Franciscan hymns and hymnals

Franciscan Hymns and Hymnals   Since the foundation of their order in 1209 or 1210, the contribution of Franciscan writers to western Christianity has been immense, particularly in the areas of theology, preaching, and hymn composition. Since their hymns address both the needs of liturgy and their vocation as preachers, Franciscan writing reflects the ambitions of learned society and the varied tastes of vernacular culture. Their major contributions include a reform in the 13th century of the chant books for the monastic offices and liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church, and the composition of vernacular hymns. The flourishing of Franciscan hymnody parallels the activity of their apostolate...