Capuchin Franciscans - Western America Province

The Capuchin Franciscans are a unique community of priests and brothers who live and pray together, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. Following his guiding principles of Prayer, Fraternity and Minority, we strive to live out the Gospel of Christ following the teachings and example of St. Francis.

St. Francis himself said, “I have done what is mine to do; may Christ show you what is yours.” So we Capuchins gather to pray together and ask God to direct us in the world today. Our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles help us live our Capuchin Franciscan life in Western America in the 21st century.

What We Do

The friars of the Western America Province seek to serve Christ in a variety of ministries throughout California and Northern Mexico. Our ministries include work in parishes, schools, chaplaincies, retreat houses and the missions. In all these ministries, from San Francisco to Watts to Monterrey, Mexico,our goal is always the same - to be a joyful presence of hope and salvation to all, espcially to those most in need. Wherever we are, we seek to find the power of Christ working in his people.

PRAYER
As followers of St. Francis, desiring to be conformed more perfectly to the crucified and risen Christ
◦ We affirm that our prayer is rooted in our Capuchin contemplative tradition and is expressed in many forms.
◦ We seek to witness both personally and communally to affective prayer.
◦ We seek to become a living prayer and joyful presence to draw others to Christ.

FRATERNITY
We Capuchins are friars minor, rooted in mutual love, humble reverence and respect for one another and for all people.
◦ Individually and communally, we commit ourselves to be in greater solidarity with the poor.
◦ We manifest a compassionate caring attitude toward one another as brothers.
◦ We affirm, animate, support and encourage the building of community.

MINORITY
As brothers of St. Francis, we faithfully follow the meek and humble Christ.
◦ We cultivate a disposition of humility and respect of the dignity of others
◦ We share our joy as lesser brothers by walking with people of every social condition and by being instruments of reconciliation.
◦ We commit ourselves to the evaluation of our lifestyle, both individually and communally.