A Warm Welcome to the Secular Franciscan Order in Norwich
In a heartwarming ceremony at St. George’s Church in Norwich, the local Secular Franciscan Order community recently welcomed Martin Von Fragstein as their newest candidate. This significant milestone marks the second step in Martin’s journey toward full membership in this dedicated group of Catholic laypeople who strive to live by the Gospel of Jesus Christ while following the inspiring examples set by St. Francis of Assisi. For the past twelve months, Martin has been immersed in studying the Franciscan way of life under the thoughtful guidance of Paula Pearce, who serves as the group’s Formation Minister. The January 11th ceremony represented not just a personal achievement for Martin but also highlighted the vibrant, continuing tradition of Franciscan spirituality among laypeople in Norwich.
The path to becoming a full member of the Secular Franciscan Order is one of careful discernment and structured learning. Anne Murrin from the Norwich Pax et Bonum Fraternity explained that the journey begins with a year-long period called Enquiry, during which prospective members explore and absorb the fundamentals of Franciscan spirituality. This initial phase is followed by a two-year Candidacy period—the stage Martin has now entered—where candidates develop a deeper understanding of the Order itself. During this time, candidates study the Franciscan Rule of life, learn about the specific nature of the Franciscan vocation, and explore the rich history and organizational structure of this worldwide community. They also examine their role within both the Church and the broader world, while contemplating core Franciscan values such as poverty, humility, fraternity, and reverence for creation—principles that have guided Franciscans for centuries and continue to resonate in our modern world.
Martin’s admission ceremony was imbued with meaningful symbolism and joyful celebration. It began appropriately with the hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” a prayer commonly attributed to St. Francis that captures the essence of Franciscan spirituality with its emphasis on becoming an instrument of God’s peace and love in the world. Various members of the fraternity participated in reading portions of the service, creating a sense of community involvement and support for Martin as he took this significant step. During the ceremony, Martin received two meaningful gifts: a copy of the Franciscan Handbook, which will guide him through his continued formation, and a Canterbury Cross, symbolizing his faith journey. The formal proceedings concluded with another meaningful hymn, “Laudato Si,” which takes its name from St. Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures and celebrates the beauty of God’s creation—a central theme in Franciscan spirituality.
The warmth and authenticity of the Franciscan community were evident in what followed the formal ceremony. True to the Franciscan tradition of joyful celebration and fellowship, the group gathered for what Anne described as “a wonderful celebratory tea.” The gathering featured a special chocolate marble cake that Martin himself had baked—still warm from the oven—adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the occasion. This simple yet profound gesture of sharing food prepared by one’s own hands beautifully reflects the Franciscan values of simplicity, generosity, and communal joy. Such moments of shared celebration are not merely social niceties but embodiments of the fraternity that stands at the heart of Franciscan life—a recognition that spiritual journeys are both deeply personal and necessarily communal.
The Secular Franciscan Order represents a unique expression of Catholic spirituality that allows laypeople to integrate Franciscan values into their everyday lives without withdrawing from the world. Unlike friars or nuns who live in religious communities, Secular Franciscans continue to live with their families, work in their professions, and participate in their local communities while striving to bring Franciscan values into these contexts. They commit to seeing Christ in others, working for peace and justice, living simply, and caring for creation—all while maintaining their regular responsibilities and relationships. The Order has a distinguished history dating back to St. Francis himself, who created a way for laypeople to participate in his spiritual vision while remaining in their secular lives. Today’s Secular Franciscan Order continues this tradition as an organized, international community recognized by the Catholic Church, offering spiritual formation and fraternal support to its members.
For the Norwich fraternity, Martin’s candidacy represents both the continuity of their community and the ongoing relevance of Franciscan spirituality in contemporary life. In a world often characterized by division, materialism, and environmental degradation, the Franciscan emphasis on universal brotherhood, simplicity, and reverence for creation offers a compelling alternative vision. As Martin continues his formation journey over the next two years, he will be exploring how these centuries-old values can be lived authentically in twenty-first century Norwich. The ceremony at St. George’s Church stands as a reminder that spiritual traditions remain vibrant not through rigid preservation but through thoughtful adaptation and personal commitment. Martin’s journey—from enquirer to candidate and eventually, God willing, to professed member—mirrors the broader journey of faith itself: a path marked by study, community support, formal milestones, and simple celebrations, all oriented toward transformation into the image of Christ that St. Francis so vividly embodied.
