Who are Franciscans?
Giovanni de Pietro di Bernardone was born in the year 1181 in Assisi, Italy. His father renamed him Francesco
(Francis) and he was canonized St. Francis of Assisi in 1228 AD two years after his death by the Roman Catholic
Church.
Francis was brought up in a well-to-do merchant family. Francis had a very easy life in his early adolescence and
adulthood. He wanted to be a warrior and knight, thinking it to be the noble thing to do. He went off to war against
the nearby town of Perugia but became a prisoner of war at 21 years of age. Soon after his release, before the
crucifix in the chapel of San Damiano, Francis began a lifetime of spiritual transformation.
He began with nursing lepers and repairing and rebuilding broken-down churches. He gave-up all of his worldly
riches and inheritance to live a life "in obedience, in chastity and poverty; and to follow the teachings and footsteps
of Christ."
Soon others were drawn to Francis' example and spirituality. His first followers were men who became known as
brothers, or friars, and were later recognized as a religious order known as the First Order of St. Francis, or Order
of Friars Minor (Little Brothers). One of his first female followers was also a wealthy and beautiful woman named
Clare. She also renounced her wealth and comfort for a life of hardship and prayer. She and her followers became
known as the Order of Poor Clares or the Second Order of St. Francis.
Francis recognized that there were many people who wished to follow in his way of life but could not give up spouses,
children, or jobs. He responded by forming the Order of Penitents or Third Order of St. Francis. They take a Rule
of Life that includes prayer, meditation, service and following a life of simplicity, chastity according to their vocation
in life (married or single) and obedience to the Gospel of Christ.
The Old Catholic Order of Franciscans (OCF) follow in the traditions of the original three Franciscan Orders.
Though most still live in the world, we strive to live simple lives of prayer and sacrifice for humankind and the
Universal Church by making a lifelong dedication and commitment to discipline and vows.
Giovanni de Pietro di Bernardone was born in the year 1181 in Assisi, Italy. His father renamed him Francesco
(Francis) and he was canonized St. Francis of Assisi in 1228 AD two years after his death by the Roman Catholic
Church.
Francis was brought up in a well-to-do merchant family. Francis had a very easy life in his early adolescence and
adulthood. He wanted to be a warrior and knight, thinking it to be the noble thing to do. He went off to war against
the nearby town of Perugia but became a prisoner of war at 21 years of age. Soon after his release, before the
crucifix in the chapel of San Damiano, Francis began a lifetime of spiritual transformation.
He began with nursing lepers and repairing and rebuilding broken-down churches. He gave-up all of his worldly
riches and inheritance to live a life "in obedience, in chastity and poverty; and to follow the teachings and footsteps
of Christ."
Soon others were drawn to Francis' example and spirituality. His first followers were men who became known as
brothers, or friars, and were later recognized as a religious order known as the First Order of St. Francis, or Order
of Friars Minor (Little Brothers). One of his first female followers was also a wealthy and beautiful woman named
Clare. She also renounced her wealth and comfort for a life of hardship and prayer. She and her followers became
known as the Order of Poor Clares or the Second Order of St. Francis.
Francis recognized that there were many people who wished to follow in his way of life but could not give up spouses,
children, or jobs. He responded by forming the Order of Penitents or Third Order of St. Francis. They take a Rule
of Life that includes prayer, meditation, service and following a life of simplicity, chastity according to their vocation
in life (married or single) and obedience to the Gospel of Christ.
The Old Catholic Order of Franciscans (OCF) follow in the traditions of the original three Franciscan Orders.
Though most still live in the world, we strive to live simple lives of prayer and sacrifice for humankind and the
Universal Church by making a lifelong dedication and commitment to discipline and vows.
| More Detailed Biography of the Life of St. Francis Biography of St. Clare of Assisi Prayers of St. Francis Tour of Assisi, Italy |
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Most Rev. Richard Kalbfleisch, OCF; Diocesan Bishop
Rev. Robert O'Connell, OCF; Archdeacon
Rev. Robert O'Connell, OCF; Archdeacon