Demonstrates the innovativeness of early Franciscan theology, contesting the longstanding view that it simply rehearses the views of earlier authorities.

To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order, Franciscan scholar and historian Dominic Monti tells us the beautiful and inspirational story of Francis of Assisi and his followers—the Order of Friars Minor, or the Lesser Brothers—from its beginnings to current times. This history emphasizes not only the medieval developments of the world's most beloved band of men but also the internal evolution and mission efforts of the friars during the modern period, from the sixteenth century to the present. Monti gives particular emphasis to the history of the order in the English-speaking world: first England and Ireland and then North America and the twentieth-century expansion of the order to other English-speaking countries. Chapter topics include: medieval Christian society; the First Lesser Brothers; expansion and transformation of the Order; the Franciscan mission; internal crisis in the Order; Observants and Conventuals; friars during the Reformation and Baroque Eras; mission to the world; the challenges of modernity; Franciscans in the United States, Canada and Australia; rebuilding the Order in Europe; and recovering a charism.

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints. His commitment to God's will, his yearning to embrace poverty, and his attentiveness to the Spirit's presence in his life continue to inspire Christians and non-Christians alike. The Franciscan Tradition highlights some of the most influential people in Franciscan history. Using the writings of men and women from the First, Second, and Third Orders, this volume shows the breadth and depth of the Franciscan way of life. Presented here are saints and martyrs, contemplatives and preachers, theologians and reformers. They heeded God's call, found hope in Francis' mission, and now provide wisdom for those who seek to follow God. Regis J. Armstrong, OFM Cap, is a world-renowned expert on Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare of Assisi. In addition to translating and editing Francis and Clare: The Complete Works and three editions of Clare of Assisi: Early Documents, he was editor-in-chief of the four-volumeFrancis of Assisi: Early Documents and has written St. Francis of Assisi: Writings for a Gospel Life, True Joy. Armstrong is The John C. and Gertrude P. Hubbard Professor of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America. Ingrid J. Peterson, OSF, is an adjunct faculty member of the Franciscan Institute, Saint Bonaventure University, and has been an English professor at the College of Saint Teresa and Quincy University. She is a Sister of Saint Francis from Rochester, Minnesota. Peterson is the author of Clare of Assisi: A Biographical Study and coauthor of Praying With Clare of Assisi. In 2000 the Franciscan Institute awarded her the Franciscan medal for Outstanding Contribution to Scholarship in Franciscan Studies. She is the first woman to receive this honor.