Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

Welcome to the website Saint Francis of the Rogue Valley (SFRV), a fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order founded in 1994 in Medford, Oregon. Located in the Rogue Valley, with fraternity members throughout Southern Oregon, we are one of 11 fraternities in the Troubadours of Peace Regional Fraternity which embraces Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. There are over 1200 Secular Franciscan fraternities in the United States.

The Secular Franciscan Order is an official Religious Community of the Roman Catholic Church, governed in the United States by a National Fraternity which, in turn, is a member of the International Franciscan family. Internationally the Order is called by the Latin name Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS). Our order was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago. It is comprised of lay men and women, as well as diocesan priests, who make a commitment to follow the Gospel according to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Our fraternity meets on the third Sunday of each month from 1:30 until 4:30 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Office Conference Room, 517 West 10th Street, Medford, Oregon. If you wish further information you may contact Michele Brodoski, OFS at michelebrodoski@gmail.com.

Mission Statement

Bound by the gospel of our Lord and our Rule of Life, we Secular Franciscans of the Saint Francis of the Rogue Valley Fraternity, unify our presence to promote the reign of God. Believing that Jesus is present to us in the poor, the broken, and the disenfranchised, we are compelled to reach out and serve them. Together in prayers and works, we believe that we are truly a Franciscan Family seeking to deepen our sense of community by focusing our time, talents and resources with the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the greater good for all. We believe that all creatures are our sisters and brothers and are gifts from God the Father.

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.

Where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor disturbance.

Where there is poverty with joy, there is neither greed nor avarice.

Where there is rest and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor restlessness.

Where there is fear of the Lord to guard an entrance, there the enemy cannot gain entry.

Where there is mercy and discernment, there is neither excess nor hardness of heart.

Saint Francis of Assisi, The Admonitions, XXVII