The Catholic Church was central to the growth of the Spanish Empire, and priests were heavily involved in the pacification and "civilization" of the various indigenous peoples of North America. The Mission system was largely run by members of the Franciscan order, whose evangelical members lived amongst their congregations in new permanent settlements such as those in Appalachia. In theory the Franciscans were a peaceful order pledged to poverty and quiet industry, but many would support their communities in times of danger more directly. Some would even join the fighting, where they would exhort their forces to religious fervor in the name of Christ and St. James, the patron saint of Spain.