St. Francis exhorted the Friars to take up the itinerant life in the end times. It’s also one reason why Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin, took this life.

Rule of St. Francis of Assisi, Chap. 6: “The Brothers should have nothing of their own, no house, no place, nor any other possession, but should see themselves as travelers and strangers in this world. Let them serve the Lord in poverty and humility, and go forth with confidence to beg for alms.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “He [Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin] relied very much on a prophecy of Father Saint Francis written in the Book of Conformities. He says that in the last times the Order will lapse from the true observance of the Rule. He strongly exhorts the Friars to be zealous observers of the Rule when that time comes and to take up the itinerant life under obedience to His Holiness.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “He [Matthew of Bascio, first Capuchin] knew clearly that God called him to that life of itinerant preaching, observing holy poverty completely by being entirely detached from all human favour.”

Bernardino da Colpetrazzo, O.F.M.Cap: “For in the beginning Father Saint Francis did not intend to set up houses as is usually done. His intention was to begin an Order where they would conform totally with the Holy Apostles in everything by leading an itinerant life.”

Pope Benedict XV, Sacra Propediem, 1921:

“What Francis wished to shine out, above all, in his Tertiaries, and which ought to be as their characteristic mark, is fraternal charity, most watchful guardian of peace and concord. Knowing that charity is the special commandment brought by Jesus Christ and the synthesis of the whole Christian law, St. Francis was careful to make of it the spiritual rule of his children; and he attained this result, that the Third Order rendered naturally the greatest service to the entire human family.”

Pope Leo XIII, Auspicato Concessum, 1882:

“Apply yourselves, then, to making the Third Order known and appreciated at its true worth; see to it that those who are entrusted with the care of souls carefully teach what it is, how accessible it is to everyone, what privileges it enjoys for the salvation of souls, and what particular and public benefits it offers.”