Pope encourages secular Franciscans for 'outbound' service (Vatican Press Office)

During a November 15 meeting with members of the Secular Franciscan Oder, who are meeting in Rome for their general Chapter, Pope Francis told them that they are “part of the outbound Church,” bringing the faith into the secular world.

In his brief address the Pope spoke about the process of conversion, saying that “God takes the initiative,” and “leads the penitent to places where he would never have wanted to go.” But when the faithful accept God’s lead, he said, “the result is happiness.”