Final answer:
Mendicant friars, like the Franciscans and Dominicans, rejected property ownership and lived by begging to dedicate themselves to spiritual service.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the medieval period, the friars who embraced a life of voluntary poverty and sustained themselves through begging were affiliated with mendicant orders. These religious orders emerged as a response to the perceived excesses and wealth of certain monastic communities. Members of mendicant orders took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, emphasizing a humble and self-sacrificing lifestyle.
The term "mendicant" itself is derived from the Latin word "mendicare," meaning to beg. Friars belonging to mendicant orders rejected the ownership of property and refrained from accumulating wealth. Instead, they relied on the charity of others to meet their basic needs, allowing them to lead lives unburdened by material possessions. This intentional choice of poverty was seen as a means to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized humility and selflessness.
Prominent examples of mendicant orders include the Franciscans and the Dominicans. Founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century, the Franciscans emphasized a life of simplicity, service to the poor, and close communion with nature. The Dominicans, founded by St. Dominic around the same time, were dedicated to preaching and education, playing key roles in combating heresy and contributing to intellectual life.
The mendicant friars were instrumental in bringing spiritual teachings to a broader audience, as they often traveled, preached, and engaged with communities directly. By renouncing material wealth and adopting a life of humility and service, these friars sought to embody the principles of their faith and contribute to the spiritual welfare of medieval society.