Many of our visitors to this web site are drawn because of some fascination with Francis and Clare. Perhaps they simply want to know more about the thirteenth-century saints whose vision of the Gospel life turned their world on its head. Maybe those who stop by are trying to figure out why twenty-first century people would spend their time and energy on such nonsense. Perhaps they are simply intrigued by the romantic image of Francis after watching Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna (Brother Sun, Sister Moon). But for some reason, they come.

What about you? What brings you to franciscans.com today?

Membership in the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans is attained gradually through a formation process lasting not less than two and a half years after entering the postulancy. The stages of membership and the minimum period one ordinarily would expect to spend at each level of relationship to the Order are as follows:

1. Postulant - six months
2. Novice - two years
3. Professed member - lifetime commitment

Entering the postulancy is not automatic upon request, but takes time, work, and discernment on the part of both the inquirer and the Order.