The worldwide Franciscan Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209, and our Chicago-based Province was established in 1939 to serve the Midwestern region of the United States.
St. Francis’ simplicity, love for the Eucharist, and devotion to the Virgin Mary remain at the heart of our Province. This solid Catholic foundation unifies the friars as they live their 800-year tradition of Gospel fraternity and deep love for the Church.
Our Franciscan identity is further shaped by the life and mission of St. Maximilian Kolbe, our confrere who became a “Martyr of Charity” in Auschwitz.
Our Values
- Ongoing conversion of mind and heart to Christ
- Fraternal life in common
- Solidarity with the poor and marginalized
- Sanctification of society through beauty and culture
- Catholic response to the needs of our time
Fr. Hans Flondor, OFM Conv. discusses the struggle to understand God’s call.
How to Become a Franciscan
Have you or someone you know felt the Lord calling you to a life of service, simplicity, fraternity, and joyfulness?
Our friars are happy to meet and journey with men who are considering God’s unfolding plan for them. The friars will encourage and guide the process of prayerful discernment.
Don’t hesitate to contact the us for more information!
Learn About Our Order
With over five thousand followers in his lifetime, St. Francis inspired the energetic and talented friars toward a broader task of helping to transform every level of society.
No positive initiative was outside the community’s gospel mandate – as long as the good work did not “extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion.”
The friars quickly became preachers and educators, administrators of royal charities, and advocates of social justice. They spread the faith far and wide as missionaries, and they often spilled their blood as martyrs.