​OFH Formation 

 As Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, we are all encouraged to participate in Initial and Ongoing Formation in the Spiritual Life.  This should be centered on a balanced understanding of Sacred Scripture, Church Teachings, Spiritual Writings of the Church Fathers and Mothers, and Franciscan Studies. All Members are expected to spend some time each day in religious study. One of the greatest disservices to yourself would be to neglect your personal formation program.

It is our hope that you will use our OFH Facebook Group to reach out if you have questions, or feel if you need help in your Franciscan Spiritual growth.  There are MANY books, documents and articles on our website that will help you learn more about Franciscan Spirituality, Franciscan Studies, Monastic Studies, various religious Rules etc.  If you visit our News section, there are MANY Topics of interest down the right hand side of the page.​ NOTE: If you are using an AdBlocker, certain pages on this website will not show links to Amazon Books that are recommended.  If you see a page with no books listed, where you think there should be, please turn off your AdBlocker for that page.
OFH Mission

a. The Mission or Calling of the OFH Members and Associates is the same as St. Francis given by the Crucifix of San Damiano, to “Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace. The OFH accomplishes this through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel, striving to Build and Unite the Body of Christ which suffers from many divisions, fostering a more perfect life, and exercising other works of the apostolate (Canon 298).  As Hermits, we cherish substantial silence, substantial solitude, prayer and penance.

b. We choose to focus on what UNITES us as Franciscans and Christians, rather than what Divides us, as St. Paul "begs" of us in Ephesians 4:1-6:​

"therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all Humility and Gentleness, with Patience, bearing with one another in LOVE, making every effort to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. There is One Body and One Spirit, just as you were called to the One Hope of your calling,  One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of All, who is above All and through All and in All."
OFH - Contemplative Franciscans
As our Mission describes above, All Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits are to "“Rebuild the Church” and Promote World Peace through contemplative prayer, compassionate dialogue, fraternal interaction, nonviolent action, and performing the good works asked of us in the Gospel, striving to Build and Unite the Body of Christ which suffers from many divisions, fostering a more perfect life, and exercising other works of the apostolate (Canon 298).  As Hermits, we cherish substantial silence, substantial solitude, prayer and penance." This is difficult in our modern world, without a commitment to the contemplative dimension of our vocation. 
  • The letter, "St. Francis of Assisi - a man transformed in prayer" by the Capuchin Franciscan General Minister, Br. Mauro Johri, is an an important document for all Associates and Members of the Order of Franciscan Hermits to read, embrace and enact. Although we do not typically live in Community, we should be first committed to our prayer life so that we may continue to carry out the good works of the Gospel in our lives. It is recommended that you read this document regularly as a reminder of the importance of prayer to our vocation as contemplative Franciscans. (CLICK HERE to open Document.)
  • ​Contemplative Prayer - As an Associate or Member of the Order of Franciscan Hermits, it is of the utmost importance to grow in our Prayer Life.  We are to particularly study Contemplative Prayer and the various Christian approaches to achieve that.  Many great Saints write about Prayer... St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Francis, St. Bonaventure... This section will grow over time.
  • Centering Prayer - A daily practical approach to Contemplative Prayer.
St. Francis Overviews & Biographies - Videos, Books, Documents, etc.
VIDEOS
BOOKS
DOCUMENTS/ARTICLES
MISC.
- "The Book of Formation of the Order of Franciscan Hermits" was written by Br. Bjorn, OES, OFH and we encourage all of our OFH Members and Associates to read it and work with a Spiritual Director to help you on your Spiritual Journey as a Franciscan Hermit
Third Order Regular Rule
Franciscan Spirituality Course Bibliography taught by ​Br. John-Allen Green, ofm 
- Book List about Contemplation and Christian Mysticism - By Sister Catherine Levison, OFH - This is a comprehensive list of classical books that are recommended to help you grow in your Spiritual Development.

- Spiritual Classics
- Discerning Hearts Podcasts
- Capuchin Publications
  • Capuchin Creative Commons - a collection of high-resolution material, made available for free by our
    brothers and sisters for use in the creation of websites and publications.
  • Capuchin Digital Archive - all the documents of the Order are available in a professional digitized version.
​​​- "Monk Dynasty" Series by John Michael Talbot - Thorough review of Christian Monasticism
- "The Jesus Prayer" Series by John Michael Talbot
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FREE BOOKS...
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​- Want to be a Saint??? See how our Franciscan Sisters and Brothers Became Saints by downloading the following Free Books On Google Play (Various Languages) and/or read about them on Wikipedia...

(NOTE: Some books may appear in the search that do not relate to the Saints listed as this is an automated search on Google Play.)