Conventual Franciscans is the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, a Franciscan mendicant institute whose friars live Saint Francis's Rule in common life, prayer, evangelization, and service.[1]
A Franciscan branch
The Conventuals, abbreviated O.F.M. Conv., are a distinct institute within the Franciscan First Order, not a province of the O.F.M. or Capuchins. Their tradition developed around stable friaries and common apostolic life while retaining Franciscan minority, poverty, fraternity, prayer, and mission.
The order is clerical in canonical classification and contains ordained friars and non-ordained brothers, all bound by the same public religious profession. Other Franciscan orders, Poor Clares, and lay Franciscans belong to the wider family but have separate governance.
Constitutions and chapters
The Rule, constitutions, and statutes govern the worldwide order. The General Chapter exercises supreme authority, the Minister General and council serve universal government, and provinces or custodies structure regional life and mission.[2]
References
- 1.O.F.M. Conv. Constitutions — Official promulgation and account of the Conventual Franciscan constitutions
- 2.Current O.F.M. Conv. Constitutions and Statutes — Official English proper law with current amendments