About OFP

The Order of Franciscan Penitents (OFP) was established as a religious order in the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church on November 17, 2007. The Order was instituted by The Most Rev. Michael B. Davidson of the Central Province of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (CEC), and is based in Columbia, Missouri. While currently an American institution of the church, the Order hopes one day to have a presence world wide. The OFP is a religious order where all members are of equal status (no tiered memberships such as first, second, or third order). There is currently not a residential community for the OFP, although most members live in Columbia, MO. According to the constitution, members may or may not live in community and enjoy full membership in either case. The Order includes men and women, married and single, lay and ordained. At this time, the Order consists of eight persons. Three priests and four lay persons made their profession on 2007 when the Order was created, and one more person made profession a year later in 2008.

OFP Franciscans are committed to living their religious vows in their daily lives, being in the world but not of the world. To that end, the habit of the OFP is the silver ring that each member receives at his or her profession. Thus the religious habit is worn by many members every hour of every day. The ring is substantial in size representing the magnitude of the commitment made by the one who wears it. The ring is bordered on each side by the cord, or cincture. The cord contains three knots, symbols of the vows of simplicity, fidelity, and obedience. The center of the ring contains a representation of the Tau cross, a traditional symbol of St. Francis. Positioned atop the Tau cross is a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit. This proclaims and confirms our place in the Charismatic Episcopal Church, and our commitment to being a religious Order in the communion and under the authority of the ICCEC.