Faith, Service, and Education

Walking in the footsteps of St. Francis, serving through the grace of the Eucharist

Our Journey

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Faith & Eucharist

Centered on the Holy Eucharist, we live our faith through prayer, worship, and devotion to Christ's presence among us.

Education

From Mountbellew to Brooklyn, we have dedicated over 150 years to educating youth and forming future leaders.

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Service & Mission

Following St. Francis, we serve the poor, the marginalized, and all those in need of God's love and compassion.

From Mountbellew to Brooklyn

The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn trace their roots to Mountbellew, Ireland, where in 1869, a small group of dedicated men began a mission of education and service that would span continents and centuries.

Today, we continue that sacred tradition in Brooklyn, New York, living out our charism through schools, parishes, and ministries that touch thousands of lives each year.

Our journey is one of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel values of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

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Franciscan Brothers in prayer

Latest News

Eucharist

Eucharistic Adoration

July 2026

Join us for perpetual adoration at our Brooklyn chapel, open 24/7 for prayer and reflection.

Education

New School Year Begins

September 2026

Our schools welcome students for the 2026-2027 academic year with renewed commitment to excellence.

Community

Community Outreach

June 2026

Brothers serve meals and provide support to families in need throughout Brooklyn.

About Us - Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn

The Beginning in Mountbellew

In 1869, in the small village of Mountbellew, County Galway, Ireland, a group of devoted men gathered under the guidance of Bishop John McEvilly to establish a religious community dedicated to education and service.

These men, inspired by the Franciscan tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, committed themselves to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, while serving the educational needs of the local community.

The Mountbellew Agricultural College became their first foundation, where they taught practical skills alongside spiritual formation, preparing young men for lives of service and faith.

Mountbellew Ireland

Franciscan Church

Brooklyn Community

Our Journey Through Time

1869

Foundation in Mountbellew

The Franciscan Brothers are established in Mountbellew, Ireland, beginning their mission of education and service.

1900s

Growth in Ireland

The community expands, establishing schools and serving parishes throughout Ireland.

1950s

Arrival in Brooklyn

Responding to the needs of the Irish-American community, brothers begin ministry in Brooklyn, New York.

1970s-2000s

Expanding Mission

The brothers establish schools, parishes, and social service ministries throughout the New York area.

Today

Continuing the Mission

The Franciscan Brothers continue their work in education, parish ministry, and service to those in need.

Our Mission - Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn

Mission Statement

The Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn are called to live the Gospel in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi. Through our vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, we serve God's people through education, parish ministry, and works of mercy, always centered on the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of our faith.

Our Ministries

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Education

For over 150 years, we have been dedicated to forming young minds and hearts through Catholic education, from elementary schools to higher education institutions.

Parish Ministry

Our brothers serve in parishes throughout Brooklyn and beyond, providing pastoral care, sacramental ministry, and spiritual guidance to communities of faith.

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Social Services

Following St. Francis's example, we serve the poor, the homeless, and those on the margins of society through various outreach programs and charitable works.

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Spiritual Direction

We offer retreats, spiritual direction, and faith formation programs to help individuals deepen their relationship with God and grow in holiness.

Mission Work

Our brothers serve in mission territories around the world, bringing the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it and supporting local communities.

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Eucharistic Adoration

The Holy Eucharist is the center of our life. We maintain perpetual adoration chapels and promote Eucharistic devotion throughout our ministries.

Our Franciscan Values

Poverty

Living simply and sharing our resources with those in need, following Christ's example of detachment from material possessions.

Chastity

Dedicating our hearts entirely to God and His people, loving with the freedom and generosity of Christ.

Obedience

Listening to God's will through our superiors and the needs of the Church, surrendering our desires to serve His purposes.

Fraternity

Living in community as brothers, supporting one another in prayer and service, reflecting the communion of the Trinity.

The Eucharist: Our Center

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Franciscan life. In the Blessed Sacrament, we encounter Christ truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

Our daily celebration of Mass and time spent in Eucharistic adoration nourishes our souls and strengthens us for service. The Eucharist transforms us, making us more like Christ, so that we can be His hands and feet in the world.

From the tabernacle flows our mission. Every act of service, every lesson taught, every prayer offered is rooted in our Eucharistic devotion.

Eucharist