Who are we?

Peace and all Good from the Franciscan brotherhood! The Conventual Franciscans (sometimes referred to as “The Grey Franciscans” due to the color of our habits) are one of the three branches of the First Order of St. Francis. The word Conventual is derived from the Latin convenire, “to come together”; hence we live together in “convents” or friaries. Our Order is spread throughout the world, and includes about 4500 priests and brothers who are all commonly called Friars. Our Franciscan brotherhood includes four provinces in North America, and a jurisdiction in the UK and Ireland. We wear a black or gray habit with a simple three-knotted cord representing our Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. The Spiritual Center of the Order is in Assisi, Italy, where our Friars care for the Basilica of St. Francis, which includes his tomb. In addition, the Conventuals are the Vatican confessors at St. Peter’s Basilica. In Christ’s name, we continue the ministry of healing so fundamental to the understanding of Saint Francis

FOUNDER
OF OUR ORDER

“I HAVE DONE WHAT IS MY PART TO DO,MAY CHRIST SHOW YOU YOURS.”

-ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

VOWS
IN COMMUNITY

HISTORY
OF OUR MINISTRIES

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