a rule that St. Francis wrote for them. It is very similar to the rule that he wrote for the friars, with a life-time commitment, etc.
The same is true for the Carmelites and Dominicans.
If you’re looking for a form of consecrated life living in the world, but not of the world you may want to consider a Secular Order.
JR
Secular Orders have a rule, have a life-time commitment, have a community which whom the members share their lives even when each one lives in his own home, they also have superiors, a constitution, must have the approval of the Holy See, and under canon law they have jurisdiction over their members.
For example: Secular Franciscans, Lay Dominicans, Secular Carmelites, Lay Missionaries of Charity are real orders. They were founded for men and women, single, married, deacons, priests, bishops, who wanted to live the life of a particular religioius family, but for whatever reason want to or need to remain outside of the enclosure of a religious house.
Usually the rule of a secular order is very similar to that of the religious order with the exception of celibacy and community life. Those requirements are adapted according to the circumstances. However, there are seculars who are celibate and live in community. This is allowed by some Secular Orders.
For example, the Secular Franciscans, follow a rule that St. Francis wrote for them. It is very similar to the rule that he wrote for the friars, with a life-time commitment, etc.
The same is true for the Carmelites and Dominicans.
If you’re looking for a form of consecrated life living in the world, but not of the world you may want to consider a Secular Order.
JR