The Third Order of Saint Francis

Why A Third Order? Third Order Regular priests and brothers are professed to full religious life but who do not live in a monastic setting. These men work in the world and live the friar’s life fully in their locale. Their vows are simple poverty, chastity and obedience. The lay people who choose to follow St. Francis’ life wish to change their lives in the same way, but must maintain a family or cannot live a friar’s life, may join in the benefits of the order and be every bit as real a member of a religious Order by becoming a Third Order Secular member. The demands are quite minimal for one who wishes to add this spiritual dimension to their life.

The Orders of Saint Francis in the Anglican Rite Catholic Church are a continuation of the Order brought to the British Isles in 1224, by Agnellus of Pisa. The Franciscan Order has survived and grown away from its Protestant Brethren in The Church of England and in the United States. The Franciscan Order is alive and well in the Anglican Rite Catholic Church, where in 1976, it was continued under the organization of The Rt. Rev'd Frank Knutti . Before his death he organized the Orders properly in accordance with the canons of the Anglican Rite Catholic Church. The Father Protector of the three Orders is Fr. Stuart Crawshaw TOF.

All those interested in the First Order, Third Order Regular or Third Order Secular are welcome to inquire with The Ven. Crawshaw.

Fr. Stuart Crawshaw TOF