The Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Mary live the Gospel, inspired by the life and ideals of St. Francis of Assisi. We are dedicated to serving those in need, living a simple life together as a community of brothers, and drawing closer to Jesus Christ through prayer. We work to make sure that the light of Christ in the people we serve is not obscured by ignorance, injustice, or poverty.
Charisms
Like all Franciscans, the Capuchins are distinguished by five charisms: Fraternity, Minority, Contemplation, Ministry, and Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. These five charisms give our discipleship a special character. By living out these charisms, the Capuchins rebuild the Church, give hope to the world, and help make the Kingdom of God present here and now. Read more...
Our life as brothers is a fruit and a sign of the transforming power of the Gospel and of the coming of the kingdom. Like the leaven of the Gospel, it calls us to promote genuine relationships among all people and nations so that the world may live as a single family under the gaze of its Creator. Capuchin Constitutions 13.4
We gladly live our life as brothers among the poor, sharing their distress and lowly state with great love. Capuchin Constitutions 14.3
We make every effort to give priority to a life of prayer, especially contemplative prayer. Capuchin Constitutions 5.3
We promote the apostolic dimension of our life by proclaiming the Gospel and in other various ways that are in harmony with our charism, while always preserving a spirit of minority and service. Capuchin Constitutions 5.5
While we relieve the material and spiritual needs [of the poor], may our lives, actions and words be generously spent for the promotion of their human and Christian development. Capuchin Constitutions 14.4
Leadership
| Our provincial leaders have been chosen by their brothers and by the Spirit to animate the fraternal and ministerial life of the Province. They help each friar to live out how God is calling him to be holy and to be faithful to their vocation. | The provincial council guides the Province to where God wants us to be at this stage of our history and to help each of their brothers to live out their vocation faithfully and joyfully. |
History
