Franciscan

Franciscan refers to things related to Saint Francis of Assisi or to the religious orders founded by him in the early 13th century. In Catholic usage, the term designates both the adherents of the Franciscan family of mendicant orders and the spiritual tradition they represent, which emphasizes poverty, simplicity, itinerant preaching, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Saint Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–1226) founded the first Franciscan community, the Order of Friars Minor, in 1209. His companion Clare of Assisi established the women’s order of the Poor Clares, and others joined the movement as it spread through Europe. The Franciscan movement gave rise to several connected orders with distinct constitutions and charisms.

The principal male branches are the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the Order of Friars Minor Conventual (OFM Conv), and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap). The female branch includes the Poor Clares. In addition, the Third Order serves lay people and secular Franciscans who follow a Franciscan way of life without full monastic vows.

Franciscans take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and typically live in community while engaging in preaching, education, missionary work, and care for the sick and poor. Their influence extends across many regions, shaping religious practice, education, and art, and their devotional emphasis on creation, humility, and peace remains a hallmark of Franciscan spirituality.

Notable Franciscans include Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Saint Bonaventure, and Saint Anthony of Padua.