Embracing the Tau Maria Formation Path

Our formation programme offers a structured, Gospel-rooted itinerary that helps both Cordbearers and candidates for vows grow in holiness through prayer, study, fraternal life, and active charity.

Inspired by the earliest Franciscan sources, our pathway intertwines regular prayer, voluntary simplicity, and mutual support, enabling ordinary believers to sanctify work, family, and leisure while reflecting Christ’s compassionate heart in today’s world.

Key Foundations for Franciscan Life

Four interwoven cornerstones—continual conversion, steadfast prayer, simple living, and generous outreach—shape every stage of our formation. Practising them day after day trains the heart to loosen its grip on comfort, welcome Providence gratefully, and radiate reconciling peace to family, parish, workplace, and nation.

Daily Prayer Pattern

Consecrating time through sacred prayer.

Embracing Cheerful Gospel Simplicity

True wealth in surrendered simplicity.

Humble Ministry of Love

Humble Ministry of Love Serving Christ in Silence

Cordbearer Pathway Guide

Entering the fraternity as a Cordbearer resembles stepping onto a marked woodland trail; every section builds strength for the ascent. Candidates adopt a daily rhythm of Mass attendance, set psalms, and practical mercy, testing whether the spirit draws them onward. When ready, they request Postulancy, engaging in guided catechesis, mentoring, and local outreach that temper zeal with wisdom. Novices then broaden horizons through Church documents and lives of the saints, integrating faith at home and work. Final vows ultimately consecrate the whole person to God in Franciscan simplicity.

Living Commitments Beyond Final Vows

Professed brothers and sisters embrace a life-long covenant: observing the entire Rule, joining the fraternity each month, deepening knowledge, and practising both spiritual and practical charity. Their steady witness fortifies parish life and encourages aspirants, demonstrating that sanctity flourishes when everyday actions are purposely united to Christ.

Shaped by God’s Word

Scripture illuminates every stage of our journey.

Anchoured in Living Tradition

Wisdom drawn from saints and councils guides.

Guarded by Joyful Obedience

We freely entrust ourselves to Church guidance.

Begin Your Pilgrim Formation Journey

Once you have taken part in our monthly gatherings, you may feel moved to ask for admission to Postulancy—an eight-to-twelve-month season of prayerful testing that can, when necessary, be prolonged to two years. Postulants learn the rhythm of fraternity before advancing to the year-long Novitiate. After this comes a three-year span of temporary vows where candidates live the commitments more fully while continuing to be mentored. When both community and candidate recognise lasting readiness, perpetual vows are professed. Should pastoral circumstances justify it, the bishop or a priest delegated under canon 1196 may dispense these promises, which are always simple, private acts safeguarded by canons 1191-1198.

Cordbearer Journey Guide

Those considering the cord tie embark on a purposeful route that strengthens spirit, mind, and body. The opening phase calls for regular attendance at daily Mass, Morning and Evening Offices, and simple works of mercy that translate Scripture into routine moments. Once attraction matures, the applicant requests Postulancy, entering a season of personal mentoring, catechetical reading, and hands-on parish outreach that clarifies calling and talents. The subsequent Novitiate widens horizons through stories of Franciscan saints and Church teaching, helping candidates unite prayer, family commitments, and labour as one fragrant sacrifice.

Accept Christ’s invitation today and let the Franciscan Rule reshape every corner of life.

Begin your journey now.