Who Are We?

Ever since the day of his death almost 800 years ago, the story of St. Francis of Assisi has captured the imagination of artists, theologians, musicians, people of every faith, and continues to call Catholic men to religious life as Friars Minor (Lesser Brothers).  This story has inspired young men for the past 800 years to place their hands in their Provincial Minister and vow:  The Rule and life of the Friars Minor is this, namely, to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by living in obedience, without anything of one's own, and in chastity."

Today the organizational center for the Order of Friars Minor in the Western United States is the Province of Saint Barbara.  As part of the global Order of Friars Minor we are led by our General Minister, the 120th successor of Saint Francis of Assisi. The friars of our province live and serve in places that cross ethnic, cultural and economic boundaries throughout California and in the states of Arizona, Oregon and Washington.  We also serve in mission in the Holy Land, Mexico, Russia, and we minister among Native Americans of the southwestern United States. 

Our Mission Statement: 

The Franciscan Friars of the Saint Barbara Province are members of a Roman Catholic religious order, from a diversity of backgrounds and cultures, dedicated to serving the poor and promoting justice, peace, care of creation, and reconciliation in the joyful and prophetic spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.

Our Core Values: 

Prayer 

Grounded in the Eucharist and in both communal and individual experiences of God, the friars of the Saint Barbara Province embrace prayer as an integral element of our Franciscan calling. We seek loving union with God and each other through Jesus Christ. 

Fraternity

As brothers who love and rely on one another, the friars of the Saint Barbara Province celebrate bonds that transcend family ties, national origin, and culture.  Our vocation of fraternity extends beyond our own community, to recognize all of God’s creation as sister and brother.
 

Joy

Goodness and grace are gifts from God that nourish our lives. As Disciples of Christ in the tradition of St. Francis, the friars of the Saint Barbara Province are called by joy to express gratitude for God’s never-ending abundance. 

Service

Transformed and inspired by the Gospel, the friars of the Saint Barbara Province dedicate themselves to loving service of God and the created world. We strive to respond to all we meet with care, justice, compassion, and minority.



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