Franciscans carry on St. Francis's legacy
Date Published: April 08, 2026
As the Catholic Church celebrates a jubilee year in honor of the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, more people are learning about the Franciscan way of life and the global movement founded by St. Francis in 1209.
Because of this renewed interest, OSV News has released an in-depth report on Franciscans in the United States. Provincial Councilor Br. Roger Lopez, OFM, is prominently featured in the article reflecting on the first Franciscans to arrive in America and the three branches or orders of the Franciscan family.
How do the different Franciscan communities, some extending beyond the Roman Catholic faith, carry out their mission? What are the current challenges and blessings faced by the Franciscans? Read the article here to learn about the past, present and future of Franciscans in the U.S.