How could members of the Third Order follow Franciscan ideals while living with their families?

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Bonaventura Berlinghieri: St. Francis and Scenes from His Life — St. Francis of Assisi *St. Francis and Scenes from His Life*, tempera on panel by Bonaventura Berlinghieri, 1235; in the Church of San Francesco, Pescia, Italy.

The Third Order of Brothers and Sisters of Penance was established by St. Francis of Assisi around 1221 specifically for individuals who wished to follow Franciscan ideals but could not leave their families or homes to join the friars or nuns.1

Members of this lay fraternity were able to integrate these spiritual principles into their daily lives without withdrawing from the world or taking formal religious vows. Instead, they sought to emulate the spirit of St. Francis by actively performing works of charity, teaching, and social service while continuing to live with their families.12