The Capuchins, whose origins date from 1525, began as a reform Order of the Franciscan Observants. The Capuchins desired to follow more closely the Rule and Testament handed down by St. Francis. In particular, they sought a more contemplative life-style coupled with a stricter observance of poverty, in accordance with the earliest traditions of the Order. Though originally persecuted for their split with the Observants, the Capuchins were officially recognized as an independent Order on July 3, 1528. In his bull Religionis Zellus, Pope Clement VII constituted the friars as distinct members of the sons of St. Francis.
Capuchins are perhaps most easily recognized by the brown habit and long capuche (hood) for which the Order is named. Renowned as peacemakers and simple, approachable religious, the Capuchin friars have been serving the Church in the United States since the 17th century. Capuchins were among the first missionaries in Maine, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, and all along the Mississippi River. The first pastors of both New York City and St. Louis were Capuchins. Today there are seven regional jurisdictions of Capuchins in the continental United States and others in Puerto Rico and the Marianna and Hawaiian Islands. Usually found in the poorer sections of towns and cities, the Capuchins have a special charism for working among those who are most looked down upon and willingly taking the assignments which others refuse. You will find Capuchins working in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, working as hospital chaplains or in prison ministry. Additionally, you may find Capuchins serving as parish priests or university professors, as preachers and nurses and as missionaries to distant lands. You may even find Capuchins serving in your local shopping mall. In whatever apostolic work they may do, the friars strive always to follow the exhortation of their father Francis: to be "friars minor" (lesser brothers).
A Capuchin is many things to many people. He is above all else, however, a brother among brothers and a man committed to prayer. Capuchin friars build their life and ministry on these two essential foundations: prayer and fraternity. Centered upon their Eucharistic Lord and supported by a loving devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, personal and community prayer nourishes the friars’ relationship with God and one another and enables them to give fully of themselves to those they serve in ministry. Along with prayer, fraternity is of great importance to a Capuchin friar. This fraternal life provides them with companionship while witnessing their brotherhood to an increasingly isolated and alienated world. The charism, when lived authentically, is a witness to the gospel life in which, after washing the disciples' feet, the Lord exhorts his followers to do the same for others.
Can the essence of the Capuchin life be summed up in just a few words? St. Francis of Assisi believed so. He wrote: “The Rule and life of the friars minor is this: to observe the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Province of Mid-America was established in 1977, serving Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and most of Illinois, and missions in Puerto Rico and Papua, New Guinea, and more recently, Mexico. Its nine stateside friaries are located in Denver, Black Forest, and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Hays, Victoria, and Lawrence, Kansas.
Who Are We?
Learn more about the Capuchins, St. Conrad Province in Mid-America, by reading about our history online.
Friars in Mid-America
Watch our YouTube video, “Capuchins of Mid-America: Who are we?” by clicking on the play button below. More videos are available in the media section of our website.
Video - Who are we?
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