A rare antique French medal dating to the 19th century. The religious pendant depicts Saint Francis of Assisi with fine details. On this side you can read the French words: Tiers Ordre de St François meaning in English Third Order of Saint Francis. "The Third Order of Saint Francis, is a third order in the Franciscan order. The preaching of Francis of Assisi, as well as his example, exercised such an attraction on people that many married men and women wanted to join the First Order (friars) or the Second Order (nuns), but this being incompatible with their state of life, Francis found a middle way and in 1221 gave them a rule according to the Franciscan charism. Those following this rule became members of the Franciscan Third Order, sometimes called tertiaries. It includes religious congregations of men and women, known as Third Order Regulars; and fraternities of men and women, Third Order Seculars. The latter do not wear a religious habit, take vows, or live in community. However, they do gather together in community on a regular basis. "They make profession to live out the Gospel life and commit themselves to that living out the Gospel according to the example of Francis."
On the reverse, the medal features a pilgrim or a poor, kneeling in front of Mary. They surrounded by the French words: "Congregation des Soeurs, Lyon" meaning "Sisters' Congregation, Lyon". "The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Lyon are a religious congregation of women teachers and hospitalists of pontifical right. It is one of the oldest congregations derived directly from the Sisters of St. Joseph. It was founded in 1650 in Le Puy-en-Velay by the Jesuit Jean-Pierre Médaille (1610-1669)."
CONDITION: Antique condition with some oxidation stains. Please take a close look at the photos, they are an integral part of the description.
