Book excerpt: History of the origin and foundation of the Pontifical institute of the Franciscans of the Immaculate. This book spiritually chronicles the birth of the Franciscan-Marian religious community. Franciscan Legend of the Immaculate documents the history of the Franciscans of the Immaculate from their beginnings in an abandoned friary in Frigento, Italy, with two young priests in 1970, up to their erection as a Religious Institute of Pontifical Rite with around 600 friars and sisters throughout the world by 1998. It recounts the manifold goodness the Blessed Virgin has done to this religious order and the achievement the friars and sisters have accomplished for Our Lady. This inspiring story provides hope for the whole Church in these times of great difficulty.