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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 Sisters

Order of Friars Minor

Poor Clares

Third Order

 

 

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