“The Third Order Regular of Saint Francis is placed under the protection of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, its heavenly patron. The friars also venerate as their patrons, Saint Louis, King of France and Saint Elizabeth of Hungary”.(Costituzioni, 6)

“The friars celebrate the solemnities of the Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception because she is patroness of the Order. We also venerate liturgically our blessed Father Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Saint Louis the King, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary”.(Statuti Generali, 50)