St. John the Evangelist Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order recently celebrated its 90th anniversary with Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church in Philadelphia, followed by a reception in the parish center.
Founded in 1936 by a group of volunteers at St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in Kensington, the fraternity later moved to St. John the Evangelist Parish, where it became a vibrant part of Philadelphia’s Franciscan community. At its height, the fraternity numbered more than 500 members and eventually helped give rise to 21 smaller Secular Franciscan fraternities throughout the region.
Ninety years after its founding, St. John’s continues to live the Franciscan spirit of prayer, service, simplicity and joy through its fraternity life and outreach in the Philadelphia community.
Secular Franciscan Order 
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