Francis of Assisi used things from this world as mirrors reflecting God’s goodness. Franciscans have the opportunity to give witness to a God who can be known via the heart. We find the contemplative aspect in the prayers of Francis of Assisi, such as in the Canticle of the Sun, the peace prayer and the prayer of total self-offering.

Franciscans are both contemplative in their spiritual life and active in the community. Like Francis of Assisi did, the brothers live simply, in service to each other, in humility, no matter what their responsibilities are. They have the same rights and obligations, especially to help the disadvantaged.

The Franciscans of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) place great emphasis on humility and simplicity in their daily lives — that is where the term “Minority” comes from.

Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) is the founder of the Franciscans. Born into a privileged family, he underwent a total about-face when he was ill. He decided to become poor and devote himself to God. In Canada, the first missionaries (the Récollets) landed in Québec in 1615. They worked there until 1830, when the last Récollet died. In 1890, the Franciscans returned to Montréal, assisted by Fr. Frédéric Janssoone. Since then, they have spread across Canada, living out the Franciscan charism.