What are mendicant orders primarily defined as within the Catholic Church?

Mendicant orders are primarily defined as certain Catholic religious orders whose male members have vowed a lifestyle of poverty, traveling, and living in urban areas. Their purpose is preaching, evangelization, and ministry, particularly to less wealthy individuals.

How did mendicant orders fundamentally differ from the previously established monastic model?

Mendicant orders fundamentally differed from the monastic model by rejecting its core tenets. Monasticism prescribed living in stable, isolated communities where members worked at a trade and owned property in common, including land, buildings, and other wealth. In contrast, mendicants avoided owning property, did not work at a trade, and embraced a poor, often itinerant lifestyle, depending on the goodwill of the people they served.

What was the characteristic lifestyle of members of mendicant orders?

The characteristic lifestyle of members of mendicant orders involved avoiding property ownership, refraining from working at a trade, and embracing a poor, often itinerant existence. They relied on the generosity and goodwill of the people to whom they preached for their survival.

What term is used to refer to the members of mendicant orders, distinguishing them from monks?

The members of mendicant orders are referred to as friars, distinguishing them from monks who typically live in cloistered communities within a monastery.

Does the term 'mendicant' exclusively apply to Catholic religious orders?

No, the term 'mendicant' is also used in reference to some non-Christian religions to denote holy persons who are committed to an ascetic lifestyle, which can include members of religious orders and individual holy persons who practice self-discipline and abstinence.

What historical event is depicted in the image accompanying the article's introduction?

The image accompanying the article's introduction depicts Pope Innocent III approving the statutes of the Order of the Franciscans, a significant moment in the history of mendicant orders, as painted by Giotto.

Which ecclesiastical council formally recognized the four primary mendicant orders, and when did this occur?

The Second Council of Lyon formally recognized the four primary mendicant orders in 1274. This council was a significant event in the history of the Catholic Church, addressing various ecclesiastical matters.

What were the four main mendicant orders recognized by the Second Council of Lyon?

The four main mendicant orders recognized by the Second Council of Lyon were the Carmelites (Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel), the Franciscans (Order of Friars Minor), the Dominicans (Order of Preachers), and the Augustinians (Order of Saint Augustine).

When were the Carmelites first historically recorded, and what is their full name?

The Carmelites, formally known as the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, were first historically recorded in 1155. This order is dedicated to a life of contemplation and service.

Which reform branch of the Carmelites was established in the 16th century?

The Discalced Carmelites, a reform branch of the Carmelite order, were established in the 16th century. The term 'Discalced' refers to their practice of going barefoot or wearing sandals, symbolizing a stricter adherence to poverty.

When was the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, founded?

The Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, was founded in 1209. This order was established by Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing poverty, humility, and service.

What is the formal name of the Dominicans, and when was their order founded?

The Dominicans are formally known as the Order of Preachers and were founded in 1216. This order was established by Saint Dominic de Guzman, focusing on preaching and teaching.

When was the Order of Saint Augustine, or Augustinians, founded?

The Order of Saint Augustine, also known as the Augustinians, was founded in 1244. This order draws its inspiration from the teachings and rule of Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Beyond the four main orders, which other mendicant orders are recognized by the Holy See?

Other mendicant orders recognized by the Holy See include the Trinitarians (Order of the Most Blessed Trinity), Mercedarians (Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy), Servites (Order of Servants of Mary), Minims (Order of Minims), the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, the Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of Saint John of God, the Piarists (Order of the Poor Clerics Secular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools), and the Bethlehemite Brothers.

When were the Trinitarians, sometimes called the Red Friars, founded?

The Trinitarians, or the Order of the Most Blessed Trinity, were founded in 1193. This order was established with a particular focus on ransoming Christian captives.

What is the founding date of the Mercedarians, and what is their full name?

The Mercedarians, or the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, were founded in 1218. This order was also founded with the mission of ransoming Christian captives from Muslim prisons.

Who founded the Servite Order, and when was it established?

The Servite Order, or Order of Servants of Mary, was founded in 1233 by the Seven Holy Men of Florence, Italy. This order is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Describe the historical suppression and subsequent overturning of the Servite Order.

The Servite Order was initially suppressed by the Second Council of Lyon based on restrictions in the 1215 decree *Ne nimium*. However, this suppression was not fully enforced and was later overturned by Pope Benedict XI in his Bull, *Dum levamus*, on February 11, 1304, allowing the order to continue its work.

When was the Order of Minims founded, and what other name is associated with its members?

The Order of Minims, whose members are also known as hermits of St. Francis of Paola, was founded in 1436. This order emphasizes extreme austerity and humility.

What are two other Franciscan orders mentioned in the text?

Two other Franciscan orders mentioned in the text are the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. These represent different branches or reforms within the broader Franciscan tradition.

Who founded the Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of Saint John of God, and in what year?

The Hospitaller Order of the Brothers of Saint John of God was founded in 1572 by John of God. This order is dedicated to providing care for the sick and needy.

When were the Piarists founded, and by whom?

The Piarists, formally known as the Order of the Poor Clerics Secular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools, were founded in 1617 by Joseph Calasanz. This order is dedicated to the education of poor children.

What is the history of the Bethlehemite Brothers regarding their founding, suppression, and refounding?

The Order of Bethlehemite Brothers was founded in Guatemala in 1653, suppressed in 1820, and subsequently refounded in 1984. This demonstrates a period of dormancy followed by a revival of the order.

What common phenomenon is noted regarding many mendicant orders, similar to monastic orders?

Similar to monastic orders, many mendicant orders, especially the larger ones, underwent splits and reform efforts, leading to the formation of various offshoots. These divisions often arose from desires for stricter observance or different interpretations of their founding charism.

Which former mendicant order, also known as *Fratres sancti Ambrosii ad Nemus*, was suppressed by Pope Innocent X?

The Ambrosians, also known as *Fratres sancti Ambrosii ad Nemus*, existed before 1378 and were suppressed by Pope Innocent X in 1650. Their suppression marked the end of their formal existence as a religious order.

What happened to the Fraticelli of Monte Malbe, founded in the 14th century near Perugia, Italy?

The Fraticelli of Monte Malbe, founded in the 14th century near Perugia, Italy, dispersed by the end of that same century. Their short-lived existence suggests they did not gain widespread or lasting support.

Describe the fate of the Hospitallers of San Hipólito, a mendicant order founded in Mexico.

The Hospitallers of San Hipólito, or Brothers of Charity of de San Hipólito, were founded in Mexico and approved by Rome as a mendicant order in 1700. In the 18th century, they were absorbed by the Brothers Hospitaller of Saint John of God, ceasing to exist as a distinct entity.

When were the Jesuati, or *Clerici apostolici Sancti Hieronymim*, founded and by which Pope were they suppressed?

The Jesuati, or *Clerici apostolici Sancti Hieronymim*, were founded in 1360 and suppressed by Pope Clement IX in 1668. This order, dedicated to Saint Jerome, ultimately faced dissolution by papal authority.

By what other names were the Saccati known, and what is noted about their history?

The Saccati were also known as 'Friars of the Sack' (*Fratres Saccati*) and Brothers of Penitence, and may have been identical with the *Boni homines*, *Bonshommes*, or *Bones-homes*. Their history is described as obscure, indicating a lack of clear historical records or widespread documentation.

What was the origin of the name 'Crutched Friars,' and when were they suppressed?

The Crutched Friars, also known as *Fratres Cruciferi* (cross-bearing friars), Crossed Friars, Crouched Friars, or Croziers, were named after the staff they carried, which was surmounted by a crucifix. They existed by 1100 and were suppressed by Pope Alexander VII in 1656.

When were the Scalzetti founded and subsequently suppressed?

The Scalzetti were founded in the 18th century and suppressed by Pope Pius XI in 1935. This indicates a relatively recent suppression compared to many other former orders.

Which order, initially considered mendicant, was later reclassified as an Order of Clerics Regular?

The Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, founded in 1540, were for a time considered a mendicant order before being reclassified as an Order of Clerics Regular. This reclassification reflects a shift in their organizational structure and primary focus.

Which group is explicitly mentioned as an order considered heretical by the Catholic Church?

The Dulcinians are explicitly mentioned as an order considered heretical by the Catholic Church. This designation indicates a significant theological disagreement with the Church's doctrines.

What is the primary characteristic that defines mendicant orders for their male members?

The primary characteristic defining mendicant orders for their male members is a vowed lifestyle of poverty, which includes traveling and living in urban areas for the purpose of preaching, evangelization, and ministry, especially to less wealthy individuals. This commitment to poverty and itinerancy sets them apart from traditional monasticism.

What specific activities do mendicant orders engage in within urban areas?

Mendicant orders engage in preaching, evangelization, and ministry within urban areas, specifically targeting less wealthy individuals. Their presence in cities allowed them to directly interact with and serve a broader population than cloistered monks.

How do mendicants sustain themselves given their rejection of property ownership and traditional trades?

Mendicants sustain themselves by depending on the goodwill and charity of the people to whom they preach, as they avoid owning property and do not work at a trade. This reliance on alms is central to their mendicant identity.

What is the significance of the term 'friar' in the context of mendicant orders?

The term 'friar' is significant because it is used to specifically identify members of mendicant orders, distinguishing them from 'monks' who adhere to a different monastic model. Friars are typically associated with active ministry in the world, while monks are often associated with contemplative life in a monastery.

What is the historical context for the emergence of mendicant orders in the first half of the 13th century?

Mendicant orders emerged in the first half of the 13th century, with four main orders being recognized by the Second Council of Lyon in 1274, indicating a period of significant growth and formalization for this type of religious life. This era saw a renewed emphasis on apostolic poverty and direct engagement with the populace.

What is the relationship between the Carmelites and the Discalced Carmelites?

The Discalced Carmelites are a reform branch of the Carmelites (Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel), established in the 16th century to return to a stricter observance of the Carmelite rule. This reform aimed for a more austere and contemplative lifestyle.

What is the relationship between the Mercedarians and the Discalced Mercedarians?

The Discalced Mercedarians represent a reform branch of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, also known as the Mercedarians. Similar to other 'Discalced' branches, this reform likely sought a more rigorous adherence to the original spirit of the order.

What was the *Ne nimium* decree of 1215, and how did it affect mendicant orders?

The *Ne nimium* decree of 1215 was a restriction that led to the suppression of some mendicant orders, such as the Servite Order, by the Second Council of Lyon. This decree aimed to limit the proliferation of new religious orders.

What is the distinction between a 'religious institute' and a 'religious order' within the Catholic Church, as implied by the structure?

Within the Catholic Church, a 'religious institute' is a broader category that includes 'religious orders.' Religious orders, in turn, are further categorized into types such as monastic, canons regular, mendicants, and clerics regular, indicating a hierarchical classification of consecrated life.

What are 'Second orders' in the context of mendicant orders?

'Second orders' are a specific classification found within the broader category of mendicant orders, indicating a particular structure or branch within these religious communities, often referring to the female contemplative branches associated with the male mendicant orders.

What are some examples of Franciscan orders mentioned in the text, besides the main Order of Friars Minor?

Besides the main Order of Friars Minor, other Franciscan orders mentioned in the text include the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. These distinct branches emerged from reform movements within the Franciscan tradition.

What is the significance of the 'Seven Holy Men of Florence, Italy' in relation to mendicant orders?

The Seven Holy Men of Florence, Italy, are significant as the founders of the Servite Order (Order of Servants of Mary) in 1233. They are revered as the original members who established this mendicant community.

What is the role of the Holy See in recognizing mendicant orders?

The Holy See plays a crucial role in recognizing mendicant orders, as indicated by its recognition of several orders beyond the initial four identified by the Second Council of Lyon. This recognition grants them official status within the Catholic Church.

What is 'Apostolic poverty' as a concept related to mendicant orders?

Apostolic poverty is a concept related to mendicant orders, emphasizing a lifestyle of poverty in imitation of the apostles, which aligns with the mendicants' rejection of property ownership and reliance on charity. This ideal seeks to emulate the early Christian community's way of life.

What is 'Medieval Restorationism' in the context of the article?

Medieval Restorationism is a concept listed as related to mendicant orders, suggesting a movement or idea during the medieval period focused on restoring certain aspects of religious life or societal structures. This often involved a return to perceived earlier, purer forms of Christian practice.

What is the historical context of 'Mendicant monasteries in Mexico'?

'Mendicant monasteries in Mexico' is a related topic, indicating the historical presence and establishment of mendicant orders and their monastic communities in Mexico. These monasteries played a significant role in the evangelization and cultural development of the region during the colonial period.

How does the article categorize the Jesuits after their initial period as a mendicant order?

After an initial period where they were considered a mendicant order, the Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, founded in 1540, were later reclassified as an Order of Clerics Regular. This change reflects their distinct organizational structure and emphasis on intellectual and missionary work, rather than strict mendicancy.

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Defining Mendicancy

The Vow of Poverty

Mendicant orders represent a distinct category of Catholic religious orders whose male members commit to a rigorous lifestyle characterized by a vow of poverty. This commitment extends beyond personal renunciation to the communal level, where the orders themselves traditionally eschewed the ownership of property, including land, buildings, and other forms of wealth. This fundamental principle sets them apart from earlier monastic traditions.

Itinerant Ministry

Unlike the cloistered existence of traditional monks, mendicants embraced an itinerant lifestyle. Their mission involved traveling and residing primarily in urban centers, engaging in active preaching, evangelization, and various forms of ministry. This direct engagement with the populace, particularly the less affluent, was a hallmark of their apostolate. Their very survival depended on the charitable goodwill and alms of the people they served, embodying their commitment to divine providence.

Friars, Not Monks

A crucial terminological distinction exists within the Catholic Church: members of mendicant orders are referred to as friars, not monks. This differentiation underscores their active, public ministry in contrast to the contemplative, often secluded, life of monks. The term "friar" (from Latin frater, meaning brother) reflects their fraternal communal life and their engagement with the broader community.

Broader Asceticism

While primarily associated with Catholic religious life, the concept of "mendicant" extends beyond Christianity. In a broader sense, the term can denote holy persons in various non-Christian religions who are committed to an ascetic lifestyle. This includes individuals within religious orders or independent spiritual practitioners who embrace poverty and dependence on alms as a path to spiritual enlightenment or devotion.

Recognized Orders

The Four Great Orders

The Second Council of Lyon in 1274 formally recognized and established the prominence of four principal mendicant orders, all founded within the first half of the 13th century. These orders became foundational to the mendicant movement:

Carmelites: The Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, first historically recorded in 1155. Their reform branch, the Discalced Carmelites, emerged in the 16th century.
Franciscans: The Order of Friars Minor, founded in 1209 by St. Francis of Assisi.
Dominicans: The Order of Preachers, established in 1216 by St. Dominic de Guzmán.
Augustinians: The Order of Saint Augustine, founded in 1244 through the unification of several eremitical groups.

Other Active Orders

Beyond the initial four, several other mendicant orders have received recognition from the Holy See, each contributing uniquely to the Church's mission:

Trinitarians: The Order of the Most Blessed Trinity, also known as the Red Friars, founded in 1193.
Mercedarians: The Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, founded in 1218, with a later reform branch, the Discalced Mercedarians.
Servites: The Order of Servants of Mary, founded in 1233 by the Seven Holy Men of Florence, Italy. Initially suppressed by the Second Council of Lyon, their suppression was overturned by Pope Benedict XI in 1304.
Minims: The Order of Minims, hermits of St. Francis of Paola, founded in 1436.
Franciscan Branches: This includes the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, which are distinct branches of the broader Franciscan family.
Hospitaller Order of St. John of God: Founded in 1572 by St. John of God, dedicated to healthcare and hospitality.
Piarists: The Order of the Poor Clerics Secular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools, founded in 1617 by St. Joseph Calasanz, focused on education.
Bethlehemite Brothers: Founded in Guatemala in 1653, suppressed in 1820, and refounded in 1984.

Evolution and Reform

The history of mendicant orders is marked by dynamic evolution, including periods of internal reform and the formation of distinct offshoots. Similar to older monastic orders, many mendicant communities experienced splits, often driven by differing interpretations of their foundational charism, particularly the strictness of their vow of poverty. These reform movements, whether permanent or temporary, led to the establishment of new branches, such as the Discalced Carmelites or the various Franciscan orders, each seeking to renew or intensify the original spirit of their founders.

The Mendicant Lifestyle

Radical Poverty and Dependence

The mendicant lifestyle was a radical departure from established religious norms. At its core was a commitment to absolute poverty, not merely individually but corporately. This meant that the orders themselves owned no property, relying entirely on alms and donations for their sustenance. This dependence on the generosity of others fostered a profound trust in divine providence and a deep connection with the communities they served, as their very existence was intertwined with the people's support.

This commitment to poverty manifested in several key ways:

Absence of Fixed Income: Unlike monasteries that owned land and generated income from agriculture or other trades, mendicant friars did not engage in trades for profit.
Reliance on Alms: Their daily needs for food, shelter, and clothing were met through begging (mendicancy) and donations from the faithful. This practice often brought them into direct contact with the poor and marginalized.
Urban Focus: Their itinerant nature and reliance on alms naturally drew them to urban centers, where populations were denser and opportunities for preaching and receiving support were greater. This contrasted sharply with the rural, isolated settings of many monastic foundations.
Preaching and Ministry: Their freedom from fixed property and labor allowed them to dedicate themselves fully to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, particularly in the burgeoning cities of medieval Europe.

Historical Context

Emergence in the High Middle Ages

Mendicant orders emerged during a period of significant societal transformation in the High Middle Ages, particularly with the growth of cities and the rise of a merchant class. Traditional monasticism, with its emphasis on rural self-sufficiency and stability, was less equipped to address the spiritual needs of these new urban populations. The mendicants offered a fresh approach, bringing religious life directly into the bustling towns and engaging with the challenges and opportunities presented by urban development.

Papal Regulation and Approval

The rapid proliferation of new religious movements, some orthodox and some heterodox, prompted the Church to regulate their establishment. The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 prohibited the founding of new religious orders without papal approval. The Second Council of Lyon in 1274 further solidified this, recognizing the four major mendicant orders (Franciscans, Dominicans, Carmelites, Augustinians) and suppressing others, thereby formalizing their unique status and role within the Church structure.

Intellectual and Social Impact

The mendicant orders had a profound impact on medieval society. They became intellectual powerhouses, establishing houses of study in major university cities and producing some of the era's most influential theologians and philosophers, such as Thomas Aquinas (Dominican) and Bonaventure (Franciscan). Socially, their direct engagement with the poor and their emphasis on preaching in vernacular languages made Christianity more accessible, fostering a vibrant popular piety and contributing significantly to charitable works and social welfare.

Former & Divergent Orders

Extinct Mendicant Communities

The history of mendicant orders also includes communities that, for various reasons, eventually became extinct. These orders, though no longer active, represent a part of the rich tapestry of medieval religious life:

Ambrosians (Fratres sancti Ambrosii ad Nemus): Existed before 1378, suppressed by Pope Innocent X in 1650.
Fraticelli of Monte Malbe: Founded near Perugia, Italy, in the 14th century, they dispersed by the end of the century.
Hospitallers of San Hipólito: Also known as Brothers of Charity of de San Hipólito, founded in Mexico and approved as a mendicant order in 1700. They were absorbed by the Brothers Hospitaller of Saint John of God in the 18th century.
Jesuati (Clerici apostolici Sancti Hieronymim): Apostolic clerics of Jerome, founded in 1360, suppressed by Pope Clement IX in 1668.
Saccati ("Friars of the Sack"): Also known as Brothers of Penitence, their history is somewhat obscure.
Crutched Friars (Fratres Cruciferi): Cross-bearing friars, named for their crucifix-surmounted staff, existed by 1100, suppressed by Pope Alexander VII in 1656.
Scalzetti: Founded in the 18th century, suppressed by Pope Pius XI in 1935.

Orders No Longer Mendicant

Some religious orders, while sharing historical ties or initial characteristics with mendicants, later evolved into different classifications. A notable example is the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), founded in 1540. Although initially considered a mendicant order, they were subsequently reclassified as an Order of Clerics Regular. This reclassification reflects a shift in their organizational structure and mode of operation, moving away from the strict mendicant model while retaining a commitment to active ministry and intellectual pursuits.

Heretical Designations

The vibrant religious landscape of the Middle Ages also saw the emergence of groups that, while adopting some mendicant practices, were ultimately deemed heretical by the Catholic Church. The Dulcinians are a prominent example of such a group. Led by Fra Dolcino, they advocated for radical poverty and communal living but diverged from orthodox doctrine, leading to their condemnation and eventual suppression. Their existence highlights the fine line between approved religious innovation and perceived theological deviation during this era.

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References

Griffin, Patrick. Order of Servites. The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 19 Aug. 2013

Giancarlo Rocca (dir.), Dizionario degli Istituti di Perfezione, Edizioni Paoline, Roma, vol. V, 1978, col. 1185.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mendicant orders Wikipedia page

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The Mendicant Path

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Mendicancy ℹ️

🙏 The Vow of Poverty

🚶 Itinerant Ministry

👥 Friars, Not Monks

🌍 Broader Asceticism

Recognized Orders ⛪

🛡️ The Four Great Orders

🌟 Other Active Orders

🔄 Evolution and Reform

The Mendicant Lifestyle 📖

🕊️ Radical Poverty and Dependence

Historical Context 📜

🌱 Emergence in the High Middle Ages

⚖️ Papal Regulation and Approval

🎓 Intellectual and Social Impact

Former & Divergent Orders 📉

⏳ Extinct Mendicant Communities

➡️ Orders No Longer Mendicant

🚫 Heretical Designations

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Mendicancy

The Vow of Poverty

Itinerant Ministry

Friars, Not Monks

Broader Asceticism

Recognized Orders

The Four Great Orders

Other Active Orders

Evolution and Reform

The Mendicant Lifestyle

Radical Poverty and Dependence

Historical Context

Emergence in the High Middle Ages

Papal Regulation and Approval

Intellectual and Social Impact

Former & Divergent Orders

Extinct Mendicant Communities

Orders No Longer Mendicant

Heretical Designations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice