The Year of Consecrated Life: Franciscan Orders

This week, we are highlighting the many Franciscan orders that have been present in the Archdiocese of Toronto throughout its history.

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most popular and well known saints. The orders that follow the example of St. Francis demonstrate a shared commitment to the values of poverty, simplicity, and self-denial. They live the Gospel in joy and hope and walk in the footsteps of Jesus with humility and charity.

Franciscan friars and religious are especially noticeable due to their distinctive habit or robes. They typically wear a brown, black or gray habit with a simple three-knotted cord which represents their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

TX.56: Complete black/brown Franciscan habit. Includes: a) cassock; b) hood; and c) cincture. 

In researching for this post we discovered anew some Vocations posters and literature distributed by the Felician Sisters of Mississauga and the Capuchins of Mount Alverno in Orangeville. Although the items are from several decades ago, the message remains relevant.

Religious Orders fonds: Franciscan Felician Sisters (C.S.S.F.): Publications: Vocations Posters

Religious Orders fonds: Capuchins (O.F.M. Cap.): Capuchins of Central Ontario - Orangeville, Ont.: History

The following is a list of Franciscan orders who are currently sharing or have shared their missions and ministries with the Archdiocese of Toronto:

Capuchin Friars (O.F.M. Cap.)

Conventual Franciscans (O.F.M. Conv.)

Felician Franciscan Sisters (C.S.S.F.)

Franciscan Alcantarine Sisters

Franciscan Friars (O.F.M.)

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement (S.A.)

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (F.M.M.)

Religious Orders fonds: Franciscans (O.F.M.): Publications
from: The Franciscan Fathers of the Immaculate Conception Province: Silver Jubilee Commemoration at Saint Agnes Church Grace and Dundas Streets Toronto, Canada. 1959.