The brothers and sisters of the Immaculate Conception Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order in San Diego, California live in the “secular” community with families and friends, we work in (or have retired from) a variety of vocations, and we come together on a monthly basis. At the monthly Fraternity gatherings, we have ongoing formation, prayer and fellowship, all of which provides spiritual support and nurture for the OFS vocation of each member. That vocation for each professed member is to live out all aspects of their lives, observing the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi, as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
From time to time the Fraternity will come together as a group to perform works of service to those in need. Those works are important, but perhaps the broader, more fundamental ministry of the Fraternity is to foster communion among members, and adopt appropriate means for growth in Franciscan and ecclesial life, thus helping all sisters and brothers in the life of fraternity to be living examples of the Rule and Life of the Secular Franciscan Order in their everyday lives. The most important thing that we “do” is to strive to live according to the Rule.
Above image:
GIOTTO di Bondone, Legend of St Francis: 2.
St. Francis Giving his Mantle to a Poor Man 1297-99
Upper Church, Basilica de San Francesco, Assisi