How to become a Franciscan friar

Becoming a Franciscan is a profound and life-changing decision that requires dedication, commitment, and a strong sense of calling towards a life of service and devotion. Franciscan friars follow in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, who founded the Franciscan order in the early 13th century with an emphasis on poverty, humility, and reaching out to those in need. If you feel called to a life of simplicity, prayer, and service, here is a step-by-step guide on how to a Franciscan friar.

1. Discern your vocation: Before embarking on the journey, it is important to discern your vocation and ensure that becoming a Franciscan friar is truly what you feel called to do. Spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking guidance from God on whether this vocation is the path for you. Additionally, you may want to talk to Franciscan friars, attend retreats, and participate in vocational discernment programs to gain a deeper understanding of the life and commitments of a friar.

2. Research Franciscan communities: There are various Franciscan communities within the Catholic Church, each with its own charism and way of life. Research different Franciscan communities and find the one that resonates with you the most. Whether it is the First Order (Friars Minor), the Second Order (Poor Clares/Nuns), or the Third Order (Secular Franciscans), familiarize yourself with their values, missions, and requirements.

3. Contact a Franciscan community: Once you have identified the Franciscan community that you are interested in, reach out and contact them. Express your desire to become a friar and request more information about their formation process. This initial contact will provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, seek guidance, and gain insight into the community’s way of life.

4. Enter the candidacy stage: If the Franciscan community believes that you may have a vocation to their way of life, they will invite you to enter the candidacy stage. During this period, you will undergo a series of interviews, psychological evaluations, and background checks to ensure that you are suitable for the religious life. Additionally, you will engage in spiritual direction, attend regular community events, and participate in community service to further discern your vocation.

5. Begin the postulancy: Once you have completed the candidacy stage successfully and have been accepted into the community, you will enter the postulancy period. This phase typically lasts for one year and focuses on further spiritual formation, integration into the community, and discernment. During this time, you may reside at a Franciscan house, participate in daily prayer and communal activities, and take classes on Franciscan spirituality and theology.

6. Embrace the novitiate: After the postulancy, if you and the community discern that you have a true vocation to be a Franciscan friar, you will begin the novitiate. This two-year period is a time of intense formation and preparation for taking temporary vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The novitiate offers a deeper immersion into the Franciscan spirituality and the opportunity to study theology, engage in manual labor, and participate in community life.

7. Take temporary vows and continue formation: At the end of the novitiate, if you and the community feel strongly called, you will profess your temporary vows. These vows, typically taken for a period of three to five years, signify your commitment to the Franciscan way of life and can be renewed until you are ready to make your final, lifelong commitment as a friar. During this time, you will continue with theological studies and engage in pastoral work and community life.

8. Profess final vows: Once you have completed your formation and discernment, you will have the option to profess your final, lifelong vows as a Franciscan friar. This commitment is a solemn declaration of lifelong dedication to the Franciscan way of life and service to God’s people. After professing your final vows, you will embark on your ministry as a full-fledged Franciscan friar, serving the Church and the world in accordance with the charism of your particular community.

Becoming a Franciscan friar is a transformative journey that invites you to live simply, prayerfully, and in service to others. It requires courage, self-sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals put forth by St. Francis of Assisi. By following these steps, you can embark on a path that celebrates poverty, humility, and love for God and humanity.