Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Our Australian Presence

In 2014, the former General Custody of ‘Our Lady Help of Christians’ in Australia officially came under the jurisdiction of Saint Bonaventure Province in Chicago, IL. Though we are an ocean apart, the fraternal bonds remain close. The Province’s presence in Australia continues to strive for holiness, through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, administering the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Kellyville (North-Western Sydney), NSW, as well as promoting a Pro-Life culture and offering retreats at the Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents nearby. The friars also support two Secular Franciscan Fraternities, and a local ‘Milita Immaculata’ village.

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Icon of Our Lady Help of Christians - Patroness of Australia

History of Franciscans in Australia

The first Franciscan to arrive on the shores of Australia was Friar Laurent Receveur, a Frenchman (1757-1788). He was a young priest-scientist who was commissioned by King Louis XVI to assist the Lapérouse expedition to circumnavigate the globe to gather new plants to be used in medicine. Landing at Botany Bay (Sydney), Receveur died unexpectedly on February 17, 1788. To this day, Franciscans and the French Consulate annually hold a ceremony at Receveur’s grave honoring his memory.  

In 1954, when our Order was able to establish a permanent presence in Australia, we chose to place our mission under the patronage of “Our Lady Help of Christians.” Throughout the years we have served the Church in Australia in a variety of ways including in parishes, schools, retreat centers, and chaplains of the Secular Franciscan Order, the Militia Immaculata (a ministry of the Conventual Friars), and the Legion of Mary. We outreach to the poor through organizations such as the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Caritas Australia. Our latest ministry is the foundation of our new ‘Shrine of the Holy Innocents’, to promote the sanctity of human life from birth till natural death.

Contact the Australian Friars

If you would like to receive more information about the Conventual Franciscan Friars in Australia, we would love to hear from you. Simply click the below to send us a message. We will reply to your message as promptly as possible.

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Shrine of the Holy Innocents

Located on the grounds of the Conventual Franciscan Friary of Mount Saint Francis, Kellyville, NSW, The Franciscan Shrine of the Holy Innocents and Garden of the Immaculate stand to promote a culture of life in the midst of a ‘throw away’ society.

The gardens and chapel are something that the whole community can enjoy. Christ came to give life in abundance and the spirituality of the shrine will reflect such in its beauty and prayerful presence under the aegis of our Blessed Mother who bore our Saviour and shares in her Son’s life-giving mission.

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.