Who are the Genuine Sons of St. Francis? The Co-existence of the Franciscans and the Capuchins in the Czech Lands in the 17th and 18th Centuries
Abstract
The co-existence of individual Franciscan orders in the Czech Lands during the baroque period was founded on permanent tension, which often led to an open conflict, especially between Franciscans and Capuchins. Conventual Franciscans adopted a few of the Pope's moderate interpretations of the rule of St.
Francis; therefore, they had not such need to argue with the other Franciscan orders. There was major rivalry between Franciscans and Capuchins not just regarding the reception of alms but also due to very similar self-presentation, which derived from the same spirituality; both orders were busy convincing the society that only they are the genuine sons of St.
Francis. However, in view of their everyday life, their adherence to St.
Francis' virtues of poverty, they were very similar. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Capuchins in fact dropped the most rigorous interpretations of St.
Francis' legacy. That can be seen on the basis of the introduction of the office of the Apostolic Syndic.
As advocates of strict poverty, Capuchins initially rejected this position. Franciscans had a tendency toward the opposite; following the introduction of a new constitution of the order (in the Czech province in 1634) they attempted to return to the original ideas.