The Franciscan Order was founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi. He established three orders: the Friars Minor, Poor Ladies or Clares, and Brothers and Sisters of Penance. The Order has spread worldwide with notable convents and friaries in places like Assisi, Italy, Mafra, Portugal, and Katowice, Poland. Their symbols include the Tau cross and Franciscan habit.

1. THE ORDER OF FRANCISCANS

2. THE ORDER OF FRANCISCANSThe Franciscan Order, whose members are known as Franciscans, is a Roman Catholic mendicant order founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the year 1209.

3. Francis was born in Assisi (1181/1182 and died in October 3rd, 1226) Ceremonies are held on October 4th, the day of his feast. St. Francis founded three orders: The Friars Minor, The Poor Ladies or Clares, and The Brothers and Sisters of Penance — are generally referred to as the First, Second, and Third Orders of St. Francis.Secular: embraces devout persons of both sexesRegularFriars MinorFriars Minor ConventualsFriars Minor Capuchins

4. Symbols of FranciscansThe Tau Cross”

5. The Christ of San Damian

6. The habit

7. The Cord or CordonThe Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi in Assisi, Italy, is the burial place of St. Francis and the mother church of the Franciscan Order.

8. A Franciscan Convent in Mafra in Portugal.Franciscan friary in Katowice, PolandFranciscan convent at Lopud in Croatia