Love, Humility, and Spiritual Renewal for Every Day

The Order of the Little Brothers of St. Francis of Paola Klikněte pro více , known as the Paulines, is a community characterized by profound humility, service, and prayer. For more than five centuries, they have been working around the world to bring comfort, spiritual renewal, and hope to people. In Vranov u Brna, the Paulines continue the legacy of their founder, St. Francis of Paola—not only by caring for the church and the spiritual life of the faithful, but also by being open to all who seek peace, encouragement, and meaning, regardless of whether they stand inside the church or outside its walls.

The Legend of St. Francis of Paola
Francis of Paola (1416–1507) was born in the small Calabrian town of Paola Klikněte pro více . From a young age, he was seen as a person with an extraordinary sensitivity to God and His will. Legend has it that as a boy, he was healed of a serious eye disease through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi Klikněte pro více . Out of gratitude, he decided to devote his life to God in silence and prayer. He went into the wilderness, where he began to live a life of self-denial and strict fasting. His reputation for holiness and miracles spread, and other men who longed to live a similar life came to his cave. Thus was founded the first community of the order, which later came to be known as the Minims—the “least ones.”

The Founding of the Order and Its Mission

In 1474 Pope Sixtus IV Klikněte pro více approved a new order that differed from the religious orders common at the time—the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience were supplemented by a fourth vow: perpetual fasting and abstinence from meat. The order was named Ordo Minimorum (OM)—the Order of the Least Brothers. Francis wanted his brothers not to exalt themselves above anyone, but to be servants to all. Their motto became the simple yet profound word Charitas —Love.

Order in the World

After the death of St. Francis, the order spread throughout Europe. The Paulines founded monasteries not only in Italy Klikněte pro více , but also in France Klikněte pro více , Spain Klikněte pro více , and Central Europe Klikněte pro více . They earned special respect for their openness to people outside the monastery walls—they cared for the sick, looked after the poor, and offered spiritual guidance to the laity. Their presence was often associated with places of special spiritual significance, such as springs, pilgrimage churches, and sites of miraculous healings.

The Order in the Czech Lands

The Paulines arrived in our region as early as the end of the 15th century. Between 1501 and 1507, they founded their first monastery in Bohemia near Nová Bystřice (now the Klášter district). In 1533, it was burned down by the Anabaptists, but it was rebuilt after 1626. To this day, however, only the Church of the Holy Trinity and the adjacent Red Corridor remain standing. Thanks to the Rožmberk family, the Paulines also had a presence at Kuklov near Brloh. However, the monastery was never completed and, as is often the case, was later converted into a brewery. Today, only the ruins of the church and part of the cloister remain. In the second half of the 17th century, a new monastery was built in Světce near Tachov. Another significant site was Nová Paka, where, between 1654 and 1724, a vast Baroque monastery complex with a pilgrimage church was built, known for the works of Petr Brandl and its rich fresco decoration. In Moravia, the Paulines were active primarily in Vranov near Brno. The Ditrichštejn family was instrumental in founding the monastery in 1633, as it was precisely at the site of the future monastery that the blind Margrave Wilhelm was healed following an apparition of the Virgin Mary. The resemblance to Francis of Paola is striking. The Josephine reforms then gradually abolished monasteries throughout the empire beginning in 1784. It seemed as though this would mark the end of the Paulines’ activities in the Czech Lands and Moravia. But after a hiatus of more than two hundred years, the Paulines returned to Vranov near Brno in 1992 and once again began their much-needed spiritual and pastoral work there.

The Order in Vranov u Brna

Vranov u Brna is today one of the few places in the Czech lands where the Friars Minor are still active. The spiritual center they administer here stands in the immediate vicinity of the pilgrimage church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary—a site associated with the legend of her apparition. In addition to their traditional religious ministry, the Paulines care for pilgrims, lead spiritual retreats, and offer guidance to people seeking meaning and peace amid today’s fast-paced world.

Charitas – Love as a Path for Today

For the Paulines, the motto “Charitas” is not merely a historical symbol, but a living challenge. It signifies concrete acts of love—listening, helping those in need, and offering support in difficult times. In today’s world, which is often overwhelmed by information and a fast pace, they offer something that is hard to come by—time, attention, and prayer.

Works for Laypeople and Outside the Church

The Paulines in Vranov u Brna understand that serving God does not take place only within the walls of the church. That is why they also dedicate themselves to the Spiritual Center—a place that is open to everyone, both believers and seekers. Seminars, spiritual retreats, conversations, and gatherings are held here. People talk about life without pretension, but with sincere depth. Here, the Gospel has the power to transform human hearts. When we address the specific concerns, joys, and challenges that many of us experience day in and day out at the Spiritual Center, we leave with uplifting insights and peace in our souls.