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Founded in the 6th century by St. Benedict of Nursia Benedictine abbeys remain centers of prayer, retreat, and education worldwide.

Founded in the 6th century by St. Benedict of Nursia Benedictine abbeys remain centers of prayer, retreat, and education worldwide.

===The Franciscans===

===The Franciscans===

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<ref>https://ofm.org/</ref>, Conventuals<ref>https://www.franciscans.org/</ref>, and Capuchins<ref>https://www.ofmcap.org/en/</ref>; All of them are also known as the '''first branch of the Franciscan Order'''; they consists of brothers and priests. Franciscans are active in missionary work, social justice advocacy, ecological initiatives, and parish ministry. .

====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===