The province and the friary

The order was divided into provinces, which were established or dissolved by the general chapters. A province consisted of a cluster of friaries in a geographical region. In some countries there were a number of provinces, France and Italy, and in others one, such as Ireland. Foundations reflected a strong urban thrust, although several houses were established in towns. The life of each province was regulated by the triennial general chapters and more particularly by the annual chapters of provinces and custodies (see below), which selected a team of officials. Chapters addressed matters of discipline, orthodoxy and disobedience and conducted necessary negotiations with bishops and other civic and religious bodies. The differences in the size and populations of friaries within a province were reflected in the practice of holding the chapters in particular convents and not in others. The province of Aquitaine held its chapters successively at Condom, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Agen, Perigueux and Cahors. There was some regional variation in the timing of the chapters, which were frequently held in conjunction with liturgical celebrations, such as Pentecost, the feasts of St Anthony of Padua, the octave of Sts Peter and Paul, St James, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Bartholomew, the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Francis of Assisi; chapters also assembled on other dates, such as May.