Franciscan Values Essay

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Most Franciscans are members of Roman Catholic religious orders. They were founded by St. Francis of Assisi. The most striking group was the Order of Friars Minor, or commonly called simply "The Franciscans." Their role model was Saint Francis; they sought to follow his path and manner of life. This Order is a religious order of men marking their origin to Francis of Assisi. It consists of three major, but separate groups. There are the Observants or the Franciscan Friars, the Capuchins, and the Conventual Franciscans. The Observants, the Capuchins, and the Conventual Franciscans live according to regulations called "The Rule of St. Francis." The Rule of St. Francis is, "The Rule and Life of the Friars Minor is this, namely, to observe the Holy Gospel Of our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience, without property, and in chastity." The Observants favored a stricter rule and believed in gaining strength and cohesion or sticking together. The Capuchins believed in returning to the primitive way of life of peace and confession. The Conventual Franciscans spread the ideals of St. Francis throughout the urban social order of the Middle Ages. Before we speak of the Franciscan values and traditions, St. Francis of Assisi created these orders, values, and traditions. Who is he? Francis of Assisi is best known for the Christian saints after the Apostles. He was born in 1181 in Central Italy and was the son of Pietro di Bernadone whom was married to a French woman, Pica. Francis longed to become a knight. When Assisi and the city of Perugia went to war in 1202, he became a soldier, was captured and imprisoned for almost a year. He spent most of his time praying and at the church of San Damiano. He sold family clothing to pay for the rebuilding of the church and in 1206, he gave up family and all possessions to lead the life of Jesus and his disciples. He began

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