Two of the most prominent 13th-century mendicant orders were the Franciscans and the Dominicans. They lived pious lives as traveling evangelicals. Poor Europeans were in dire need of hearing the Gospel, but a sense of exclusivity developed between the two classes. The mendicant orders developed to preach the Gospel to all classes and live by the Bible. Monks had similar lifestyles, but unlike the monks, the Franciscans and Dominicans were not glued to one place. They were traveling preachers.
Saint Dominic and the Dominicans lived in poverty to combat the Albigensians’ criticism of bishops who lived luxuriously. The Albigensians garnered support among the populace because they lived apart from worldly luxuries. Numerous bishops basked in wealth while the heretical sects like the Albigensians lived more modest and pious lives, making them appear more spiritual. Education was one of the central pillars of the Dominican Order. Unlike their Franciscan counterparts, they believed in being philosophical pioneers.
Saint Francis of Assisi forsook his prestigious and wealthy life in response to a vision. While on a military campaign, he had a dream of God saying, “Rebuild my church.” Originally, he took the dream literally and donated money and time to rebuild the physical church. However, his father objected to his newfound calling as he thought it wasted family wealth. In response, Francis renounced his father and devoted all his time to pursuing his calling. But he had a revelation, realizing that his vision spoke metaphorically about the Church as a whole unit; as a people, not the buildings. Three verses comprised Francis’ personal mission statement: (1) Matthew 16:21: “Jesus said to them, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me’”; (2) Luke 9:3: “And He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics a piece.’”; (3) Matthew 16:24: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” With a pure devotion to living a simple life in dedication to ministering to God’s people, Pope Innocent Ⅲ blessed Francis’ order. In AD 1216, the Friars Minor Order, otherwise known as the Franciscan Order, was established. Unlike the Dominican Order, Saint Francis did not focus on philosophical education because he believed it was most important to preach to the masses. In AD 1219, Saint Francis attempted to convert the Muslim leader Al-Kamil during the 5th Crusade. It was unsuccessful.
In conclusion, the Dominican Order and the Franciscan Order were two prominent mendicant orders during the 13th century. The members functioned like traveling monks. The two orders grew, permeating churches, philosophy, and education.
Asher Sisneros 