Who We Are

While there are many Franciscan Orders, the Conventual Franciscans are one of the three branches of the First Order of St. Francis that follow his Rule of 1223 . The First Order includes the Order of Friars Minor ("Brown Franciscans"), Order of Friars Minor Capuchin ("the Capuchins"), and the Order of Friars Minor Conventual ("the Conventual Franciscans").

In the early days, the Conventual followers of Saint Francis chose to minister in the heart of the city rather than in more remote hermitages. Hence the suffix, Conventual, as derived from the Latin, convenire , "to come together." Ever since then we have lived together in "convents" or friaries.

Our Order is spread throughout the world, structured into various Provinces (geographical regions), and includes about 5000 priests and brothers who are all commonly called Friars. There are five provinces in North America, and a jurisdiction in the UK and Ireland. Depending on climate and jurisdiction, we wear a black or gray habit with a simple three-knotted cord representing our Vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience. This is different from the brown garment typically worn by other Franciscan communities.

The Minister General of the Conventual Franciscans resides in Rome at the Church of Santi Apostoli (Holy Apostles). The Spiritual Center of the Order is in Assisi, Italy, where our Friars care for the Basilica of St. Francis, which includes his tomb. In addition, the Conventuals are the Vatican confessors at St. Peter's Basilica. In Christ's name, we continue the ministry of healing so fundamental to the understanding of Saint Francis.