Franciscan Friday: The Franciscan Family Tree

Explaining the Franciscan “family tree” is no easy feat. The simple man from Assisi inspired and attracted so many people to his Gospel-driven lifestyle over the centuries, and each person has found (or created) his or her own place in the vast movement.

Whether male or female, religious or lay, professed or just interested in learning more, there is a place for everyone in the Franciscan movement who values simplicity and wants to work for peace, justice, reconciliation, and care for creation.

We came up with this diagram to help explain to our new missioners, volunteers and staff the Franciscan “family tree.” As an organization, we are blessed to work with all the branches and are particularly proud to be made up of many of what we call the “unofficial fourth order” of Franciscan-hearted people.