Franciscans

• 1. Founding And Early History

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  In 1209, a sermon on Matthew 10:9 changed the life of Francis of Assisi. He wore a rough garment and walked barefoot without staff or scrip. This man began to preach repentance in the streets of Umbria. A prominent fellow townsman named Bernard of Quintavalle joined him immediately. Bernard contributed all that he had to the work. Within one year, Francis gathered eleven companions. They lived together in the deserted leper colony of Rivo Torto near Assisi. The group traveled through mountainous districts always cheerful and full of songs. Their life was extremely ascetic. Probably as early as 1209, Francis gave them a first rule emphasizing poverty. Pope Innocent III approved this order in 1209 after hearing their story. The original Rule did not allow ownership of property. Members begged for food while preaching. This austerity meant to emulate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

• 2. Internal Schisms And Reforms

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  The extreme poverty required of members became a major source of conflict within the order. In 1232, Brother Elias of Cortona originated a movement for increased worldly consideration. This conflicted with the original notions of Francis. Elias planned and built the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi where Francis is buried. Brother Leo broke open the marble box Elias set up for offertories. For this act, Elias had Leo scourged. The conflict between two parties lasted many years until the order split into halves. A reaction to centralized government came from provinces of England and Germany. At the general chapter of 1239 held in Rome under Gregory IX, Elias was deposed. Albert of Pisa replaced him as Minister General. This chapter introduced General Statutes governing the Order. Power devolved from the Minister General to Ministers Provincial. John of Parma served as Minister General from 1247 to 1257. He enjoyed favor of Innocent IV and Pope Alexander IV. Under his rule, theological institutes were sanctioned. The Franciscan Gerard of Borgo San Donnino issued a Joachimite tract that caused trouble. John of Parma stepped down and recommended Bonaventure as successor. Bonaventure unified the Order around a common ideology. He collected legislation into the Constitutions of Narbonne ratified at the chapter held in France in 1260.

• 3. Global Expansion And Missions

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  In 1219, Francis went to Egypt with the Fifth Crusade to announce the Gospel to Saracens. He met Sultan Malik al-Kamil initiating dialogue between Christianity and Islam. The Franciscan presence in the Holy Land started in 1217 when the province of Syria was established. Brother Elias served as minister there. By 1229, friars had a small house near the fifth station of Via Dolorosa. In 1335, King Robert of Anjou and Queen Sancha bought the Cenacle and gave it to Franciscans. In 1342, Pope Clement VI declared them official custodians of Holy Places. This Custody remains in force today. The work of Franciscans in New Spain began in 1523. Three Flemish friars reached central highlands: Juan de Ayora, Pedro de Tecto, and Pedro de Gante. Fray Pedro de Gante initiated evangelization and studied Nahuatl language through contacts with children from Tetzcoco. In May 1524, the Twelve Apostles of Mexico arrived led by Martín de Valencia. They built Convento Grande de San Francisco which became headquarters for three hundred years. Important figures included Toribio de Benavente Motolinia who wrote extensively on early years. Alonso de Molina, Andrés de Olmos, and Bernardino de Sahagún created texts in indigenous Nahuatl language.

• 4. Modern Branches And Demographics

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  The Order of Friars Minor has about 1,500 houses in roughly 100 provinces. It contains approximately 16,000 members. In 1897, Pope Leo XIII combined Observants, Discalced, Recollects, and Riformati into one order. Despite tensions caused by forced union, membership peaked at 26,000 in the 1960s before declining after the 1970s. Father Massimo Fusarelli heads the Order since July 2021. The Order of Friars Minor Conventual consists of 290 houses worldwide with almost 5,000 friars. They are largest in number in Poland due to work of Maximilian Kolbe. The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin is youngest branch founded in 1525 by Matteo Serafini. This new branch received early recognition and grew fast first in Italy then all over Europe after 1574. Capuchins became separate order in 1619. Name refers to particular shape of long hood or capuce. Order exists in 106 countries with around 10,500 brothers living in more than 1,700 communities. Poor Clares officially Order of Saint Clare had over 20,000 nuns in over 75 countries throughout world as of 2011. Secular Franciscan Order has 17,000 professed members in United States alone.

• 5. Theological Emphases And Spirituality

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  Franciscan theology views creation natural world as good and joyous. Francis expressed great affection towards animals and inanimate objects as fellow inhabitants of God's creation. He wrote Canticle of the Creatures also known as Canticle of the Sun. Special emphasis put on Incarnation of Christ viewed as special act of humility. They exhibit great devotion to Eucharist. Rule calls for simple living and detachment from material possessions emulating Jesus life. Simple lifestyle helps members experience solidarity with poor and work for social justice. Franciscans have proportionally reported higher ratios of stigmata among Catholic religious. Padre Pio a Capuchin was perhaps most famous stigmatic of modern times. His stigmata persisted for over fifty years examined by numerous physicians in 20th century. Wounds never got infected though bleeding wounds would reappear after healing once. Medical authorities believed connection existed with nervous or cataleptic hysteria. Visions of Jesus and Mary claimed proportionally higher ratios than other orders. Theology conforms to broader doctrine but involves unique emphases avoiding dwelling on stain of original sin.

• 6. Notable Figures And Cultural Impact

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  From first century can be cited three great scholastics Alexander of Hales, Bonaventure, and John Duns Scotus. Roger Bacon called Doctor of Wonders was well-known mystic author. David of Augsburg and Berthold of Regensburg were popular preachers. Nicholas of Lyra served as Biblical commentator during Middle Ages. William of Ockham was philosopher who protested against Pope John XXII. He escaped imprisonment in Avignon with Michael of Cesena. In field of Christian art movement exercised considerable influence especially in Italy. Cimabue and Giotto spiritual sons of Francis influenced painting styles. Italian Gothic style earliest important monument is great convent church at Assisi built 1228, 1253. Early spiritual poetry partially inspired by Francis himself followed by Thomas of Celano and Jacopone da Todi. Even Dante may be included within artistic tradition through Third Order membership. Modern notable member Casey Cole runs online blog Breaking in the Habit. Gabriele Allegra produced first complete translation Catholic Bible in Chinese in 1968 after 40-year effort. Studium Biblicum Franciscanum established academic society based Jerusalem and Hong Kong for scripture study.