You can read a lot about Capuchin monks in historical novels and see in chronicles of different years. Active ministers of Ordo Fratrum Minorum Capuccinorum to this day. Unfortunately, we know little about them, but it would be worth it.
When wondering who the Capuchin monks are, it is worth looking at the origins of the Franciscan order.
Emergence issues
The fact is that after the reform of the Franciscan Order in 1517, there was a division into observers and conventuals. The Capuchin (Order of the Lesser Brothers) was officially recognized on June 3, 1528 by Pope Clement VII. The founder of the order is the itinerant Franciscan monk Matteo da Basho (otherwise called Matvey Bassi), who earned the pope's trust and favor with his rather strict rules and religious zeal. He preached the seclusion and the miserable existence of monks.
The date of foundation of the order of Capuchin monks, as a religious (Catholic) community, is considered to be 1529. Not everything did not go well right away.
The Capuchins, the monks of the order, were for a long time limited in their educational activities. They were not allowed to leave Italy until 1574. Nevertheless, the community grew and rebuilt the internal structure. First of all, an education system was created where future missionaries were trained.
By the end of the XVIII century, the number of monks of the Capuchin Order reached 35 thousand people, they spread throughout Europe, Africa, both Americas, Asia.
The modern order has 11,500 communities (monasteries and parishes, missions) and more than 75 thousand members
Since 2004, the Mission of the Order of the Capuchin younger brothers has also been located in Russia.
A bit about fashion and style
Capuchin - literally from Latin means "sharp hood." Indeed, the clothing of the Capuchin monks was set in the form of a brown cassock with a pointed hood.
Belting was allowed with a rope belt with a knot, which was a symbol of the fortress of monastic vows.
And barefoot sandals were put on. Given the fact that the roads in those days were not much different from impenetrable thickets, this is a real example of pacification of the flesh.
Although, according to private historians, not all monks and nuns of the order were so ascetic.
Charter
The first charter of the holy brotherhood was approved under the arches of the monastery of St. Euphemia in Rome in 1536.
The charter of the order of the Capuchin monks is quite strict. They subjected themselves to regular and cruel corporal punishment, had the right to move only on foot, were obliged to lead an active social lifestyle, constantly helping and preaching, instructing parishioners or random companions on the true path.
The text of the Charter itself has repeatedly changed over many centuries. It underwent transformations, since the order was essentially living and its ministers actively participated in the social life of society.
Revolutions, wars, the development of scientific and technological thought - all of this together influenced the changes in the main order of the constitutional document. The latest changes to the Charter were made in 1990.
Missionary activity
Capuchins are a monastic order. His ministers themselves saw the ultimate goal of activity in achieving the complete triumph of Catholicism.
It is among the zealous reformers, preachers and missionaries that the largest number of Capuchin monks are. The monks of the order were the first to bring Christianity to the countries of America, Africa and Asia.
These communities exist now all over the world - in America, Europe, Asia, Africa, in Russia. Their goal is to help people and turn to the path of service to the Lord.
Capuchins
At the beginning of the 16th century, Maria Lorenza Longo arrived in Naples from Spain, who were fascinated by the piety, modesty and rejection of the representatives of the Capuchin order. And she founded the Capuchin women's community, which was based on the service of the Lord, humility, repentance, social service, hard work.
The female branch was divided into five most significant areas, where the difference is in the form and activity of serving secular society:
- Clarisses-capuchins.
- Terzian women.
- The Terzians of the Holy Family.
- Capuchin sisters of mother Rubatto.
- Missionaries of St. Francis of Assisi.
A female monastic congregation of Capuchins exists and still is providing social assistance to the afflicted and in need of shelter in various parts of the world.
Interesting Facts
Fact No. 1. The most popular legend about the origin of the popular cappuccino coffee is the one that tells about the cute tricks of the monks of the Order of the Capuchins.
The fact is that coffee was originally considered a devilish drink and was banned for clergymen of all ranks. But based on the fact that milk is able to "clean", they began to add it to the drink. Then, some technological improvements were made, and the cream from the cream, which was whipped after heating, was already poured into the coffee. So the foam lasts on the surface longer, and we got a cappuccino in its almost modern form.
Fact No. 2. One of the first monks of the Capuchin monks was erected in the island of Sicily in Palermo. At that time, everything was built on the money of the parishioners, on the donations of the townspeople. The monastery was erected in 1525. Throughout its existence, it has become a crypt for the worthy and eminent. At first it was the monks and the higher clergy, then they began to give permission for the burial of eminent citizens, glorious artisans and all who glorified Sicily and Palermo.
All the remains have long been transferred to specially constructed catacombs, where the biomaterial is remarkably well preserved. The last burial here was in 1920, since there is no longer any place for placing mummies, and it is mummified remains that remain here.
But here crowds of tourists come here. Capuchin catacombs are now the most popular spot in Palermo. The cost of the tour is only a couple of euros. You can purchase or make a memorable photo of a Capuchin monk. These small incomes also support monastic life.
But since the monastery is functioning, it is mainly the thoughts of the monks that are occupied with how to protect perishable bodies from the curiosity of the laity.
A similar, but smaller burial of Capuchin monks and priests of the Order exists in Austria in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna.