Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 3/23/2008

Question
Dear Mr. Card,
It is my understanding that St. Francis was a vegetarian. Is there any way to prove this? Isn't true that he established in his order that all monks be vegetarian? And what about the Franciscan nuns?

Thank you,
Peace of the Lord,
Gina
Student

Answer
Peace

dear Gina,
  St. Francis was not a vegetarian, if the various official accounts of his life are true. I believe they are. Most who claim he was, have yet to produce any real proof. They also tend to make him out be a lover of animals, to the point of denial of his greater love for his fellow man and the Divine creator. Yes, that sounds like a generalization but it is not, its just what has been my experience.
  Properly speaking the male religious order he founded, was of friars not monks in the strict sense of the word. That order is called the Franciscans, it has 3 branches: OFM, OFM-Conventuals, OFM-Capuchins.

The Poor Clares is female religious order he, co-founded with St. Clare of Assisi. They are a complative order. I believe it currently has 4 branches, most I can't spell. (Sorry)


He also co-found the 3rd Order, which has two branches. He co-founded with Blessed Lousio and his wife, Blessed Donna Bona. Seculars, the order I am a member of. Its for lay persons (males and females), married or single, and Diocesan clergy ( deacons, priests, bishops) that are not already bound to a secular order. We are secular order not a religious order. The other branch is called Regulars its a male only Religious order of former Diocesan clergy and laymen.


From what I understand, all other "Franciscans" are so by devotion and having a similar chrism.

                                   your servant but His first
                                          George