The Franciscans

Franciscan belief and practice are based on the life and teaching of St Francis of Assisi. Francis was inspired by Christ's instruction to his disciples recorded in Matthew 10:7-9 "Preach as you go saying 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand' . . . Take no gold or silver, nor copper in your belts, no bag for the journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor a staff, for the labourer is worthy of his food." In this prescription of absolute poverty Francis saw the means to imitate the life of Christ. Francis and his followers adopted a rule which required them to reject all property, whether personal or communal, and to be entirely dependent on the charity of others. However, as the movement grew in size the original rule came to be regarded as too arduous. In 1221 and 1223 St Francis produced two new rules which, while prescribing poverty, allowed the friars some personal possessions. There are now some 25,000 Franciscan friars and priests living in most countries of the world.

1. The History
2. The Founder
3. The Work
4. The Vocation

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