Order of Friars Minor,OFM

Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans: O.F.M.) was founded by Saint Francis of Assisi.  

O.F.M. stands for the Order of Friars Minor (Ordo Fratrum Minorum), the official title of the Franciscan order. When the initials follow the name of a priest or lay religious, it indicates that the person is a Franciscan.

Order of Capuchin Friars Minor  - abbreviated as O.F.M.Cap.

Order of Conventual Friars Minor - abbreviated as O.F.M.Conv.

For example, the Venerable Fr. Solanus Casey and St. Padre Pio were both Franciscans, but Fr. Casey belonged to the Capuchin branch and Padre Pio to the Conventual branch.

The Franciscan “habit” is a full-length robe designed in the form of a cross. Originally made of rough, unbleached, homespun wool, today it can be made of other types of material as well. It is brown in colour, though gray or even white is sometimes used by friars living in warmer climes. The habit is tied at the waist by a white cord. Three knots at one end of it recall the three Gospel vows which are at the base of the Franciscan life.