A Journey of Faith: Martin Von Fragstein’s Path in the Secular Franciscan Order
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord on Sunday, January 11th, marked a significant milestone for the Norwich fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order as they celebrated Martin Von Fragstein’s formal admission into Candidacy. This meaningful ceremony represented more than just a ritual—it embodied the continuation of a spiritual journey that connects an individual seeker to an eight-century-old tradition founded on the principles of St. Francis of Assisi. The transition into Candidacy signifies the second major phase on Martin’s path toward full profession within the Franciscan family, a journey that combines personal spiritual growth with integration into a community dedicated to living the Gospel values in everyday life.
Martin’s journey began a year earlier with his entry into the Enquiry phase, a period of initial discernment and learning under the guidance of Paula Pearce, the fraternity’s Formation Minister. During this foundational year, Martin immersed himself in Franciscan spirituality, exploring its distinctive charism that blends contemplation with active service. Paula’s experienced mentorship provided Martin with both the knowledge and spiritual support needed to navigate this introductory stage. The Enquiry period serves as a mutual discernment process, allowing both the individual and the community to explore whether the Franciscan path aligns with the seeker’s spiritual calling. For Martin, this year of discovery confirmed his desire to deepen his commitment to the Franciscan way of life.
With his admission to Candidacy, Martin now enters a more intensive two-year formation period that will deepen his understanding of what it means to be a Secular Franciscan in today’s world. During this time, candidates like Martin study the Order’s Rule of Life—a framework that guides Secular Franciscans in living out their vocation while maintaining their ordinary lives in society. Formation during Candidacy explores the rich history and global structure of the Franciscan movement, which encompasses numerous branches united by the vision of St. Francis. Candidates also examine how the Order functions within the broader Catholic Church and its role in addressing contemporary challenges. At the heart of this formation lies reflection on core Franciscan values—poverty of spirit, humility, fraternal connection, and reverence for all creation—principles that have guided followers of Francis for centuries and continue to offer a relevant spiritual path in our modern age.
The admission ceremony itself embodied the warm, inclusive spirit characteristic of Franciscan gatherings. Opening with the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”—a musical rendition of the beloved Prayer of St. Francis—the service created an atmosphere of prayerful community support. Members of the fraternity actively participated by reading various prayers and reflections that form part of the official rite, demonstrating the collaborative nature of Franciscan life. In a meaningful symbolic gesture, Martin received two significant items: the Franciscan Handbook, containing the wisdom and guidance that will inform his continuing formation, and a Canterbury Cross, representing both his Christian faith and his connection to the English spiritual tradition. These tangible symbols serve as daily reminders of the path Martin has chosen to explore and the community that walks alongside him.
The ceremony concluded with “Laudato Si'”—a hymn inspired by St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, which praises God through appreciation of the natural world. This musical selection perfectly encapsulated the Franciscan reverence for creation that Martin will continue to explore during his Candidacy. Following the formal proceedings, the fraternity gathered around Martin with warm congratulations, celebrating this significant step in his spiritual journey. The atmosphere of joyful support demonstrated the fraternal bonds that form a central pillar of Franciscan spirituality—the recognition that the spiritual path is not walked alone but in community with others seeking to live the Gospel values in their everyday lives.
In a delightful expression of Franciscan simplicity and joy, the celebration continued with a shared tea reception featuring a variety of refreshments. Martin’s contribution—a homemade chocolate marble cake, still warm from the oven—added a personal and heartfelt touch to the gathering. This simple act of sharing food prepared with care perfectly exemplified the Franciscan spirit of hospitality and communion. As members of the fraternity enjoyed conversation and refreshments together, the moment reflected the holistic nature of the Franciscan vocation, which sees spiritual growth not as separate from ordinary human experiences but as integrated with them. For Martin, this celebration marked not an endpoint but a meaningful milestone in an ongoing journey of discovery—a path that will continue to unfold as he embraces the Franciscan call to live the Gospel with simplicity, joy, and reverence for all of God’s creation.
