From the preface to the Cangelosi paper...

"There is a widespread opinion among many Franciscan seculars and religious that the Profession of Secular Franciscans is a 'second class' commitment, some kind of a 'light' Profession.

"Indeed, most people have foggy ideas on the value of Profession in the Secular Franciscan Order and  because of this many  Secular Franciscans do not live the “grace” of Profession for what it really is. A true nuptial alliance with Jesus Christ aimed at a further consecration to God and at accomplishing a closer bond to the Church to reach the perfection of love and the realization of Saint Francis mission.

"The true and authentic answer is, instead, to be searched in history and in the very nature of our Order as the Sovereign Pontiffs have constantly affirmed:

'…, (Francis) founded a true Order, that of the Tertiaries, not restricted by religious vows, as the two preceding (Orders), but similarly conformed to simplicity of customs and to a spirit of penitence. So, he was the first to conceive and happily carry out, with the help of God, what no founder of regulars (religious Orders) had previously contrived, to have the religious life practiced by all.' (Benedict XV, Encyclical “Sacra Propediem” January 6, 1921)

'…you are also an ‘Order,’ as the Pope said (Pius XII): A Lay Order, but a Real Order;” and after all, Benedict XV had already spoken of “Ordo veri nominis”. This ancient term – we can say medieval – “Order” means nothing more than your intimate belonging to the large Franciscan family. The word “Order” means the participation in the discipline and actual austerity of that spirituality, while remaining in the autonomy typical of your lay and secular condition, which, moreover, often entails sacrifices which are not lesser than those experienced in the religious and priestly life.' (John Paul II, June 14, 1988, General Chapter, SFO)

"This lesson on Profession will open the eyes to many candidates in formation as well as to many formators and professed members of the SFO in general and will undoubtedly give a new outlook to many Secular Franciscans on what they are, or ought to be, as Professed members of the SFO and on how to live their Franciscan vocation and mission."