Bishop Stephen will celebrate 11.30am Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday 4th October – the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. All are very welcome to attend.
This is a Jubilee Year marking the 800th Anniversary of the death of St. Francis and we are blessed to have Br Lixson, a member of the Capuchin Franciscan community from the Friary at St Godric’s in Durham also preaching for us.
Br Lixson writes:
“Since November 2021, the Capuchin Friars have been part of the life of Durham, living in the heart of the city under the patronage of Blessed John Duns Scotus. The presbytery of St Godric’s is currently home to four friars.
“The Capuchins are part of the Franciscan family, following the example of St Francis of Assisi, who sought to live the Gospel through simplicity, fraternity, prayer and service – especially alongside those who are poor, vulnerable or marginalised.
“Almost 800 years after St Francis began his mission, the Capuchins continue to share this same vision. For the friars in Durham, this means being present among the people of the city, building relationships, serving those in need and sharing the joy of the Gospel.”
Serving the community
The friars are involved in a wide variety of ministries across Durham and beyond. They work alongside the university chaplaincy, building relationships with students and encouraging young people to explore faith and vocation. Work with local charities, including the Salvation Army, supports people experiencing poverty, homelessness and other challenges.
The friars contribute to prison chaplaincy, offering pastoral and spiritual guidance, and assist local parishes through weekend ministry, preaching, pastoral care and supporting for local communities.
Alongside these activities, the friars make time for prayer, contemplation, spiritual direction and simply being available to people who wish to talk, pray or seek guidance.
A Franciscan presence
At the heart of the friars’ ministry is a simple desire: to bring the love and mercy of Christ to the people they meet.
Through prayer, fraternity and service, the Capuchins look to be a welcoming Franciscan presence in Durham – close to the people, attentive to those on the margins and ready to serve wherever they are needed.
The friary is not simply a place where four friars live. It is a place from which they seek to build community, accompany others and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the people of Durham and beyond.
