OFH Mission

OFH Mission 
The Order of Franciscan Hermits (OFH) is a federally recognized 510(c)(3) Nonprofit Religious Charitable Organization (designation letter) that was originally founded in 2015 and has grown to have Associates and Members in over 90 countries worldwide. We are a Contemplative and Active Franciscan Community Promoting World Peace and LOVE through the Teachings of Christ and the Spirituality of Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. We live a life of substantial silence, substantial solitude, contemplative prayer and penance - choosing to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). We have ministries in the Franciscan tradition of helping the poor and marginalized for the betterment of humanity. Domestic and International efforts support Ecumenical and Interfaith communications; peace and social justice; clean water and food security; clean energy and environmental sustainability; health and human services; education; spiritual development and associated support groups.​ We support & promote programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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."