Originally, friars were a special kind of monk. Rather than secreting themselves away in a monastery, they lived and worked in the secular world. They were a member of one of two Roman Catholic orders of monks -- the Dominicans and the Franciscans. Both orders were founded on the ideals of poverty and performing acts of service as an act of worship. Today, the word "friar" still is loosely used to refer to a monk of either order.

Say "Brother Smith," for example, if you're directly addressing the friar and "Smith" is his last name.

  • Originally, friars were a special kind of monk.
  • Say "Brother Smith," for example, if you're directly addressing the friar and "Smith" is his last name.

Write "Brother Smith, O.F.M." if you're writing to the friar. The initials stand for Order of Friars Minor.

Say "Brother Smith of the Order of Friars Minor" if you are making a formal introduction.

Say "Brother Smith," for example, if you're directly addressing the friar and Smith is his last name.

Write "Brother Smith, O.P." if you're writing to the friar. The initials stand for Order of Preachers.

Say "Brother Smith of the Order of Preachers" if you're making a formal introduction.