The Crosiers[1] or Brethren of the Cross[2][3] or crutched friars[4] is a general name for several loosely related Catholic orders, mostly canons regular.
It maintains presence in Europe (Germany, Austria, Holland, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland), in the Americas (Brazil, United States and Mexico), and in Asia (Philippines and India).
[8] The Italian Order of the Crociferi (Ordo Cruciferorum; Fratres Cruciferi) was established between 1160 and 1170 by Pope Alexander III.
As well as surviving in Belgium and the Netherlands, it today maintains a presence in Germany, Austria, United States, Brazil, the Congo, and Indonesia.
[11] The Bohemian Knights of the Cross with the Red Star (Ordo Militaris Crucigerorum cum Rubea Stella, OMCRS) was founded in 1233 by Agnes of Bohemia.
[6] This order was closed in 1783 due to Josephinism reforms introduced by Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor.
[5] Earlier literature attributed the Crutched Friars to the Italian Crosiers, but later it was proven that they were a branch of the Belgian order.
[9] A 130-line Latin poem Ad colendam mente pura (To cultivate a pure mind) is the earliest record of the legend about the order's foundations.
[3] The poem states that when Empress Helena discovered the True Cross, she selected twelve men to protect it.
Five canons from Germany were inspired to restore the order and received approval from Pope Innocent who told them to follow the Rule of St.