Franciscan Friars - Province of St. Barbara

Ever since the day of his death almost 800 years ago, the story of St. Francis of Assisi has captured the imagination of artists, theologians, musicians, people of every faith, and continues to call Catholic men to religious life as Friars Minor (Lesser Brothers).  This story has inspired young men for the past 800 years to place their hands in their Provincial Minister and vow:  The Rule and life of the Friars Minor is this, namely, to observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by living in obedience, without anything of one's own, and in chastity."

Today the organizational center for the Order of Friars Minor in the Western United States is the Province of Saint Barbara.  As part of the global Order of Friars Minor lead by our General Minister, the 120th successor of Saint Francis of Assisi.  The Province provides institutional support for the fraternal, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral pursuits of the friars.