The Conventual Franciscan Friars of St. Anthony of Padua Province form a part of the Franciscan family founded by St. Francis of Assisi, born in 1181 or 1182 (the exact year is uncertain), dying there October 3, 1226.

With the Gospels as his guide and through the silent teaching of personal example, St. Francis lived his life based on the words of Jesus.

St. Francis saw his Friars in terms of a fraternity of brothers. Hence, the title "Friar" (or brother) best suits the Franciscans. Seeing the Jesus of the Gospels as one who was poor and uncomplicated, St. Francis wanted his Friars to live in that same spirit.

To learn more about male religious of St. Anthony of Padua Province (USA), our founder, and our Order, click on one of the links to the left.

Conventual Franciscans in the United States: The First Half-Century
by Fr. Timothy Kulbicki, OFM Conv.
Fr. Tim created an in depth history of the work of the Conventual Franciscans in the United States that began formally with the 1852 arrival of five Conventual Franciscan Friars in Texas, but began informally many years prior, with varied accounts of our order's influence and work in the U.S.
Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V
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