New Fraternity for the Secular Franciscan Order

On 19 December 2006 at the churchof Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Belper, Derbyshire, the new Secular Franciscan Order Fraternity of St Elizabeth of Hungary was Canonically Erected by Fr Stephen Innes OFM.Cap.

Saint Francis of Assisi left us a ‘Dream to dream and a Journey to challenge everyone.' All Franciscans are inspired to follow Christ. The Secular Franciscan Order belongs to this family. In their secular state members permanently commit themselves to live the Gospel as Francis did, following the Rule approved by the Pope. The SFO is open to the laity and diocesan clergy. Secular Franciscans throughout Great Britain gather in fraternities, they strive to grow in the love of God and in peace with each other. In this way they aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ.

The eight members of the Belper fraternity Professed the Rule as members of the fraternity at Clay Cross and during the last three years have, as a group, worked towards the establishment of their new community. The Ceremony of Establishment took place during Mass which was concelebrated by Fr Stephen, the Chief Celebrant; Fr Michael Kirkham sfo, Priest in Charge at Belper and Duffield; Fr John Forrest Holden OFM, Guardian and Parish Priest, Nottingham Friary; Deacon Les Lemon of the Clay Cross Fraternity and Deacon Patrick Linthwaite of Rednal Fraternity in the West Midlands; all members, secular and religious, of the Franciscan family. The Document of Canonical Establishment was read out by Fr Stephen and then signed by him, together with witnesses, Mary Saunders sfo, Regional Minister and Léon Davison sfo, National Minister.

In spite of very foggy weather about seventy people attended including members of SFO fraternities from the East and West Midlands, North London, South and West Yorkshire; religious sisters of the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters Minoress from three of their houses in Alfreton, Belper, and Clay Cross, and a good turnout of parishioners. A varied and bounteous shared table was afterwards enjoyed in a celebratory and joyful atmosphere.

St Elizabeth of Hungary is the Patroness of the Secular Order and Third Order Regular.    Sisters of the TOR came to Belper over 70 years ago and this year is the 70^th Anniversary of the foundation by the Franciscan Sisters Minoress of St Elizabeth’s School in Belper, also dedicated to their Patroness whose 800^th anniversary is being celebrated this year.

There are four SFO Fraternities in the Nottingham Diocese. In addition to Belper there are fraternities in Clay Cross, Nottingham and Sleaford.