 He eventually gained the blessing of the Archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Humberto Medeiros, who was himself a member of the Third Order of St. Francis (Secular Franciscan Order).The cardinal allowed him to take religious vows and to wear a Franciscan habit, even though he was alone at that point.He soon adopted a habit made of denim, which quickly became the distinguishing mark of the community, earning them the nickname of the "Blue jeans Franciscans."