WE ARE AN EASTERN AND ROMAN CATHOLIC FRANCISCAN RELIGIOUS ORDER, AN INTERNATIONAL ORDINARIATE. WE BOLDLY PROCLAIM OUR EASTERN AND ROMAN CATHOLIC IDENTITY. AS AN EASTERN RELIGIOUS ORDER, WE PROFESS TO BE A BRANCH OF THE EASTERN CHURCH AND, THEREFORE, A VALID BRANCH OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH.

SANCTIFICATIONS OF FAMILES UNION OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

God has chosen for the Sanctification of His people through the Word, Sacraments, and Prayer. As an International Confraternity of prayer and ministry, we strive to strengthen the bonds between families,  parents, and children. Every child deserves to grow up in a secure, unwavering, and nurturing environment. Families are the best means to provide the positive interaction and healthy surroundings that children need to blossom.

 

“…many elements of Sanctification and of Truth” are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church:  “The written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.” (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 819) 

We necessitate to utilize the concept of God’s mercy to all human relationship, including families, parents, and children. The Sanctified Family can be a model of merciful forgiveness to the world and humankind outside the family. The all-inclusive families can eyewitness to this unexpected mercy, as parents forgive each other and set this example for their children. “Mercy renews and redeems because it is the meeting of two hearts: the heart of God who comes to meet the human heart.” (Cf. Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et misera, 20 November 2016, n. 16)

 

Forgiving, merciful children can transmit this sanctifying grace to their peers, spreading this holiness into the lives of others, opening up the probability of unconditional love, acceptance, and understanding throughout humanity. This is the precious gift that the Sanctification of Families can give to the world.

 

The Sanctification of Families Union of Saint Francis of Assisi members follow Christ, stirred by the Holy Spirit, give ourselves totally to God above all things, living the Gospel in the world, according to the form observed and proposed by Saint Francis of Assisi. Grow in Christ-likeness together, to love one another deeply, to honor God through prayer, faith, service, ministry, and impacting our community and the world around us.

“Holy Jesus, we commend to your merciful care our dear families, to strengthen the bonds between parents and children, so that they can resist the temptations of the world and hold fast to their faith in the saving grace of your Cross, from which you announced to your Blessed Mother and to your Beloved Disciple, John, “Behold your Mother… Behold your Son.” We pray in your Name, who with the Father, and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.”

(The Most Rev. Thomas O. Gore, O.C.R., S.F.U., MD)​​​​