The Franciscan Friars Conventual religious order merged two provinces to make the new Our Lady of the Angels Province. More than 200 friars are members of the province.

Formally established on May 5, the territory of the new province stretches from Ontario, Canada, to the eastern United States, from New England to Florida. The province also includes Costa Rica and custodies in Brazil, Great Britain and Ireland.

In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, the friars serve at St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro and St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs.

Friars will assemble again in August to chart the course of their many ministries, celebrating the longevity and diversity of the Franciscan witness to the poor and marginalized in the United States. Following the exhortation of Pope Francis, the new Our Lady of the Angels Province will seek to “wake up the world” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.