The Capuchin Franciscan Friars worldwide serve the Church and the world in any number of ways. Our goal is to be open to the needs of the local Church. In western American and northern Mexico this means we are involved in ministering in parishes, prisons, hospitals, soup kitchens, retreat houses as well as educational and formational activities. In whatever we do, we try to live out the spirit of St. Francis, seeking to see Christ in others and live out His Gospel in joy, peace, and humble service of others, especially those who are most in need.
Pastoral Ministries
Our Lady of Angels Church, Burlingame, CA Since 1926 Capuchin Franciscans have been serving the spiritual and sacramental needs of families in Burlingame.
Old Mission Santa Ines, Solvang, CA
One of the original California Missions, Santa Ines was founded in 1804 and has been in continuous use ever since. In 1924 the Capuchin Friars were invited to minister in this vibrant parish. They work with members of the local community, including the native Chumash people, not only to preserve the past, but also to build the future.
San Lorenzo Retreat Center, Solvang, CA
With it spacious grounds and comfortable meeting rooms, located in the
beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, San Lorenzo offers a relaxing environment
for spiritual refreshment.
St. Francis High School, La Cañada-Flintridge, CA
Around the time of World War II, the Irish Capuchin friars planned to found a minor seminary modeled on the ‘seraphic schools’ of Europe. The Archbishop of Los Angeles asked them to consider taking day students as well as seminarians, and so in 1946 St. Francis High School was established, with three friars on the faculty.
International Missions
Mexico: The friars also serve in three locations in Northern Mexico. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Yecora, Sonora: The friars first came here in 1985, though the parish was founded in the seventeenth century by Jesuit missionaries. They serve the needs of the people of the town of Yecora as well as many outlying villages and ranches. A major part of their ministry involves the Pimas and other indigenous peoples in this mountainous area. Saint Fidelis Friary, Tres Ojitos, Chihuahua: This house serves as a training center for new vocations. The friars are also involved in the pastoral ministry in the nearby towns and villages and act as chaplains for the local convent of contemplative Poor Clare Capuchin sisters. Saint Pio Friary, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon: This house is also a formation house, where the young friars complete their theological and other studies. It also serves the local community as a place of prayer and spiritual guidance.
Other Friaries Saint Francis Friary, Burlingame, CA
This friary serves as the headquarters for the Province of Our Lady of Angels as well
as a home for friars in hospital ministry and other outreach. It is also a place of hospitality for many friars and others who pass through Northern California. Present text: St. Lawrence Brindisi Church Located in South Central Los Angeles, CA the Capuchins have been serving this diverse neighborhood since 1922. San Buenaventura
Friary, San Francisco, CA
Opened as a house of studies in 1970, this friary now serves as a home for friars involved in various ministries, especially health care. They serve as chaplains at various local hospitals and also welcome guests who come to visit the city of St. Francis.
St. Conrad Friary, Berkeley, CA
This friary serves as a formation house for the Capuchin Friars as well as a place for those who come to Berkeley for sabbatical. It is near the Graduate Theological Union as well as UC Berkeley and many other schools. St. Francis High School, La Canada Flintridge, CA: The Capuchins began a small high school seminary here in 1946, but over the years it has grown to be one of the best Catholic high schools in Southern California. The friars still work with the faculty and staff to make sure that the school imparts not only knowledge but also Capuchin Franciscan values to the students.
Hospital Chaplaincy:
University of California San Francisco Medical Center, SF, CA
Seton Medical Center, Daly City, CA
US Veteran’s Medical Center, Menlo Park, CA
Prison Ministry: San Quentin Prison
