Mendicant Order
Mendicant Order is a family of religious institutes that emerged especially in the High Middle Ages around evangelical poverty, fraternity, mobility, preaching, and urban apostolate.[1]
Historical form
The Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, and Augustinians are principal mendicant families. Unlike a stereotype of solitary begging, mendicant life combined common poverty with study, preaching, pastoral ministry, and readiness to be sent. Each family interprets those elements through its own rule and charism.
Mendicant is a historical-spiritual classification rather than a separate canonical state in the 1983 Code. Mendicant institutes are religious institutes and may be clerical in law while including non-ordained brothers.[2]
Property and support
The practical discipline of corporate property and fundraising has developed over time under Church and proper law. Evangelical poverty remains essential, but modern mendicants do not all live by daily alms or follow identical economic rules.
References
- Back to citation Vita consecrata — John Paul II on the theology and forms of consecrated life.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canons 607–709 — Latin Church norms on religious institutes, formation, profession, and governance.