Who We Are

By the example of his own sacrifice, Jesus reveals the secret of bearing fruit; in surrendering himself to death, he becomes the source of new life.  Risen from death on the cross, he draws all people to himself.  Clinging to life causes life to decay; the life that is freely given is eternal. Jesus calls those who would serve him to follow his example of surrender and sacrifice.  To those who hear and obey, he promises union with God.

The object of the Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion is to build a community of those who accept Christ as their Lord and Master and are dedicated to him in body and spirit.  They surrender their lives to him and to the service of his people.  The Third Order consists of those who, while following the ordinary professions of life, feel called to dedicate their lives under a definite discipline and promises.  They may be female or male, married or single, lay or ordained.

Our Tertiaries are men and women who have dedicated themselves to God in a special way, as a result of an inward drawing which is believed to be the guidance of the Holy Spirit; but partly, at least, they have found inspiration in the life and good works of St. Francis of Assisi.  He was a man who learned to love God passionately, and therefore tried to follow the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with the abandonment of a complete human generosity.  In the words of the prayer; “may almighty God grant that we who walk in the way of our Blessed Father Francis may receive his blessing and ever strive to maintain his spirit and godly example, so as never to fall from his favor or paternal blessing.”

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