The purpose of this manual is to provide a resource to the formation director of the local fraternity within the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Region. This document describes the formation process and provides information about what documentation is to be collected at each phase of the formation process. It provides sample documents that can be modified for the local fraternity’s needs. However, it must be noted that the process, procedures, documentation and approval points outlined in the manual should be considered the absolute minimum for developing a first time visitor into a professed Secular Franciscan.
Our Rule (Rule 4) states: “The rule and life of the Secular Franciscans is this – to observe the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi , who made Christ the inspiration and the center of his life with God and people.” Therefore our formation programs should strive to educate, inspire, and challenge individuals on their spiritual journey.