THIRD ORDER FRANCISCANS OF THE HOLY CROSS. - They were founded by Friar Giacomo Wirth (1830-72), who was the first Superior General, and Friar Antonio Weber (1829-1910).
Both already professed in the Third Order, in 1855 they began to lead a common life by opening their House near Waldbreitbach (Treviso) for the poor and orphans. In 1869 they were approved by the Bishop of Treviso, aggregated to the Franciscan Order in 1907, and by the Holy See in 1910. They dedicate themselves to various works of charity, including the care of the mentally ill. There are now 276 religious in 26 houses.
BIBL.: A. Sinningen, Katholische Männerorden in Deutschland, 2nd ed., Düsseldorf [1934], pp. 142-46; id., Breve storia della Congregazione dei T. Franc. della S. Croce; Rome, (n.d.). Cesario van Hulst.