The Growth of the Franciscans and Dominicans

Order of Friars Minor

The Order of Friars Minor was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209 with the verbal approval of Pope Innocent III. St. Francis was soon joined by many disciples who he sent abroad. By the time of his death in 1226, St. Francis or his disciples had made their presence known in seven different countries.

Sources:

Catholic Encyclopedia. At New Advent, www.newadvent.org. 20 June 2013.

Ordo Fratrum Minorum. At Ordo Fratrum Minorum, www.ofm.org. 20 June 2013.

Map showing the spread of the Franciscans at the time of St. Francis' death.

Map showing the current spread of the O.F.M's
Note: This is a representation of the provinces of the Order of Friars Minor only. This map does not include the various reform orders, nor does it include the totality of their reach as missionaries.

 Order of Preachers

The Order of Preachers were a little more organized. St. Dominic founded the order in 1216 with only 16 other preachers to join him. By the time of his death in 1221, they had already established eight provinces in six countries.

Sources:

Catholic Encyclopedia. At New Advent, www.newadvent.org. 20 June 2013.

Order of Preachers. At Order of Preachers, www.op.org. 20 June 2013.

Map showing the six countries where St. Dominic had established eight provinces in only five years.

Map showing the countries in which the Order of Preachers currently have provinces.
Note: Again this is not the totality of their outreach, only where they are firmly established.