The Founding of the Capuchin Order
Following his conversion, Saint Francis struggled for some time to fully understand his calling. He felt a profound desire to live apart from others and serve God in solitude. But on February 24, 1209, during the feast of the Apostle Saint Matthias, he attended Mass at the small church of the Porziuncola. As he listened to the Gospel, he heard the words: “Do not take gold, silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for the journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff” (Mt 10, 9). Upon hearing this, he exclaimed, “Ah! This is what I have been seeking, this is what I have been praying for.” Without hesitation, he put on a simple robe, girded himself with a rope, and, like the Apostles, began preaching a message of penance. By April 1209, Bernard of Quintavalle, Peter Cattani, and Giles of Assisi had joined him. Within twenty years, the Franciscan Order had spread throughout Europe. The Rule was initially approved orally by Pope Innocent III in 1209, and it was later formally confirmed by Pope Honorius III on November 29, 1223.
As time passed, there was a growing movement to lessen the austerity of the Rule. This resulted in a split within the Order into two main factions: one committed to preserving the full Franciscan spirit, and the other seeking to moderate the Rule’s strictness. Consequently, several branches of the Franciscan Order emerged, including the Observant Friars Minor, the Conventuals, the Alcantarines, the Recollects and the Reformati.
The Capuchins originated in 1525 as a renewal movement within the Franciscan Order. Initially, they aimed to live a eremitical lifestyle, which led to their first official name: ‘Friars Minor of the Eremitic Life.’ The Capuchins, alongside renewing the Franciscan Order by faithfully observing the Rule and Testament of St. Francis and embracing a life centred on living out the Gospel, dedicated themselves to an apostolate focused on assisting the poor, and the vulnerable. They preached, participated in popular missions, and provided care to the sick, particularly during outbreaks of the plague and cholera. From the outset, they gained the trust of the people, notably during the plague that struck the city of Camerino in 1526.
Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me true faith, certain hope, and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out Your holy and true command.
ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI - PRAYER BEFORE THE CRUCIFIX
Friar Minor Capuchins in Malta
The Franciscan Capuchins came to Malta in 1588/89 and their first Friary was built by Grand Master Hugh Loubens de Verdalle outside the city walls of Valletta (Floriana). About one hundred and fifty years later they built two more Friaries: one outside Vittoriosa (Kalkara) and another in Rabat, Gozo. Thus they became an autonomous Custody in 1740 and then became a Province in 1840, with an added responsibility of a Prefecture in Tunis. During this century they founded five more Fraiaries: two in Marsa (1912 and 1961), one in Xemxija (1935), another in San Ġwann (1940), and the latest one in Għajn Dwieli, Paola (1953). They also undertook apostolic work in India, where the first missionaries went in 1923 and stayed until 1979 and in the process they founded the Diocese of Jhansi and also helped for 10 years in the Archdiocese of Bhopal. From 1974 they are engaged in missionary work in the Garissa Diocese and responsible for the Vice-Province of Kenya. In the year 2000, a new Diocese of Malindi was cut off from the Diocese of Garissa and Mombasa.
Moreover, the Maltese Capuchins have a long history of providing aid during various outbreaks of plague and cholera in Malta. They were frequently called upon to care for the sick in hospitals and even in lazarettos, where those afflicted with contagious diseases were quarantined. Father Rafel Camilleri, Brother Ġużepp from Malta, and Father Franġisku from Noto, who was the Superior of the Floriana Convent, were the first Capuchins to assist during the Plague of 1592. In acknowledgment of their sacrifice, the British authorities selected the Capuchins to provide support in hospitals and orphanages. Following their dedicated service during the Plague of 1813 and the Cholera outbreak of 1837, the Maltese Capuchins continued to be called upon to administer sacraments to the sick at the Lazzaretto and in hospitals across Malta to this very day.
During the era of the Knights and even more so under British rule, the Capuchins in Malta were often entrusted with the responsibility of offering spiritual support to those condemned to death and to prisoners. This sensitive and demanding role required deep experience in spiritual guidance, as well as wisdom and discernment. The Capuchins continue this pastoral mission today, serving as prison chaplains at the Corradino Correctional Facility
After the French occupation (1798-1800), the Capuchins continued to work to alleviate the suffering of the Maltese people. In 1813, at the beginning of British colonization, hunger and poverty led to an outbreak of the plague, followed by cholera in 1839. During the British occupation in Malta (1800-1979), the Maltese Capuchin friars continued to offer their charitable contribution in various ministries, especially in hospitals as indicated above and in the prisons, while a number of other friars went abroad as missionaries.
As the number of friars is declining, traditional pastoral activities such as hospital ministry, were significantly reduced. Nevertheless, new forms of pastoral work emerged, including the establishment of a foundation that supports the homeless and individuals with mental health issues through several shelters now known as ‘Suret il-Bniedem’ along with the ‘Akkoljenza’ ministry at the Kalkara Frairy.
Is the Lord calling you?
God still calls. All around the world we hear of young people who dedicate their lives to God and his people, responding to a personal call. Is God calling you? How can you know? For some, the call might manifest as a desire to help the poor, while others may feel drawn to life in fraternity. Some might experience a deep interior void, while others are filled with joy at the thought of consecrating their life to God.