Vision and Purpose
Our vision flows forth from the inspiration and intuition of St Francis of Assisi that our beautiful Earth is a common home for us all; we are one family created and loved by God the Holy Trinity. As such we aspire to create opportunities to encounter each other and the whole of creation as deeply related and to learn together how better to live humbly and gently.
Our Purpose
Inspired by the vision of St. Francis and St. Clare our purpose is to offer a Franciscan welcome to all those who come to Ards Friary, an oasis of peace and beauty, to reconnect with nature, learn to live in harmony with the earth and with one another, and deepen their journey into the mystery of God’s healing love.
Spiritual Accompaniment
A number of the friars are available -by appointment – to accompany people as they explore the stories of their relationship to God, the Mystery of life and of their efforts to live the Gospel.
Franciscan Spirituality in action
Guided by the call of Pope Francis in Laudato Si, and our own Franciscan tradition, we have begun the process of responding to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor by developing a plan for our future which integrates our contemplative spirituality, with our learning in ecology, and our renewal of fraternity.