As Franciscans, we see ourselves as brothers to one another, living in community. In this sense, all friars are “brothers” first and foremost. Some friars are called to the ordained ministry of priesthood and use the title “Father.” Other friars who do not feel called to ordained ministry use the title “Brother.” Many people are not aware that St. Francis himself was not a priest. Francis’ focus was always on “the brotherhood.”

The designation comes from St. Francis, who called the first Franciscans “lesser” or “minor” brothers as a sign of humility in service to Christ. We use this still today to remind us that we are never “above” those we serve – a key principle in our relationships with others. When people spot a Franciscan in our brown habit, we want them to know right away that they’ve found a true friend in Christ, and a trusted equal whom they can approach without fear or hesitation.

St. Francis of Assisi, son of a wealthy cloth merchant, sought to clothe himself in the simplest rags available as a sign of his humility. Over 800 years later, Franciscans wear the habit for the same reason – not to separate us from the public or to signify authority, but for quite the opposite goal – as a sign to all people that we are their humble friends in Christ. From the Latin word habitus meaning “to put on a new way of life,” the habit is an outward symbol of an inward commitment.