The order of Friars Minor is a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Francis more than 800 years ago. From the small Italian town of Assisi it spread quickly throughout the world. From its humble beginnings in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Franciscan Province of Christ the King now extends throughout the entire length of western Canada.
Some friars also live in parishes where there are no friaries established.
The very source of our life is our communion with God in private and communal prayer. Our common prayer consists of the daily celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours, a monthly Day of Recollection and a yearly Spiritual Retreat. Friars are expected to spend time each day in personal prayer or contemplation. The basis of our contemplation is the Scriptures with the Gospels having a treasured place of pre-eminence. Through prayer we transform our lives so that, like Francis, we ourselves may become a prayer.