The Capuchin Franciscan friars have opened a new friary in north Wichita, marking their first permanent presence in the Diocese of Wichita. The St. Carlo Acutis Friary was blessed by Bishop Carl A. Kemme on September 7.

“As the bishop of the diocese, I am very happy to welcome the Capuchin Friars to Wichita,” Bishop Kemme said. “Blessing their new St. Carlo Acutis Friary was a great honor. I pray that they will find in our diocese a warm welcome and a fruitful life as they live out their Capuchin charisms.”

Capuchin Fr. Donald Rank explained that former Bishop Eugene Gerber had extended several invitations over two decades for the Capuchins to come to Wichita, which were previously declined due to limited resources. Fr. Rank recalled Bishop Gerber’s persistence: “He said, ‘It’s okay, you’ll be here one day,’” Fr. Rank said. “There seems to be some prophecy in that.”

The decision for the Capuchins to establish a friary in Wichita was finalized by their provincial chapter in May 2025, with Fr. Rank noting near-unanimous support among members.

Fr. Rank provided historical context about the order’s origins and mission, referencing their roots in 16th-century reform movements within the Franciscans and emphasizing prayer and poverty as core values.

The friary is home to six friars: Fathers Donald Rank, Sales Pathrose, Charles Polifka; Brothers Charlie Jarosik, John Mary Lauderdale, and Angelo Faustino Soto. The focus at St. Carlo Acutis is on integrating younger friars into community life following their novitiate year—a period marked by contemplative practices and ministry work with local organizations such as the Lord’s Diner and Vagabond Missions.

Fr. Rank described daily routines at the friary as structured around prayer, meditation, Mass, manual labor, study or ministry assignments, recreation, and periods of silence.

Reflecting on his journey to religious life with the Capuchins, Fr. Rank shared: “I was looking into religious orders and someone told me to check out the monks in the mall,” he said. “I thought that was crazy, but they turned a mall storefront in Colorado Springs into a chapel with two confession booths.” He added that witnessing the fraternity among friars inspired him: “Being with the friars, praying with them, and seeing their joyful brotherhood was something I really wanted.”

The altar at St. Carlo Acutis Friary features an Italian phrase from its namesake: “L’Eucaristia è la mia autostrada per il Cielo,” translated as “The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven.”

Bishop Kemme expressed hope for a fruitful future for the Capuchins within his diocese as they continue their tradition of service rooted in contemplation.