Why Are There So Many Different Franciscans?

The Church is full of religious Orders, but none as vast as the Franciscans. There are HUNDREDS of types of Franciscans. So why so many?

This is the first in a new series called "Catholicism In Focus," a segment that takes a deeper look at the things we say and do in our faith all the time, but maybe don’t think much about.

Music by J.P. Garilli

[joesmith]

As a church historian, I have to say you did a WONDERFUL job presenting a very complex story. Kudos!

[carlaromero]

The capuchins are the most down to earth people i know 🤣 My school and Church were run by them, and when I tell you, these man can walk around with the same pair of shoes for 10+ years, they can be almost non existent, and they would still say "i don't need new ones, these are just fine".
I love them all, they have a really special place in my heart ❤️

[jjchrist]

I am newly professed Secular Franciscan, St. Maximilian Kolbe Fraternity in Wyoming. So glad I found your channel. I building a fraternity website and will have a gallery of Franciscan videos. This will be one. Common question asked by seekers. Well done brother.

[williamjameslehy]

I think Mother Angelica would be proud of you, Father Casey. You're doing what she did, taking the Good News to new platforms to reach more people.

[josephcastillo]

My favorite Saint, St. Padre Pio was OFM Capuchin 🙂 I carry his relic in my coat pocket everyday.

[dawnlapka]

As follower of Jesuit priests, that "join the Jesuits" line makes me laugh out loud!

[nerime]

I love St. Francis of Assisi. For he chose simplicity despite of being raised by a noble family

[mizukarate]

One of my Karate Teachers was a 3rd Order Franciscan. Awesome guy that taught me alot about Karate, Chi-Kung and Padre Pio.

[MrMrjjk]

Always found the Franciscans and St. Francis very interesting. I'm currently reading 'The little flower if St. Francis' and find it fascinating (given to me by my Dominican spiritual director). Keep up the good work.

[tiffanybradshaw]

Good video.  Catholic Charismatic here.  I was talking to a Protestant friend of mine and mentioned that within his mindset, if someone doesn't like their church- they just get up and start a whole new church, never being obedient to authority, being their own authority.  In the end it is like a mirror cracking, which keeps cracking and splintering into eternity away from the original.  How holy the Franciscan mindset is, as you mentioned, that if you didn't like the direction of an order, pray about it and ask God if you are to lead another order.  All still Catholic.  All still Franciscan.  All within the Church.

[littlebugwest]

Thank you! I am a OFS. I was told a Franciscan is a Franciscan. I try my best to live as St. Francis did. I am married. I was so happy a secular order includes me.

[SpencerRaySanders]

Please pray for me! I am discerning with the First Order Observants! Next month I plan to take a behavioral assessment for the Sacred Heart Province of Franciscans!

[gabrielbalolong]

I am a Dominican student and I find this vid very informative love to our franciscan cousins💛💛To God be all the Glory

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary..pray for us
Sts. Francis and Dominic...pray for us


greetings from the PH🇵🇭

[xaviermagana]

I heard there is a joke among priests."Not even God knows how many orders of priests there are in the Church".

[FrJackM]

Very well done, Brother Casey. Thank you. I have met many Franciscans over the years and I'm happy to tell you the first were Friars of the Holy Name Province. Francis must be thrilled with his many sons and daughters. Keep up your great work.

[MegaNainaa]

I am glad I found your channel when I was confused with my faith. Amen

[maldives]

Br. Casey's writing & oratory were quite effective 5 years ago. (!) His skills continue to grow in strength as a young priest. Bravo!

[BrendanJFox]

Very grateful that you put this post together, it was informative, and it was also very confusing (which helps keep us humble!). Thank you

[sxyslyvxn]

I can see St Francis rolling his eyes and laugh about this and cry out, "MAMMA MIA! What did I do?"...LOL I think what amazes me even more is the number of some Protestant denominations like the Anglicans, Lutherans and others have followed closely to establish similar religious orders modeled after some of the Catholic ones. It's beautiful thing, I think.

[TheCynedd]

I so love the Franciscans. When I lived in Michigan I became friends with a Friar and I have so many funny stories about adventures I had with Brother C.