What Is 1st Order of St. Francis

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1st Order of St. Francis refers to the original branch of the Franciscan movement, founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209, comprising the Order of Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and lay members. It focuses on poverty, preaching, and service.

Key Facts

Founded in 1209 after Pope Innocent III approved St. Francis’s rule
Officially known as the Order of Friars Minor (OFM)
Includes three main branches: OFM, OFM Conv., and OFM Cap.
The Poor Clares, founded in 1212, are the female branch of the 1st Order
Emphasizes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience

Overview

The 1st Order of St. Francis, formally established in 1209, represents the original religious community founded by St. Francis of Assisi in Italy. It was created to live out the Gospel through radical poverty, preaching, and service to the poor, quickly gaining papal recognition.

Comprised primarily of male and female religious, the 1st Order includes friars and nuns who take solemn vows. Its mission centers on emulating Christ’s humility and simplicity, shaping centuries of Catholic spiritual life.

Founded in 1209 when Pope Innocent III gave oral approval to Francis’s new way of life based on Gospel poverty and itinerant preaching.
The Rule of 1223, formally approved by Pope Honorius III, became the official guideline for the Order of Friars Minor.
The Order split into three main branches by the 16th century: the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), the Conventuals (OFM Conv.), and the Capuchins (OFM Cap.).
St. Clare of Assisi co-founded the female component in 1212, known as the Poor Clares, making her the first woman to establish a religious order under Church law.
Members commit to lifelong vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, renouncing personal ownership of property and living communally.

How It Works

The 1st Order operates through structured religious life centered on community, prayer, and active ministry, with governance and spiritual direction provided by superiors.

Evangelical Poverty: Members live without personal possessions, relying on alms and communal support to embody Christ’s teachings on detachment from wealth.
Daily Liturgical Prayer: The friars and nuns observe the Divine Office seven times daily, including Lauds, Vespers, and Compline, to maintain spiritual discipline.
Preaching and Ministry: Friars engage in parish work, missions, and education, spreading Franciscan values through active service in urban and rural communities.
Formation Process: Aspirants undergo a two-year novitiate followed by temporary vows, leading to solemn profession after several years of study and spiritual development.
Global Governance: The Order is led by a Minister General based in Rome, overseeing provinces across 100+ countries with regional superiors.
Lay Collaboration: Though distinct, lay Franciscans support the 1st Order through prayer, donations, and volunteer work in affiliated ministries.

Comparison at a Glance

Key differences among the three main branches of the 1st Order are evident in lifestyle, apostolates, and historical development.

Branch	Founded	Focus	Distinctive Practice	Global Presence
Order of Friars Minor (OFM)	1209	Traditional Franciscan life	Follows the original rule with emphasis on simplicity	Over 100 provinces
OFM Conventual	1517	Urban ministry and education	Allows communal property; operates large churches	50+ countries
OFM Capuchin	1528	Reform and austerity	Wears long beards and distinctive hooded habits	105 missions worldwide
Poor Clares	1212	Enclosed contemplative life	Live in cloistered communities, dedicated to prayer	75+ monasteries
Third Order Regular	15th c.	Active service (hospitals, schools)	Includes sisters in apostolic roles	Global network

While all branches uphold Franciscan ideals, their adaptations reflect changing Church needs—from medieval itinerant preaching to modern education and healthcare outreach. The distinctions highlight how a single spiritual vision diversified to meet social and ecclesiastical demands.

Why It Matters

The 1st Order of St. Francis continues to shape global Catholicism through its commitment to poverty, peace, and ecological stewardship, influencing both religious life and social justice movements.

Over 100,000 members worldwide remain active in missions, reflecting the Order’s enduring appeal and adaptability across cultures.
Franciscans were instrumental in interfaith dialogue, notably St. Francis’s 1219 meeting with Sultan al-Kamil during the Fifth Crusade.
The Order promotes care for creation, inspiring Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ on environmental ethics.
Many friars serve in war-torn and impoverished regions, providing humanitarian aid and conflict mediation.
Franciscan theological education institutions, like the Antonianum in Rome, train clergy and scholars globally.
The Order’s emphasis on simplicity and humility offers a counter-cultural model in consumer-driven societies.

By maintaining a visible presence in marginalized communities, the 1st Order of St. Francis remains a living testament to Gospel values, bridging centuries of tradition with modern challenges.