Minimite - The Nuns

The Nuns

St. Francis was called to France in 1483 by King Louis XI to serve as his deathbed confessor. While he was there, the Spanish ambassador, Don Pedro de Lucena, who was a very pious man, grew to know and admire him. He sent reports of the holy friar to his family back in Jaén. His daughter, Elena, and her two daughters, Maria and Francisca, felt so inspired by Don Pedro's reports, they wanted to dedicate themselves to the way of life Francis had established. Through the Ambassador, they communicated their interest to the saint, and asked for a Rule of Life which they might follow. St. Francis welcomed their request heartily, and, to this end, he adapted the Rule of the friars for them to live as cloistered nuns.

Don Pedro donated a portion of his estate to the young women, and there they formed a small monastic community. They received the Minim religious habit from a Friar Lionet on 11 June 1495, and established the Monastery of Jesus and Mary. This was first and remains the oldest monastery of the Minim nuns. Francisa was elected as the first Corrector (religious superior) of the community. She spent many years as the Corrector of the monastery, gaining a reputation for holiness, and is today honored as Blessed Francisca. Their proper Rule was approved by the Holy See in 1506, at the same time as that of the friars.