Franciscans: Fr. or Bro.?

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tampagrl

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When you see a (male) Franciscan wearing the traditional habit - whether it’s brown or grey, is there some outward sign on his habit that denotes whether he is a Priest or a Brother? Or do you just have to ask him?
 
tampagrl said:
When you see a (male) Franciscan wearing the traditional habit - whether it’s brown or grey, is there some outward sign on his habit that denotes whether he is a Priest or a Brother? Or do you just have to ask him?
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You usually have to ask them. Take the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal or the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate for example. Both have brothers and priests, and they wear the same habits. 🙂
 
tampagrl said:
When you see a (male) Franciscan wearing the traditional habit - whether it’s brown or grey, is there some outward sign on his habit that denotes whether he is a Priest or a Brother? Or do you just have to ask him?
Click to expand...
The Franciscan Order is historically an order of brothers. The first priests who joined the order did so to become brothers. All the brothers are equal, ordained or lay. They can be superiors, pastoral ministers, spiritual directors, theologians, doctors, teachers, cooks, carpenters and so forth.

Therefore, a distinction in our habit is not allowed. We do have distinct habits according to our obedience. When we say “obedience” we mean the branch of the order that we belong to. Each branch of the order has its roots in another branch until you can trace them all to St. Francis.

Because the order is so large, 1.7 million around the world, there is a difference in habits by regions and by obediences.

Does this help?

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF 🙂
 
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