Academy of American Franciscan history

Organizational History

The Franciscan Order is the common term for the Order of Friars Minor; the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin; the Order of Friars Minor, Conventual; the Third Order Regular of St. Francis; and a number of other related communities of men or women. Originally founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1209, the Order is mendicant (dependent on charity for their livelihood), apostolic, and contemplative.

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