Charism & Mission of The Friars

The friars of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis and members of the Province of the Immaculate Conception take vows that challenge us to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Church. These vows allow us to further the work of our founder and patron, Saint Francis of Assisi, who followed the crucified and risen Savior without question or regret.

As Franciscans in service to the Church, we listen to the teachings of Jesus Christ with assurance of God the Father and the Holy Spirit; we listen to God's teaching in the Church; and we listen to God's holy people as they speak to us.

The Franciscan lifestyle dictates that we, as pupils of Saint Francis of Assisi, respond to God's word by following the example of our patron: we live simply, free of possessions and attitudes; dedicated to our brotherhood by answering the mission of the Church; bringing the message of conversion to all we meet in God's name.

We are committed as friars, on a personal and corporate level, to a life given over to prayer and contemplation; the continuous conversion of our hearts, minds and souls; the revelation of the Lord to the spiritually blind; preaching the message of reconciliation and healing embodied in Christ.

We are to work among the people and to offer them a witness of Christian life by word and example. The Friars of the Province of the Immaculate Conception in the United States are active in parishes, education, retreat work, hospital ministry, and foreign missions.