“In saeculo, sed non de saeculo.”
(In the world, but not of the world)
- Third Orders
- Rule of Life
- Cenacle / Prayer Life
*** Third Order Life and Mission ***
✠ The Third Orders
The Franciscan Path for Those Living in the World
I. What is a Third Order?
A Third Order is a form of consecrated or semi-consecrated life lived in the world, according to the spirit of a religious family.
In the Franciscan tradition, it allows the faithful to:
- Live the Gospel in simplicity
- Embrace a life of prayer and charity
- Remain in their state of life (lay, married, or ordained)
II. The Franciscan Tradition
The Third Order finds its origin in the life and inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, who called not only friars, but also the faithful living in the world, to follow Christ in simplicity and humility.
From the beginning, men and women desired to follow his way of life without leaving the world.
Thus was born the Third Order of St. Francis, also called:
- Secular Franciscans
- Tertiaries
From this desire was born the Third Order of Saint Francis, also known as the Secular Franciscans or Tertiaries
III. A Vocation in the World Our Three Third Orders
III. Our Three Third Orders
Within Eric Michel Ministries International, the Franciscan vocation is expressed through three complementary Third Orders:
1. Third Order of the Franciscan of the Eucharist (TOFE)
A Eucharistic-centred Franciscan life, rooted in:
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- A life offered in union with Christ
- Service flowing from the Eucharistic mystery
2. Third Order of Franciscans of the Immaculate (TOFI)
A Marian Franciscan path marked by:
- Total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary
- A life lived through Mary, to Jesus
- Devotion inspired by the Immaculate
3. Third Order of Saint Benedict (TOSB)
A complementary path enriched by the Benedictine tradition:
- Stability and community life
- The rhythm of ora et labora (prayer and work)
- A contemplative foundation for apostolic mission
This is not merely an association—it is a true vocation.
Members are called to:
- Daily prayer
- Penance and conversion
- Works of mercy
- Fidelity to the Gospel
While remaining:
- In family life
- In professional life
- In society
IV. Our Expression of the Third Order: A Unified Charism
These three expressions form a single spiritual family, integrating:
- The evangelical poverty and missionary zeal of the Franciscan tradition
- The contemplative depth and stability of the Benedictine tradition
This unity gives rise to a life that is:
- Contemplative and active
- Rooted in prayer, yet open to mission
- Lived in the world, yet oriented toward God
A true spirit of “contemplation in action.”
Within this apostolate, the Third Order is lived in a spirit of:
- Eucharistic devotion
- Franciscan simplicity
- Fidelity to the Church
- Apostolic charity
Members are called to:
- Daily prayer
- Ongoing conversion
- Works of mercy
- Fidelity to the Gospel
It is adapted to those who seek:
- A deeper spiritual life
- A structured but accessible rule
- A fraternity rooted in prayer
V. Path of Formation: A Vocation in the World
It is a vocation
The journey typically includes:
- Inquiry
- Formation
- Commitment / Profession
This path respects both:
- Freedom of conscience
- Gradual spiritual growth
VI. Who Can Join?
The Third Order is open to:
While remaining fully engaged in:
- Family life
- Professional responsibilities
- Society
- Lay faithful (single or married)
- Clergy
- Those seeking a deeper Franciscan life
Each vocation is discerned with care, in freedom and prayer.
VII. A Call, Not an Obligation
This path must be discerned.
This path is not imposed—it is received.
It is not imposed, but received as a call.
It is a call to live the Gospel more deeply, in simplicity, humility, and love
In saeculo, sed non de saeculo.”
(In the world, but not of the world)
✠ Discern Your Path
Discover the path of prayer and formation
✠ Continue Your Journey