Cincinnati, OH
Organizational background and Mission
We Franciscans owe our inspiration to Francesco di Bernardone, an affluent young merchant from the Italian town of Assisi, who in 1206 renounced his wealth and social status in favor of a life dedicated to God and the poor. His life and ministry inspired other men to join him and become the first Franciscan friars. Today, Francesco is known as St. Francis of Assisi, and the Order of Friars Minor comprises more than 100 provinces located around the world.
The Franciscans have a long, rich history of ministry to the poor and marginalized in the United States. In recent years, the number of religious in the United States has declined, and so, to strengthen their Franciscan witness in the U.S., five of the American provinces – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Name, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart, St. Barbara and St. John the Baptist – came tog...