Mission Statement

The Mission of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Region of the Secular Franciscan Order is to proclaim and witness to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, inspired by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, by promoting and supporting the local fraternities in the Northern New England area.

Together, through the lives of diverse Catholic men and women in local fraternities, we profess commitment to these ideals. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we strive to humbly serve all people, especially the poor and forgotten.

We celebrate joyfully the gift of life in all creation and recognize God’s living presence in the world.

Who Are Secular Franciscans?

Secular Franciscans are a community of Catholic men and women in the world who seek to pattern their lives after Christ in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. We believe that as human beings and Christians, we have such a sublime vocation that we cannot fulfill it alone. In our common response to the Gospel, we work together in community toward a deep evangelical life and toward communion with all people. This is our way of life.

We are not a club or society: We are united in an international ORDER founded by Francis over 750 years ago. There are approximately 17,000 Secular Franciscans scattered throughout the United States alone.

We PRAY alone and together.

We LEARN about Christ (Gospels), Francis, Clare and ourselves.

We SHARE our journeys, ourselves.

We LIVE WITH THE GOSPELS as our guide - reaching out to others.

Upcoming Events

SFO Regional Retreat
May 18^th – 20^th. 2012
St. Anthony Monastery,
Kennebunk, ME
Retreat Master:  Father Richard Trezza, OFM
Theme:  Reflecting Him - Secular Franciscans as Images of Christ"

Franciscan Day
August 25th, 2012
St. Anthony Monastery,
Kennebunk, ME

Quinquennial XVIII
July 3-8, 2012
Chicago, IL

Secular Franciscan Fall Conference
November 9th - 11th, 2012
St. Anthony Monastery,
Kennebunk, ME