Course 3, Chapter 39

Christianity preserved and propagated. — Establish ment of the four Mendicant Orders, Carmelites, Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians. — St. Thomas. — Thirteenth Century continued.

1. What is the order of the Carmelites?

The order of Carmelites, composed of hermits living in cells under the conduct of a superior, was first established in the east, whence it passed into the west, about the beginning of the thirteenth century. At the same time God raised up another defender of the church.

2. Who was he?

It was St. Francis of Assisium, founder of the Franciscans. He was born in Italy, gave all his goods to the poor, became poor himself, and established an order, the object of which was to preach to the peo-

pie, both by word and example, the three great vir tues of Christianity, detachment, mortification and humility.*

3. What are the names given to the religious of St. Francis?

The religious of St. Francis are called, accordi'lg to the different countries, Minor Fria?\s, that is, leaser Friars, through humility; Kecollects, on account of the solitude and recollection in which they live; Cordeliers or Gray Friars, from the cord which they wear around them; Capuchins, on account of the peculiar form of their habit or dress.

4. Who was St. Dominic?

St. Dominic was born in Spain of an illustrious fnmily, and came to France to combat the heretical Albigenses. In order to succeed he founded a religious order, the purpose of which was to preach the gospel, convert heretics, and announce religion to th«. infidels. The religious of this order are, on this account, called preaching friars or Dominicans.

5. What was the fourth order that God sent to the aid of the church?

It was the order of the Augustinians, thus called, because the different congregations, which united to constitute the order, adopted tho rule of St. Augustin.

6. Who was St. Thomas?

St. Thomas, sent by God to defend the truth, was born in Italy, and entered tae order of the Dominicans, where his reputation for science and sanctity was soon the object of general admiration. He taught theology a long Urn at Paris, composed man)- works on theology and piety, amongst others the office of the Blessed Sacrament, and died at the age of forty - eight years.*

320 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.