History
The worldwide Franciscan Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209. The Order of Friars Minor Conventual traces its roots back to that foundation and is an international religious order with a spiritual tradition of fraternity, reconciliation, and outreach. Known traditionally as the "Friars of the Community" they embrace a life that is both fraternal and charitable, choosing to live in bigger communities with their friary as home base in whatever ministry they are involved.
As a religious community, the friars are brothers, sharing life and prayer together. St. Francis' simplicity, love for the Holy Eucharist, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to inspire the spiritual life of the friars. This Franciscan charism takes the form of plentiful access to the sacraments through daily Mass and confessions, Eucharistic Adoration and other devotions, and multiple ministries to the poor and immigrants.
For more information about the Conventual Friars:
The worldwide Franciscan Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209. The Order of Friars Minor Conventual traces its roots back to that foundation and is an international religious order with a spiritual tradition of fraternity, reconciliation, and outreach. Known traditionally as the "Friars of the Community" they embrace a life that is both fraternal and charitable, choosing to live in bigger communities with their friary as home base in whatever ministry they are involved.
As a religious community, the friars are brothers, sharing life and prayer together. St. Francis' simplicity, love for the Holy Eucharist, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary continue to inspire the spiritual life of the friars. This Franciscan charism takes the form of plentiful access to the sacraments through daily Mass and confessions, Eucharistic Adoration and other devotions, and multiple ministries to the poor and immigrants.
For more information about the Conventual Friars:
Local Impact
Founded in 1939, the St. Bonaventure Province is one of four North American jurisdictions of the Order and is based in Chicago. Their Franciscan identity is furthered shaped by the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who became a "Martyr of Charity" in Auschwitz Concentration Camp. They strive to further his mission of evangelization by promoting Marian Consecration and expanding Catholic media to build up the "Culture of Life." |
Universal Presence
Friars are involved with important and exciting ministries all over the world. This includes facilitating ecumenical dialogue; running homes for abandoned children in Latin America; serving as the confessors at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City; and caring for the remains of the Apostles Philip and James in Rome. Friars are also at the forefront in a number of academic fields including handwriting analysis. |
Secular Franciscans
Our parish is also the home of the St. Bonaventure Fraternity of Secular Franciscans. The Order of Secular Franciscans is for lay people dedicated to following the example of St. Francis of Assisi by bring the Gospel to life in their daily lives and work. For more information, click here.
Our parish is also the home of the St. Bonaventure Fraternity of Secular Franciscans. The Order of Secular Franciscans is for lay people dedicated to following the example of St. Francis of Assisi by bring the Gospel to life in their daily lives and work. For more information, click here.
