By Thea Jarvis

The Capuchin Friars soon to staff Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Anthony’s churches in Atlanta are part of the brotherhood founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early thirteenth century.

Capuchin Franciscans began in Italy in 1528 under the leadership of Mateo da Basio, who called for a return to Francis’ ideals of total poverty, a more contemplative prayer life and preaching the Good News to ordinary people.

Today, Capuchins are one of the largest religious orders of men in the church, with about 12,000 members worldwide. The U.S. has six provinces of Capuchin Friars with a combined membership of over one thousand.

At the invitation of Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM, priests from the Province of the Stigmata of St. Francis in Union City, N.J., are coming to Atlanta at a time when their community is targeting the needs of the church in the South.

Father John LoSasso, OFM Cap., provincial minister of the New Jersey province, noted that the tradition of the Capuchins is especially compatible with the aspirations of African-Americans.

“The portrait of Jesus Christ is complete only when we allow ourselves to discover the richness of his presence in each cultural experience,” Father LoSasso said.

The Province of the Stigmata has friars in New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia and Florida and its territory also includes the states of Tennessee, the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.

The province also staffs and supports mission friaries in Zambia, Africa.

Father LoSasso indicated that most of his province’s ministry occurs in an urban setting, so the metro locations of the two Atlanta parishes are a good fit.

“It is our preference to be in solidarity with people in the urban setting, so the metro locations of the two Atlanta parishes are a good fit.

“It is our preference to be in solidarity with people in the urban setting who struggle with the effects of poverty, unemployment, hunger and homelessness,” he explained.

Reflecting on the parochial schools affiliated with Lourdes and St. Anthony’s, Father LoSasso said he believes Catholic schools are a key ministry of the urban church, representing an important contribution to social justice. Quality education, he feels, is a way for young people to break the cycle of poverty and shape their own lives.

“It will be our privilege to collaborate with principals, teachers and students in support of Catholic education,” he said.

In addition to parish work, Capuchin Friars are active in hospitals, nursing homes, missions, peace and justice centers and campus ministry centers. They are also involved in preaching and retreat ministry, as well as a meal programs for the poor.

Archbishop Lyke said he particularly wants to have all three Franciscan branches, the OFMs, the Capuchins and the Conventual Franciscans serve the archdiocese. The Capuchins’ taking this assignment fulfill that goal.