Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St. Francis
The Brothers and Sisters of Penance of St. Francis is a dedicated association of the faithful within the Roman Catholic Church. Members of this community seek to align their daily lives with a spiritual tradition rooted in humility and service, following a specific set of guidelines designed for lay people—those who are not ordained clergy or members of a religious order.
Foundations of the Order
The spiritual framework for the association is the Primitive Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis. This foundational document was written in 1221 by Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti dei Segni, who composed it at the request of St. Francis of Assisi to provide a path of holiness for the laity.
Modern History and Evolution
While the spiritual roots date back to the 13th century, the modern iteration of the order began in 1996. It was established by members of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota, receiving the formal approval of Archbishop Harry J. Flynn.
The organization underwent a significant transition on August 22, 2003, coinciding with the feast of the Queenship of Mary. On this date, the Brothers and Sisters of Penance was refounded as the Confraternity of Penitents.
Global Presence and Membership
Today, the association maintains a growing international presence. There are currently several hundred members located within the United States, complemented by a few hundred additional members serving throughout the rest of the world.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Governing Rule | Primitive Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis (1221) |
| Modern Origin | 1996, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis |
| Refounded As | Confraternity of Penitents (2003) |
| Estimated Membership | Several hundred in the US; a few hundred globally |
Key Facts
- The order follows the Primitive Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis, written in 1221.
- Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti dei Segni authored the rule at the request of St. Francis of Assisi.
- The modern association was approved by Archbishop Harry J. Flynn in 1996.
- The group was refounded as the Confraternity of Penitents on August 22, 2003.
- Membership spans both the United States and various international locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Brothers and Sisters of Penance?
Members strive to model their lives according to the Rule and Statutes of the Primitive Rule of the Third Order of St. Francis.
Who wrote the Primitive Rule of the Third Order?
The rule was written by Cardinal Hugolino dei Conti dei Segni in 1221.
Where did the modern order originate?
It was started in 1996 within the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in Minnesota.
What happened to the order on August 22, 2003?
On the feast of the Queenship of Mary, the Brothers and Sisters of Penance was refounded as the Confraternity of Penitents.
How many members does the association have?
The association consists of several hundred members in the United States and a few hundred more worldwide.