Founded in 1209 by Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans are a family of mendicant religious Orders within the Roman Catholic Church that includes the Order of Friars Minor, the Order of Saint Claire, and the Third Order of Saint Francis, who adhere to the teachings and disciplines of their founder, as well as his main associates and followers, such as Clare of Assisi, Anthony of Padua, and Elizabeth of Hungary. Francis, who began preaching in 1207, traveled to Rome to seek the approval for his new religious Order from Pope Innocent III. The original Rule of Saint Francis, approved by the Pope, disallowed ownership of property, requiring members of his Order to beg for food while preaching. The reason for austerity was to imitate the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Franciscans traveled and preached in the streets, and boarded in church properties. Under the guidance of Francis, Saint Clare founded the Poor Clares in 1212, which remains a Second Order of the Franciscans, under the name of the Order of Saint Clare. A 1223 revision of the Rule relaxed the extreme poverty that was first required of members, although the degree of observance required of members remains a source of contention, leading to several secessions over the years. The Order of Friars Minor was first known as the Observant branch of the Franciscans, and one of three Franciscan First Orders within the Church, the others being the Capuchins and the Conventuals, which remain distinct religious institutes within the Church, observing the Rule of Saint Francis with different emphases. Several other Catholic insitutes and congregations adhere to the Rule of Saint Francis, as well. Franciscans are sometimes known as Minorites or Grey Friars, because of the color of their habit. In Poland and Lithuania, they are known as Bernardines, although the term refers to the Cistercians elsewhere. Generally, Franciscan theologians view the world as good and joyous, without dwelling on the stain of original sin.
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Felician SistersOrder of Friars Minor | Poor ClaresThird Order |
Recommended Resources
Brothers of Saint Francis of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Members of the Marian community are vowed single men who are committed to the Rule of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, as well as to its local bishops and pastors. The community’s prayer life, vocations, and the stages of formation are presented, along with contacts, a gallery of photographs, community news, and answers to a series of questions.
http://www.brothersofstfrancisofthesacredheartofjesus.org/
Franciscan Ministries is a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, offering winter and spring alternative break opportunities, as well as summer mission trip experiences, focusing on exposing participants to the Franciscan traditions of simplicity, service, community, and spirituality. A calendar of trips, events, and speaking engagements are put forth, along with photographs of its work, testimonials, and access to forms and other documents.
http://franforthepoor.org/
FI is a non-profit, international, non-governmental human rights organization established in 1989. Made up of professionals of diverse backgrounds, the organization works to translate grassroots voices in human rights advocacy action at the level of the United Nations. Its thematic priorities are discussed, along with its regional programs, reports, publications, and UN work. Contacts and a blog are included.
http://franciscansinternational.org/
Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia
The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia are a diocesan community of religious women who live according to the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi, serving in a variety of ministries and settings, such as parish and diocesan ministries, pastoral care, health care, service to the poor, the elderly and the homeless, assistance to immigrants, counseling, and prayer. Its ministries are described, and volunteer opportunities are put forth.
http://osfphila.org/
Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Cross
Situated in northeastern Wisconsin, the Catholic community of women was founded by Father Edward Daems in 1868, and is a diocesan community of religious women who live by the Rule of Saint Francis of Assisi, practicing simplicity, hospitality, and prayer centered on the Cross of Jesus Chris, the Holy Word, and the Holy Eucharist. Weekly reflections, prayer requests, and an overview of its services and ministries are featured.
http://www.gbfranciscans.org/
The Franciscan Friars, Province of Saint John the Baptist
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Province of St. John the Baptist covers the Franciscan Order’s missions and ministries in Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Jamaica. A directory of Franciscan parishes within the province is presented, and the Order’s justice and peace activities are discussed. Other resources include a photo gallery, a calendar of events, and information on becoming a friar.
http://franciscan.org/
