Changes

Began in the early 13th century, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, who emphasized poverty, simplicity, and love for all of creation. Over time, the order split into several families, including the Observants, Conventuals, and Capuchins. Franciscans are active in missionary work, social justice advocacy, ecological initiatives, and parish ministry. Pope Francis himself chose his papal name to reflect this tradition.

Began in the early 13th century, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, who emphasized poverty, simplicity, and love for all of creation. Over time, the order split into several families, including the Observants, Conventuals, and Capuchins. Franciscans are active in missionary work, social justice advocacy, ecological initiatives, and parish ministry. Pope Francis himself chose his papal name to reflect this tradition.

====The Poor Clares====

====The Poor Clares====

The Poor Clare Nuns constitute the ‘’’second branch of the Franciscan Order’’’, founded in the 13th century by Saint Clare under the inspiration and guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi<ref>https://cloisteredlife.com/poor-clares</ref>. They are cloistered contemplative nuns.

The Poor Clare Nuns constitute the '''second branch of the Franciscan Order''', founded in the 13th century by Saint Clare under the inspiration and guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi<ref>https://cloisteredlife.com/poor-clares</ref>. They are cloistered contemplative nuns.

 

===The Carmelites===

===The Carmelites===

The order has ‘’’ partitions for both men and women’’’. Emerging in the 12th century from hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, later reformed by St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross in the 16th century. Carmelites serve in parishes, schools, and retreat centers, while cloistered branches remain devoted to contemplative life. Their spiritual classics remain highly influential.

The order has ‘’’ partitions for both men and women’’’. Emerging in the 12th century from hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land, later reformed by St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross in the 16th century. Carmelites serve in parishes, schools, and retreat centers, while cloistered branches remain devoted to contemplative life. Their spiritual classics remain highly influential.