Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181/1182 and lived convincingly and committedly according to the example of Jesus of Nazareth. This way of life quickly attracted like-minded people. Peace, solidarity, justice and the integrity of creation were defining values for him.

Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (the "First Order") and was involved in the formation of the Order of Poor Clares, founded by Clare of Assisi (the "Second Order").

In the year of St. Francis' death in 1226, his community had already grown to more than 5,000 friars.

At the request of many people who lived like Francis, shared his values, but did not want to belong to a monastic community, Francis wrote a Rule that applied to this so-called "Third Order." And this community also spread very quickly throughout Italy and Europe.

Founders of religious orders in later centuries took this rule and used it for their new foundations. Maria Theresa Bonzel did the same for her new community in 1863.