The Coming of the Friars

"The Coming of the Friars" by Augustus Jessopp is a recount that uncovers the story of the appearance of the Franciscan and Dominican religious groups in medieval Europe. It shines a light on how these groups affected both people’s lives and the church at a time when things were very difficult. The story starts by painting a picture of Europe in the late 1100s, a time of big problems and a feeling that major changes were about to happen, referencing historical people like Abbot Joachim and King Richard the Lionheart. Then, the story introduces St. Francis, showing his path from being a rich businessman to someone who wanted to change religion by living in poverty and helping those in need. Jessopp shares the journeys, the reasons, and the difficulties encountered by the Franciscans and Dominicans as they worked to meet the spiritual needs of the people. Throughout the account, the lifestyle of friars—always on the move and helping others—is compared to that of monks, who preferred to live in quiet contemplation, emphasizing how these religious groups were trying to bring change and new life.