The Third Order of St. Francis: first Third Order ever created
The Third Order of St. Francis was founded in 1221 and was the first Third Order ever created.
It has included among its members more than ninety saints and blesseds, including St. Louis IX of France, St. Ferdinand III of Castile, St. Bridget of Sweden, St. Joan of Arc, St. Charles Borromeo, St. John Vianney, St. Pius X, and many others. The explorer Christopher Columbus was also a member.