Catholic Mission In Canada

Franciscan Brothers help promote the practice of spiritual and corporal works in Prince George missions

Vanderhoof, British Columbia—For the past eight years, several Franciscan Brothers have been helping in the Diocese of Prince George under the direction of Bishop Gerald Wiesner, O.M.I.

The Congregation of the Missionary Brothers of Saint Francis of Assisi (C.M.S.F.) is an international Society of Religious Brothers canonically founded in1901 in India by Brother Paulus Moritz of Germany.

The Brothers are involved in promoting the practice of good works within the community, consisting of spiritual and corporal works of mercy, and sharing spiritual and temporal assistance to those in need. The Brothers reside in Vanderhoof, British Columbia, and help Father Andy Takach, O.M.I., and Father Vincent James, O.M.I., in the neighbouring communities of Fraser Lake. Their assistance is greatly appreciated in both comm unities as well as the First Nations communities of Saik’uz, Stellat’en and Nadleh. The Brothers help both parishes with their outreach programs, conduct liturgy services when priests are not available, teach catechism, visit shut-ins and those unable to attend Mass, visit hospitals and palliative care facilities, pray for the sick, the dying, the downtrodden and all those in need of prayer.

During the spring and early summer, the Brothers assist with preparing the grounds and facilities for the Rose Prince pilgrimage. Without their help, it would be very difficult to hold the annual pilgrimage which is an opportunity to learn about Rose Prince, to connect with the Church, and to experience healing and peace. (Rose Prince of the Carrier Nation in Fort St. James lived a prayerful life and died in 1949.)

The Brothers are financially supported by the Diocese of Prince George, the parishes of Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake, and Catholic Missions In Canada.

With files from the Diocese of Prince George