The Franciscan Family

he Franciscan Family consists of three Orders:

First Order

The First Order consists of three Branches, each with the title "Friars Minor." According to eventual reforms in the observation of the Rule, especially regarding the application of Poverty, the Branches are listed (in alphabetical order): Order of Friars Minor Capuchins, Order of Friars Minor Conventuals, and the Order of Friars Minor of the Reform Family (who only use the title Friars Minor). All Branches observe the one Rule, and participate in the same charisma. Each Branch has its own independent structure. All, however, live an evangelical synthesis of active and contemplative life. The hinges of their spirituality are to live the Gospel in prayer, in poverty and in fraternity.

Second Order

The Second Order consists of Cloistered Nuns, called "Poor Clares" because of St. Clare of Assisi. Their Spirituality is the same as the First Order, but expressed in a proper characterization: the contemplative dimension of seclusion. The principal characteristics of the Order today are still the contemplation, the penitence, the love in the silence, and humbly giving themselves fraternally within community and the human family.

Third Order

The Third Order consists of two groups: The Secular Franciscan Order, and the Third Order Regular, either male or female. The Secular Franciscans, staying in the world and in the proper place of employment, continues to embody the message of Francis of charity, pardon and brotherhood.

· 1209 Frati minori = Minor Friars
· Frati della comunità = Community's Friars
· Zelanti spirituali = Spiritual zealous Friars
· 1355 riforma di Brogliano = 1355 Brogliano's Reformation
· 1368 Zoccolanti = 1368 Zoccolanti
· Amadeiti, Clareniani, Colettani, Villacreziani
· Osservanti con Vicari - Italia 1407 - Francia 1415 = Practising Friars with Vicari - Italy 1407
· 1487 - 1502 Scalzi = Barefoot Friars
· 1517 Osservanti con Min. Gen. = 1517 Practising Friars with general Minister
· 1517 Frati minori conventuali = 1517 Monastery's minor friars
· 1528 Cappuccini = 1528 Capuchin Friars
· 1532 Riformati = 1532 Reformed Friars
· 1562 Alcantarini = 1562 Alcantarians
· Alcantarini = Alcantarians
· Riformati = Reformed Friars
· Recoletti = Recoletti
· Osservanti = Practising Friars
· 1637 Recoletti
· Frati Minori (Unione Leoniana 1897) = Minor Friars (Leonian Union 1897)
· OFM Conventuali = Monastery's Friars
· OFM (semplicemente detti) = simply called Friars
· OFM Cappuccini = Capuchin Friars


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