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| Community Profile |
| Order of Friars Minor Conventual, St. Bonaventure Province |
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| Community Information |
International? | Yes |
No. in community (professed members) | 4500 worldwide |
Year founded | 1209 |
Generalate/ motherhouse | Rome, Italy |
Province/federation | St. Bonaventure, Chicago |
Represented in US (Arch)dioceses | Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Milwaukee, WI; Peoria, IL; Rockford, IL; South Bend, IN |
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| About Us |
Mission statement/description
The friars of St. Bonaventure Province are called to live the ideals of Francis of Assisi in the Conventual tradition. They are vowed to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ in fraternity, through their simple way of living, dedication to prayer and penance, love of the Eucharist, and devotion to Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God. As prophetic witnesses, they proclaim the Incarnate and compassionate Christ; enable the building of community within the Church and society; form communities of prayer and service reaching out to the marginalized and poor; and praise the God of creation by reverencing our sisters and brothers and the whole earth. They are involved in education, parish and retreat ministry. |
Qualifications for entry
Catholic, single, male; good health; a sincere desire to love God, serve His people, and share a common life. |
Formation program
The first step is postulancy, which usually lasts one year. During this stage the postulant is immersed in the community life of St. Bonaventure Province while living at Sacred Heart Friary in Chicago, IL. He is introduced to St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan tradition, and begins to learn the dynamics of balancing the active and contemplative dimensions of the Franciscan charism.
Following a comprehensive discernment process, the postulant receives the Franciscan habit and enters the novitiate. The novices are gathered from all five North American Conventual Franciscan provinces and spend a year together at the novitiate in Mishawaka, IN. This stage of formation intensifies the development of the inner prayer life and the practical fraternal skills of the novice.
After the year of preparation, the novice takes the Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. These vows are renewed annually for at least three years until the student friar takes permanent or "solemn" vows. During this stage, the student friar begins a program of specialized ministry training and academic study that corresponds with his own abilities, and that prepares him to serve the Church as either a Franciscan brother or a Franciscan priest. |
Age range/limit
18-40 |
Consider belated vocations?
No |
Belated/late vocations explanation
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Institute on Religious Life, P.O. Box 7500, Libertyville, IL 60048-7500
Tel: (847) 573-8975 - Fax: (847) 573-8960 |
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