WHO WE ARE 

Humble Beginnings

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Saint Mary of the Angels Fraternity is part of the a Secular Franciscan Order that St. Francis established and was approved by the Catholic Church in 1221.

 

Our Fraternity started on August 21, 1994 on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, which began as the Port (Portiuncula​) Ministries.  This mission was inspired by St. Francis and the Franciscan Charism to provide the fundamental needs of the mind, body and spirit. Furthermore, the Port Mission addressed these needs through a series of programs and services that holistically worked together to serve the under resourced and under served residents of the local communities (Back of the Yards, Englewood, Gage Park).

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Fraternity 2.0

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The Fraternity has since moved to St. John, Indiana where we've experienced a dramatic increase over the last several years in our professed brothers and sisters. 

 

Our mission continues as it began, which is to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ by full hearted service to men, women and children in need.  We strive to find Jesus and serve Him in the “distressing disguise of the poor”.  

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Please take a look at Our Work to understand how we are serving the poor and spreading the Gospel message.