A Welcoming Community

“The Order sets out, in the name of Christ, to break down barriers between people and to seek equality for all. We accept as our second aim the spreading of a spirit of love and harmony among all people. We are pledged to fight against the ignorance, pride and prejudice that breed injustice or partiality of any kind”. Principles Day 7.

“Members of the Third Order fight against all injustice, in the name of Christ in whom there can be neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for in him all are one. Our chief object is to reflect that openness to all which was characteristic of Jesus”. Principles Day 8.

The Third Order is an inclusive community where ALL who are called by God to follow Jesus in the Franciscan way are welcome to explore this vocation.

About the Third Order

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace

Early in his ministry Francis of Assisi recognised the need to include within his movement of reform and renewal people who lived the common life. The work of following Christ in simplicity, love and joy could not be restricted to the traditional religious life of the Friars and Sisters.

This was true in the twelfth century and it remains so today; it is the vocation of all Christians.

THE THIRD ORDER consists of any people, men or women, married or single, priests or laity; who though following the ordinary professions of life feel called to a life-long dedication under a definite discipline and vows.

Dedicating themselves to our Lord as Instruments of His Peace, members of the Third Order are guided by The Principles, which include The Three Aims of the Order as expressed through The Three Ways of Service  and The Three Notes of the Order.  The Rule of the Third Order is adapted by each Tertiary to reflect their particular circumstances of life.   Daily Readings from The Principles form part of The Community Obedience .  These daily readings have been translated into Chinese.