"The First Order itself (male), like a luxuriant tree, brought forth the various
families of Friars Minor.
Hence it is most fitting that all who consider Francis their Seraphic Father constantly
cultivate fraternal communication so that always and everywhere the fullness of the
Franciscan charism may flourish." (C.IV.f)
Today the term "Franciscan Family" is used when describing the various Orders
and Institutions that together form its membership.
The members of the mother branch of the First Order were originally known as the
"Friars of the Community", founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi, and are now
called Conventuals (OFMConv.). The second branch, originally the "Friars of the
Reform", consisted of many subdivided communities that formed before and after the
division of 1517. These branches of the First Order were united into a single group in
1897 by Pope Leo XIII and its members were called "Friars Minor of Leonain
Union" (OFMLeo.). In 1909, Pope Saint Pius X emphasized the title "Friars Minor
of the Leonine Union" to prevent ambiguity and identity. The Capuchins (OFMCap.) were
founded in 1528, making up the third branch of the First Order.
The Second Order (female) was founded by St Clare of Assisi in 1212. The Poor Clares
reside in autonomous cloistered monasteries united in contemplation.
The Third Order is comprised of two major groups of multiple autonomous communities: the
Third Order Secular and the Third Order Religious (male and female), both actively
responding to contemporary needs.
