What's a Province?

There are seven provinces and several custodies of OFM Franciscans within the United States. Dedicated to serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ by living the values of His Gospel, we are united as an Order by following the vision of St. Francis of Assisi. Although we are comprised of different provinces and custodies, we all follow the same Rule and constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscan).

Why the different provinces and custodies? The answer lies in the history of our country, and friars coming from various provinces in Europe to minister to the needs of immigrants flocking to the United States. For example, in the mid-1800's, friars from Germany came to serve the German immigrants settling in both rural and urban centers of mid-Western America. Although you will find many friars from the Sacred Heart province with Germanic surnames, you will also find Hispanic, Vietnamese and African-American friars within this province. The same goes for several of the other provinces. Recently, in order to better serve the indigenous and Mexican-Americans of the Southwest, Our Lady of Guadalupe province was formed.

A custody on the other hand is a group of friars who specifically serve one particular ethnic group, and number below 50 friars. For example, the Custody of St. Casimir in Kennebunkport, Maine, is comprised of friars from Lithuania who escaped Communist repression. As they served the Lithuanian communities along the East Coast, their dream of re-establishing a province on their native soil is now becoming a reality.

What is unique about the Franciscans is the fact we are not limited to a specific ministry. You may find friars serving God's people in the classroom,in parishes, soup kitchens, or perhaps at an AIDS hospice. What is special to the Franciscans is our focus on our brotherhood, living lives that reflect simplicity, humble obedience and being celibate for the sake of the Kingdom.

To find out which Provinces are in which States click on the map photo to the right.

Thank you for visiting the Web site of OFM-USA. May the Lord continue to bless you as you learn more about our Order, brotherhood and ministries.

Peace and good!

The Franciscan Vocation Directors of the United States

Want to learn more about St. Francis of Assisi? Click the picture to the left.

The Province of the Immaculate Conception
125 Thompson Street
New York, New York 10012

The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe
1350 Lakeview Road, S.W.
Albuquerque, NM 87105