The Little Brothers of Francis are one of the family of Franciscan orders in the Anglican Communion. They are based in New South Wales, Australia.[1]
Whilst most Franciscans follow the First Order, Second Order, or Third Order Rule, the Little Brothers follow a lesser known Rule of Life (also composed by St Francis of Assisi) for hermitages (friars living the solitary life, alone, or in small groups).[2]
History[edit]
The 19th and 20th century saw the creation of a number of religious orders in the Anglican Church. One late addition to Anglican religious life was the Little Brothers of Francis, a contemplative order of Franciscan friars within the Anglican Church of Australia. The community was founded in Australia in 1987.[3] The founders, Geoffrey Adam, Wayne, and Howard, were former members of the Society of St Francis. Their vision was to develop a prayer-centred life in a rural setting.[citation needed]
Community life[edit]
Although not entirely self-sufficient, the Brothers have built their own buildings of stone and timber. They have a substantial vegetable garden and orchard and also breed sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits.[4] They publish a newsletter twice a year - the Bush Telegraph.[5]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Anglican Religious Life Yearbook website, Little Brothers of Francis
- ^ Anglican Communion website, Member Churches section, Little Brothers of Francis - Grafton
- ^ Robson, Michael J. P. (2012). The Cambridge Companion to Francis of Assisi. Cambridge University Press. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-521-76043-0.
- ^ Francisan Hermitage website, Work
- ^ Francisan Hermitage website
