Your Thoughts on Third Orders?

[RevDrNorth]

I should have been clearer that they have a third order associated with them rather than being one. However, I have to admit I would have been one to classify them as Franciscan and had no idea they were not. You my friend are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to orders! I for one appreciate your particpation here.

One correction, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity are not a Third Order. They are a first order. They are their own religious family as are the Salesians, Redemptorists, Christian Brothers, Marianists and so forth.

People often confuse them with Franciscans and believe them to be part of the Franciscan family. They are not. They do not follow any of the rules of St. Francis. They have very carefully crafted statutes for them that borrow from: Franciscans, Benedictines and Carmelites.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[JReducation]

I should have been clearer that they have a third order associated with them rather than being one. However, I have to admit I would have been one to classify them as Franciscan and had no idea they were not. You my friend are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to orders! I for one appreciate your particpation here.

LOL Thank you. Maybe it has something to do with a few facts: 1) My doctorate is in Mystical Theology; therefore, I have been through the many schools of Judeo-Christian spirituality and asseticism. 2) I’m a member of an order or 3) I’m currently a superior and formerly a formation director.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Lowyoyo]

i’ve just read through this entire thing… i have nothing to contribute, but wanted to say thanks for all the info. its something that i’ve been curious about.

 

[JReducation]

This is old. I’m no longer an superior and back in formation work.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Credendum]

A huge thanks to Br. JR for clarifying what the SFO is. I am a Catholic convert who is discerning a calling to the SFO, and this thread had been immensely helpful.

 

[Rafaela]

Hi there!
I feel recently very drawn to praying seven dolors chaplet,and it got me interested of OSSM but there is no secular servites in our area. I would definitely like to discern more with them I do not know how to go about with this calling, ideas? Could somebody recomend some good reading materials for the time being?

 

[JReducation]

Hi there!
I feel recently very drawn to praying seven dolors chaplet,and it got me interested of OSSM but there is no secular servites in our area. I would definitely like to discern more with them I do not know how to go about with this calling, ideas? Could somebody recomend some good reading materials for the time being?

You may want to get your hands on a little book called “Praying With St. Augustine”. The Servites follow the Rule of Augustine.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Rafaela]

Thank you so much Br. JR!!! I am sure that book is going to help me a great deal