 Whereas the Benedictine monks, and then the Cistercians and Cluniacs, had taken a major part in the "Reconquista" up until then, Ferdinand founded houses for friars of the Dominican, Franciscan, Trinitarian, and Mercedarian Orders throughout Andalusia, thus determining the future religious character of that region.Ferdinand has also been credited with sustaining the "convivencia" in Andalusia.He himself joined the Third Order of St. Francis, and is honored in that Order.