About Capuchin College (Saint Francis friary) · Washington, District of Columbia
Capuchin College, also known as Saint Francis Friary, is a house of studies and formation for Capuchin friars in Washington, D.C., serving as the Post-Novitiate Program for the Province of St. Augustine. It is a spiritual and academic center where friars prepare for ministry, living according to the Rule of St. Francis and the Capuchin Constitutions. The friary offers public Masses on Saturdays at 8:30 AM with a social hour afterward, and is deeply rooted in prayer, contemplation, and service to the poor and marginalized. It is part of a global Capuchin tradition that began in 1528 and continues to grow, especially in the U.S. and among immigrant communities.
- Patron
- St. Francis of Assisi
Why belong here
Join a community of friars dedicated to living the Gospel in simplicity, prayer, and service to the poor and marginalized. Experience the spiritual renewal of the Capuchin tradition, rooted in the Rule of St. Francis and the Constitutions, and participate in ministries that reach out to immigrants, the young, and those burdened by hardship. The friary offers public Masses with social gatherings, fostering a welcoming, contemplative, and apostolic life.
Mass times at Capuchin College (Saint Francis friary)
Weekly Mass schedule
About Friars
The Capuchin friars live according to the Rule of St. Francis, emphasizing obedience, poverty, and chastity. They are called to live a Gospel life in truth, simplicity, and joy, and to serve the poor, sick, and dying. The friars are known for their austerity, holiness, and solidarity with the common people.
Our House
Capuchin College is a house of studies and formation for friars in the Province of St. Augustine. It serves as the Post-Novitiate Program, preparing friars for ministry. The friary is located in Washington, D.C., and is part of a global Capuchin tradition that began in 1528.
In Formation
The Post-Novitiate Program at Capuchin College prepares friars for ministry. The program is rooted in the Capuchin Constitutions and the Rule of St. Francis. The friars are called to live a Gospel life in truth, simplicity, and joy, and to serve the poor, sick, and dying.
Province of St. Augustine
The Province of St. Augustine was established in 1882 by friars from Bavaria and Westphalia. The friars are known for their German roots and their service to newly arrived immigrants. The province now serves in the District of Columbia, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Papua New Guinea.
Capuchin Saints
There are more than 70 canonized and beatified Capuchin friars and sisters. St. Francis is the founder, and many saints and blesseds came from humble backgrounds. Notable saints include Brother Felix of Cantalice, Brother Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Brother Lawrence of Brindisi, and Padre Pio of Pietrelcina.
Our Life in Prayer
Prayer of the heart leads to an intimate experience of God. The friars are called to preserve and promote the contemplative spirit of St. Francis. Interior prayer is a charism of the Capuchin fraternity and is the seed of genuine renewal.
Vows
The Capuchin friars take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows are rooted in Baptism and dedicated totally to God to follow Christ more nearly and to give themselves to God who is love.
Ministry
The principal apostolate of a lesser brother is to live a Gospel life in truth, simplicity, and joy. The friars are called to undertake ministries that are regarded as especially difficult, and to show special care to those deprived of ordinary pastoral care, including the young, immigrants, laborers, and those harassed by hostility or racial prejudice.