mendicantes

Mendicantes refers to members of certain Roman Catholic religious orders founded in the 13th century. These orders, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians, distinguished themselves from earlier monastic orders by their commitment to living by alms and their focus on itinerant preaching and ministering to the poor and common people. The term "mendicant" comes from the Latin word "mendicare," meaning to beg.

Unlike monks who lived in cloistered communities and often owned land, mendicants renounced personal and communal property. They relied on the charity of the faithful for their sustenance, which allowed them to be more mobile and engaged with the wider society. This freedom from settled property also enabled them to travel and spread their message effectively.

The mendicant movement emerged during a period of significant social and religious change in medieval Europe. They played a crucial role in revitalizing popular piety, combating heresy through preaching, and providing spiritual guidance and charitable works to urban populations. Their emphasis on poverty and humility resonated with many, and their influence spread rapidly throughout Europe. While the practice of begging has evolved, the mendicant orders continue to exist today, often focusing on social justice, education, and missionary work, still drawing inspiration from their founders' ideals of poverty and service.