Franciscan friars in the convent of Bosco ai Frati in San Piero a Sieve;Tuscany; Italy (2013).The convent of Bosco ai Frati convent is one of the most ancient in Tuscany. In 1212 Saint Francis himself transformed it into one of the most important convents of his order. In 1346 the complex proved to be semi-derelict and greatly dilapidated through lack of attention. The church and convent were rebuilt at the request of Cosimo de' Medici. In 1542; in the Ducal epoch; the convent was severely damaged by an earthquake which struck the area. The friars had to take the reconstruction and renovation on themselves; since the Medici showed themselves to be completely indifferent. Today in the convent of Bosco ai Frati a dozen of friars and novices chased to lead a life very austere: prayer; poverty; penance and works of apostolate. They belong to the new order of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. 'The specific character of this order is the Marian Vow; i.e. in the unlimited consecration to the Immaculate. This is the first of four vows taken in that religious profession. The other three vows are those common to every other religious community; namely: obedience; poverty and chastity.