Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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FRIARS MINOR

Part of the First Order of St. Francis, commonly called Franciscans, founded by St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226), and canonically established in 1209. In 1517 all early reformers of the order, such as the Clareni and Coletani, were united in one body, from then on simply known as the Friars Minor of St. Francis, or Friars Minor of the Regular Observance. And in 1897, Pope Leo XIII approved another reunion when groups such as the Reformati, the Recollects, and the Discalced were rejoined with the Friars Minor.