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.
The Independent Old Catholic Church USA - Member of the Old Catholic Communion of North America