Encompassing the dioceses of Chicago, Joliet, and Rockford in Illinois, the Mother Cabrini Regional Fraternity is one of 30 regional fraternities of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) in the USA. Formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, the SFO is an official Order within the Catholic Church for lay men and women and was established by St. Francis of Assisi in 1221.
Unlike monks, friars, nuns, or sisters, those in Secular Orders (also known as third, tertiary, or lay Orders) don't remove themselves from the world but remain in it; hence the term "secular". Married or single men and women who are faithful, practicing Catholics are able to join Third Orders, as are diocesan priests and deacons.
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