OFM Capuchins in Namibia

St. Francis of Assisi

Francis Bernardone was born in the town of Assisi in Italy nearly 800 years ago. As a young man he worked in his fathers store. Like other young men of his time Francis liked to have good clothes, money, feasts with his friends and having a good time.

After a while he asked himself, "Is life just about money and clothes? Isn't there something more important than that?" So he decided to become a soldier. He wanted to become famous as a military hero. He joined the army and was soon involved in battle. But their enemies defeated Francis and his comrade and Francis spent a year as a prisoner for war. When he was released he began thinking, and praying for God's guidance. One day, when he was at Mass, he heard the priest reading the Gospel which says that Jesus sent out his followers two by two into the whole world, without money or other possession, but with only the Love of God in their hearts. As soon as he heard it he knew in his heart that this was the life that God had called him to.

Francis then began to rebuild an old church with his own hands. He started to work among lepers, and begged food from the people of Assisi.

Other young men, and even some elder ones, where very impressed by what they saw and they came and joined Francis He wrote a rule of life for them to guide them living the Gospel, and the Pope approved it for him. They all lived together as brothers and so they were called friars (brothers). They prayed everyday, they went out to work and speak to the people of Gods's love for them. They drew their strength from prayer; especially from the Holy Mass. Out of their love for Jesus grew a great loyalty to the church. They went around preaching the gospel and doing good to all.

Today the followers of Francis of Assisi continue his life and work. He is now known to the world as St. Francis having been declared saint in 1228, just two years after his death. The Franciscan family, which is spread throughout the world, continues to respond to the call of the Gospel, which Francis first heard nearly 800 years ago.

Who are we?

Since the time of saint Francis there have been millions of men and women who have been inspired by his example to live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, in obedience, without property and chastity. Three different branches of the Franciscan family for men, for women, and for married people living with their families.

One branch of the Franciscan family is called the Capuchins. It is made up of 11000 friars who live in many parts of the world. The special aim of the capuchins, who were founded in 1528, is to live together as brothers, giving themselves to prayer and to the service of the poor.

Capuchins in Africa

There are Capuchins in Africa also. Indeed, the Capuchins have been in Zaire for over 350 years, while some of the first Franciscans went to Morocco during the lifetime of St. Francis himself. At present there are over 900 capuchins in 13 African countries including Namibia.

The first capuchins came to Namibia in 1944 at the invitation of the Bishop. Today in Namibia capuchins are working in parishes, teaching, counseling, directing retreats, youth work, caring for the poor and the sick etc.

Our life

Like all other Fathers, brothers and sisters a Capuchin takes three vows, or solemn promises to God. They are called the vows of chastity, obedience and poverty. By vow of chastity a capuchin freely surrenders his right to marriage and family life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.

By the vow of obedience the capuchin follows Jesus who is the pattern of obedience. He tries to be sensitive to the voice of God who reveals himself through the Church, the sacraments, the Bible, in conscience, in personal prayer, in the Rule, constitutions and tradition of the order.

Poverty means especially that the friars desire nothing but Christ and those things, which draw him closer to Christ. It means that he shares everything with the community- his time talents, work, money, care and affection.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants must:
1. Be fully committed Catholics.
2. Have the desire to serve God and his people, shown in activities of service undertaken where they live.
3. Have good health and human maturity.
4. Have the required academic qualification i.e. A Grade 12 Certificate and a merit in English language.