Welcome
The Franciscan Order of the Stigmata, is a congregation made up of both men and women who have chosen to come together as a body of Christ to live a religious life, being an ecumenical third order it's is therefore open to clergy and laity of both genders, either married or single irrespective age, race, colour, disability or sexual orientation from every jurisdiction. We invite people from all walks of life to join us in fellowship. We are a progressive inclusive order "ancient in faith modern in vision" who follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ after the example set by the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Claire of Assisi. The Congregation has a Monastery come Retreat Centre near the village of Kimbolton Manwatu on New Zealand's beautiful North Island sitting on five acres of idyllic New Zealand countryside. We also have hermitages in Scotland, England, North America, Australia and Ghana with Companions living and working under our rule.
Brothers and sisters living the life of an Urban or Countryside Franciscan Hermit usually visit the Monastery in New Zealand once every few years finances permitting for fellowship and to meet their respective Spiritual Directors.
Our mission is simple "We preach the Gospels in our actions when necessary we use words" Our Companions are engaged in various types of ministry from the purely contemplative to Industrial Chaplaincy and homeless outreach and support. We proudly take our place alongside the many other stand-alone autonomous Franciscan Orders in the world which form part of other denominations such as the Anglican Communion, Orthodox, Lutheran, Liberal Catholic, Old Catholic, and Protestant Churches. Culturally Liberal and also Old Catholic. We maintain a valid Eucharist believing in the full Seven Sacraments through our valid lines of apostolic successions. If you feel drawn to our Charism, and simply want a safe space to live out Franciscan values then why not come and join us. A warm welcome awaits.
Members of the order are usually self-supporting and receive no payments whatsoever from the Order. However gifts of food and other donations are always welcomed. They each have opted instead for the true expression of the Franciscan ideal of spirituality and embrace lady poverty.
The Franciscan Union
The Franciscan Order of the Stigmata is a proud Founding Member of the Franciscan Union an ecumenical religious organisation promoting fraternal love and friendship between the many fellow Franciscan Congregations throughout the world today. A list of other members can be found on their web site.
