Cordeliers

The Cordeliers were a mendicant order of friars founded in 1209 by Saint Francis of Assisi. Their name comes from the cord worn around their habit, a symbol of poverty and penance. Officially known as the Order of Friars Minor, they were one of the earliest and most prominent branches of the Franciscan movement. The Cordeliers were dedicated to a life of poverty, preaching, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Their emphasis on evangelical poverty and their itinerant lifestyle, often living among the common people, made them popular but also subject to criticism and suspicion from established Church authorities. The order grew rapidly throughout Europe and played a significant role in the religious and social life of the medieval period. They were known for their missionary zeal, establishing communities in various parts of the world.

Over time, the Franciscan order saw internal divisions and reforms, leading to the development of different branches, including the Observants and the Conventuals. The Cordeliers, as they were commonly called, represented the original vision of Francis, though the distinction between these groups could be complex and sometimes contentious. Their legacy is tied to the broader Franciscan tradition, influencing religious practice and charitable work for centuries.