The Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, also known as the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Penance, is a mendicant Order with roots in the Third Order of Saint Francis. The Third Order Regular developed from the Third Order Secular movement, which began in the early 13th century. Many people responded to the preaching of Saint Francis between 1209 and 1220, including some whose circumstances did not permit them to join a religious Order such as the Friars Minor or the Poor Clares, and were brought into the fold through the Third Order of Saint Francis, and known as tertiaries. In 1289, Pope Nicholas IV recognized the Third Order of Saint Francis, and approved the Order of Penance. Those who remained in their homes, whether married or single, became the Secular Third Order. Before long, however, some secular tertiaries chose to withdraw from the world and to live in religious communities, but without the three vows of the First and Second Orders, and they became the Religious of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. Members of other religious communities sometimes joined the Third Order Regular. By 1295, Pope Boniface VII approved the style of community life of the tertiaries, and by the 15th century, they had spread to several parts of Europe. In 1521, Pope Leo X gave a new form to the Rule by which they lived, retaining much of the Rule that had been published by Pope Nicholas IV, but adding the three solemn vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Over the years, some Third Order Regular monasteries disappeared because of government suppression or war, while others were created or enlarged. Many have joined with the Italian congregation to create a single entity known as the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. Third Order Regulars are prominent in Ireland, the United States, and the Philippines, but have a presence in many other countries as well, such as Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, Germany, India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and others.
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Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn
The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, New York are officially known as the Congregation of Religious Brothers of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. Founded in 1858 by two brothers of the Third Order Regular from Ireland, they minister in schools, parishes, and other ministries of the Catholic Church in the Dioceses of Brooklyn, Rockville Centre of Paterson, New Jersey, and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. A photo gallery and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.franciscanbrothersosf.org/
The purpose of the Franciscan Federation is to promote the exploration and study of Franciscan Evangelical life and its implications for the Franciscans and the world, offering national and regional opportunities to collaborate and gather, so that Franciscan brothers and sisters can better live the Third Order Regular call to conversion, contemplation, poverty and humility. The governance of the Franciscan TOR, its issues, and resources are featured.
http://www.franfed.org/
Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., Loretto, Pennsylvania
The Franciscan Friars, Third Order Regular, derived from one of three orders founded by Saint Francis of Assisi, and was officially recognized by Papal Decree in 1447. In 1848, the Bishop of Pittsburgh invited Franciscan brothers from Ireland to teach in the diocese and, by 1908 the community had become the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Its mission, heritage, and history are presented.
https://www.franciscanfriarsloretto.org/
The International Franciscan Conference of the Sisters and Brothers of the Third Order Regular was established to promote communion and communication between institutes of the Third Order Regular throughout the world, to maintain a spirit of mutual assistance and collaboration, to cooperate with the First and Second Orders, as well as the Secular Franciscan Order, and encourage research in Franciscan spirituality and history.
http://www.ifc-tor.org/
School Sisters of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis
A religious congregation of pontifical right, the congregation serves the Church in the United States, India, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Chile, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Available in English, Italian, Spanish, Czech, and Slovakian, the site offers a history of the Order and congregation, its mission, charism, and services, as well as its locations, and contacts. News and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.sstorsf.org/
Sisters of Saint Francis, Oldenburg
Located in Oldenburg, Indiana, the Sisters are part of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis, founded by Mother Theresa Hackelmeier and Father Francis Joseph Rudolf. A historical timeline of the monastery is put forth, and an overview of its ministries is included, with photos and a description of Michaela Farm, its grass-fed beef farm, and its community-supported agriculture program.
http://www.oldenburgfranciscans.org/
Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis, East Peoria
Founded in Peoria, Illinois by Mother M. Francis Krasse and Bishop John Lancaster Spalding in 1877, the Motherhouse is an Apostolic Franciscan religious institute of pontifical right, with a charism for caring for the sick and poor. Its history and founders are highlighted, and information is presented for those who are interested in joining the Order, including its formation process, vows, and the variety of religious communities within the Catholic Church.
http://franciscansisterspeoria.org/
