- Who Are the Capuchins?
- Capuchin Franciscans

 > St Francis & Capuchin beginnings
 > Capuchins throughout the world
 > Capuchins in Australia
 > Capuchins in Australia now
 > Capuchin Personalities

- Vocation Information
> Novitiate
> Charism
> Vocation Questions
> Capuchin Formation
> Rule of Life

- News
- Meet the Friars
- Development Office
- Help us
- Provincial News
- St. Anthony's Shrine
- Links

Capuchin Charism Statement

We, Capuchin Friars,
of the Australian Province,
called by God,
commit ourselves,
to be lesser brothers
among the People of God,
to live simply, joyfully and sincerely,
and in fraternity,
nourished daily
by a spirit of prayer and contemplation
and by the virtues and the vows
of poverty, chastity and obedience.

- Acountable to God and the brothers, especially in our local and provincial chapters and accepting one another's weaknesses and limitations in a spirit of hope and support; keeping in mind the multicultural reality of our society, we commit ourselves: to the work of evangelisation in humble service to all, especially to the little and poor ones of the Kingdom, living among them as among our own and reaching out to them in a spirit of ongoing conversion and joy, while as pilgrims and strangers we walk under the patronage of Mary, Assumed into Heaven.

Towards and Beyond 2000

"In order to remain close to the people you must endeavour, through study, reflection and prayer, to understand in the light of the Gospel the problems and the needs they are experiencing today. Without solid doctrine one runs the risk of labouring in vain.

Be missionaries! The need to carry the Gospel to the nations is all the more pressing now, given the growing mass of people who have not yet truly met the Lord Jesus. Instil a missionary thrust into the young generations and the young jurisdictions of your Order, always solidly maintaining the ecclesial aspect of your charism, in line with the "mandate" given to Francis by the Crucified One of San Damiano: 'Go and repair my Church'. Francis did just that in his day, now it is your turn! The pastoral needs of your native area do not constitute sufficient reason for not leaving your own country to go to a land that God will show you.

Be apostles of peace, a gift of God too often trampled underfoot by injustice and crime in a world that would call itself civilised and advanced.

The life of the Gospel, if it is really lived and proclaimed, will make you prophets, that is, men of God and bearers of God, as true sons of the Seraphic Father who in the words of one biographer was possessed by a "shining spirit of prophecy". In his teaching and example you have a rich heritage to protect: it will make you particularly well prepared for the new evangelisation, in view of the forthcoming Jubilee of the Year 2000."
Address of Pope John Paul II given to Capuchins in audience July 1994.

In response to the call of Pope John Paul II challenging us all to devote more strenuous and sincere efforts towards the work of EVANGELISATION, the Capuchins in Australia are re-evaluating their presence and looking possibly to new forms of ministry in the community. Consultation with the friars of the Province is being conducted in the form of a questionnaire. The responses will provide the Provincial Council with matters to discuss further with the friars, which may lead to new paths to set upon or other initiatives to be taken.

The variety of ministry and its impact for the future of the Lord's kingdom in this Land of the Southern Cross, depends, to some extent, on the generosity and willingness of others prepared to join force and follow the Poverello of Assisi, St. Francis, as a dedicated Capuchin Brother or Priest.

If you are a healthy young man, desiring to live your Catholic faith and share it with others; if you would like to do this sharing a common ideal with similar motivated and committed persons strengthened by community life,

CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY

that the Lord may be calling you to serve him as a Capuchin priest or brother.
For further information click here.