Mission

The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago and is a branch of the worldwide Franciscan family.  We are lay people, single and married, as well as priests and deacons.  Our purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work.  We look for practical ways to embrace the gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.

Our Lady of the Angels Regional Fraternity is a union of the Secular Franciscan fraternities, reflecting a rich diversity of ethnic heritage, located in Manhattan, Staten Island, Southern Westchester in New York State, and those in Central and Northern New Jersey.

We seek to build community among fraternity, along with the entire Franciscan family, in our home and work situations, in our service to the Roman Catholic Church, and in the public arena. We strive to promote a life of prayer and simplicity, peace and justice, and respect for all creation. Members pledge themselves "through their baptism and profession to proclaim the 'good news' by their life and words," going from "gospel to life and life to gospel."

With the help of Our Lady of the Angels, our titular patroness, we promote our member fraternities by providing direction and resources for their understanding of our Rule, our Constitutions, our National Statutes, and our Regional Guidelines.