Francis and Clare

Francis of Assisi turned from a comfortable and individualistic lifestyle to a life of penance and service. Why you ask?

The Lord spoke, Francis listened, then responded. he heard maybe for the first time in his life, what the words of the Gospel really meant. He accepted them literally and tried to live them for the rest of his life.

Francis did this in simplicity and humility. In his day, he turned the world around from an oppressive, violent, greedy power-filled world into a more alive, loving and gentle one by living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The effect of his life on those who saw him caused many to want to join him in living this life. And thus the Secular Franciscan Order was born.