St. Francis of Assisi(1181 – 1226) son of a rich merchant, lived in times, which were filled with warring factions, with the struggle of the lower classes, with yearning for a better life. Francis
dreamed of fulfilment through achievements and honours of knighthood God planned otherwise. While Francis was convalescing from a grave illness, God’s grace moved him to think deeply about changing things. begining with himself. He converted to a new way of total dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Francis’ new lifestyle immediately attracted other men. So many came that he formed for them the Order of Friars Minor(OFM). Soon women too longed to live his simple and poor Gospel life. With the young Clare he founded the Second Order of the Poor Ladies. Other men and women. who were not called to the religious life, desired to live in the way of Francis. He wrote a simple rule for them also. Thus began his Third Order, the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. It was approved by Pope Honorius III in 1221. For centuries it was called the Third Order of St Francis, now it is called the Secular Franciscan Order.
OFS Oxford 