A BRIEF HISTORY
St. Francis did something few have ever done: he took the words of Jesus at face value. He actually lived the Gospel - simply, directly, completely. He followed the example of Jesus as literally as he could.
Ever since, thousands upon thousands have used him as their inspiration, drawn to him by his love of God and people - all people - and by his unique message of joy, simplicity, humility, service, brother/sisterhood, peace.
His following was so great that when Francis entered a town everyone turned out to greet him.
Some of these people explained to him that they wanted a Franciscan life whilst continuing to live in their own homes and earning their own living.
To help these people and make them a part of the whole family of Franciscans, Francis conceived the idea of the Order of Penitents, later to be known as the Third Order, or Tertiaries: women and men who wanted to live according to the Gospel in a sister/brotherhood of which Saint Francis was the inspiration and example.