The Third Order Regular of St. Francis, (known as Franciscans, T.O.R.), is a religious community of Catholic priests and brothers dedicated to God. Our beginnings can be found in the Penitents of the Middle Ages: people who were seeking holiness in their daily lives. Francis of Assisi was himself a Penitent, but he gave this movement a new direction and spirit. The Third Order Regular of St. Francis has since become an international religious community serving God's people in many countries throughout the world.