Grey Friars: The Development Of Monasticism In Medieval Europe

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As we enter the Medieval time, there was a development of Monasticism where the number of monks and nuns increased tremendously among men and women. It resulted as, both a good thing and a bad thing. Known as one of the Holiest, devoted and most lovable of men, St. Francis of Assisi founded The Franciscans in 1209. His message spread rapidly from Italy to all of Europe and became the most numerous of all the orders. Their also, known as Grey Friars because, of the color of their habit, meaning 124,000 of the Franciscan monks perished while ministering to the dying and the dead during the time of Black Death where the pestilence swept through the Europe in the 14th century. Calling himself, The Humble servant of preaching, St. Dominic

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