The work of Capuchin Mobile Ministries comes directly from the Capuchin Friars who sponsor and staff CMM. Inspired by the life and ideals of St. Francis of Assisi, the Capuchins are Franciscan Friars who live out the Gospel by serving those in need, living a simple life together as a community of brothers, and drawing closer to God through prayer. They work to make sure that the light of Christ in those persons they serve is not being obscured by ignorance or injustice or poverty of any kind.
Like every religious order, the Capuchins live out a particular charism. At its most basic, a charism is a gift from God for the church and the world. In the case of religious communities (like Franciscans or Jesuits, or Dominicans), that charism is reflected as much in what they do as in HOW they do it. At the heart of the Capuchin charism is a deep commitment to humble service with and for all people and all of creation. “We profess to walk with all people as brothers and sisters,” the Capuchins declare, “we seek no power over them, but only with them.” This charism calls the friars (literally “brothers”) to a deep sense of fraternity that calls them to live out the fruits of their prayer in service to those most in need.
Established in 1528 in central Italy as a reform of the Franciscan Order, the Capuchin Order emphases the contemplative dimension of Franciscan life as well as a return to a simpler and poorer practice of that form of religious life. Capuchin Mobile Ministries puts this charism and mission into action by showing mercy to those who are homeless and marginalized, sharing the good news of God’s love and care through compassionate accompaniment and physical and spiritual nourishment that reveals Christ in our midst and values each person as a beloved child of God worthy of loving relationship.