The Capuchin Franciscans are an order of brothers, also called “friars.” The Capuchin
order began as a reform of the Franciscan Observants in 1525 when several friars,
disillusioned with the relaxations of the life, desired to return to a stricter observance
of the rule and testament of St. Francis. In particular, they sought a more contemplative
life, coupled with rigorous poverty and austerity, in accordance with the earliest
traditions of the order. The Capuchins were originally persecuted for their split
with the Observants, but became incredibly popular among the common people and were
eventually recognized as an official, independent Order on July 3, 1528. In the papal
bull, Religionis Zellus, Pope Clement VII constituted the friars as a separate family
and 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
brothers, the Capuchins 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 with the common people and taking those assignments which others refuse.
Capuchins can be found working in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, serving as
hospital chaplains or prison ministers. Additionally, Capuchins may be found serving
as parish priests or university professors, as preachers and nurses and as missionaries
to distant lands. One may even find Capuchins serving in the local shopping mall.
Capuchins build their life and ministry on two essential foundations: prayer and
fraternity.
The priority of prayer and the contemplative life is at the heart of the Capuchin
charism. Personal and community prayer nourishes the brothers’ relationship with
God and one another and enables them to give fully of themselves to everyone them
meet. The Capuchin tradition has placed great emphasis on Eucharistic devotion and
veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Along with prayer, fraternity is of great importance to the Capuchin charism. A Capuchin
is first and foremost a brother among brothers. This fraternal life is founded upon
the Gospel in which, after washing the disciples’ feet, the Lord exhorts his followers
to do the same for others. This witness to fraternity is crucial in an increasingly
isolated and alienated world.
The Capuchin Province of St. Conrad, also called the “Province of Mid-America,” was
established in 1977. The province serves the people of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri,
and most of Illinois, as well as missions in Puerto Rico and Papua, New Guinea, and
Mexico. The province’s nine stateside friaries are located in Denver, Black Forest,
and Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Hays, Victoria, and Lawrence, Kansas.
