Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Our History
Learn about the foundation of our Order and the stories of our saints and martyrs.
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Vocations
Have you felt the Lord calling you to a life of service, simplicity, fraternity, and joyfulness?
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Spirituality
Simplicity, love for the Eucharist, and devotion to the Virgin Mary are at the heart of our Province.
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Our Ministries
We reach out to those in need through sacramental, spiritual, and practical service.
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The worldwide Franciscan Order was founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209, and our Chicago-based Province was established in 1939 to serve the Midwestern region of the United States.

St. Francis’ simplicity, love for the Eucharist, and devotion to the Virgin Mary remain at the heart of our Province. This solid Catholic foundation unifies the friars as they live their 800-year tradition of Gospel fraternity and deep love for the Church.

Our Franciscan identity is further shaped by the life and mission of St. Maximilian Kolbe, our confrere who became a “Martyr of Charity” in Auschwitz.

HOW WE SERVE
Marytown Montrance (Landscape)

Our Values

  • Ongoing conversion of mind and heart to Christ
  • Fraternal life in common 
  • Solidarity with the poor and marginalized
  • Sanctification of society through beauty and culture
  • Catholic response to the needs of our time

Fr. Hans Flondor, OFM Conv. discusses the struggle to understand God’s call.

How to Become a Franciscan

Have you or someone you know felt the Lord calling you to a life of service, simplicity, fraternity, and joyfulness?

Our friars are happy to meet and journey with men who are considering God’s unfolding plan for them. The friars will encourage and guide the process of prayerful discernment.

Don’t hesitate to contact the us for more information!

LEARN MORE

Learn About Our Order

With over five thousand followers in his lifetime, St. Francis inspired the energetic and talented friars toward a broader task of helping to transform every level of society.

No positive initiative was outside the community’s gospel mandate – as long as the good work did not “extinguish the spirit of holy prayer and devotion.”

The friars quickly became preachers and educators, administrators of royal charities, and advocates of social justice. They spread the faith far and wide as missionaries, and they often spilled their blood as martyrs.

EXPLORE OUR HISTORY
Conventual Friars in North America. Taken in the 1940s

Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

6107 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60660

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Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.