1. Significant Statistical Trends in the Capuchin Order
Some considerations about formation and the challenges we currently face
This statistical overview of the Order offers us a glimpse of some of the trends we are experiencing. Numbers do not tell the whole story, but they can sometimes help us understand some of the situations that influence the decisions of the general council.
This statistical overview of the Order offers us a glimpse of some of the trends we are experiencing. Numbers do not tell the whole story,
but they can sometimes help us understand some of the situations that influence the decisions of the general council.

2. There are fewer Capuchins, but …
3 y
5 y
19 y
The number of professed friars in the Capuchin Order has been decreasing since 1965, when it peaked at 14,788. We are still in a downward trend, but as you can see in the graph, we are declining more slowly than in the past. In fact, it took only three years for the number of friars to decrease from 14,000 to 13,000. It took another five years to decrease to 12,000. Then it was a further 19 years – in before the number of friars decreased by another The Order has lost about 800 friars in the twenty years since then, so that by the end of 2016 there were 10,180 professed Capuchins in the world.
There are hopeful signs, however, that we could begin to grow again in the near future.
The number of professed friars in the Capuchin Order has been decreasing since 1965, when it peaked at 14,788. We are still in a downward trend,
but as you can see in the graph, we are declining more slowly than in the past.
In fact, it took only three years for the number of friars to decrease from 14,000 to 13,000.
It took another five years to decrease to 12,000.
Then it was a further 19 years – in before the number of friars decreased by another The Order has lost about
800 friars in the twenty years since then, so that by the end of 2016 there were 10,180 professed Capuchins in the world.
There are hopeful signs, however, that we could begin to grow again in the near future.

3. … we are doing relatively well
17%
Between 1974 and 2016, membership in the Capuchin Order declined by 17%, from about 12,700 friars (including novices) to around 10,600. In that same period, the Society of Jesus went from almost 30,000 to fewer than 16,400 members, a decline of 45%. The Friars Minor did not fare much better, declining 41%. A few congregations actually grew during this period, including the Conventuals, who grew by 5%. Among the older, established congregations, however, the Capuchin Order has fared relatively well.
Between 1974 and 2016, membership in the Capuchin Order declined by 17%, from about 12,700 friars (including novices) to around 10,600.
In that same period, the Society of Jesus went from almost 30,000 to fewer than 16,400 members, a decline of 45%.
The Friars Minor did not fare much better, declining 41%. A few congregations actually grew during this period, including the Conventuals, who grew by 5%.
Among the older, established congregations, however, the Capuchin Order has fared relatively well.

4. Deaths and departures exceed professions
In this graph, the black bars represent the annual number of deaths in the Order, which have averaged about 200 for the past 20 years. This number, however, has been decreasing slightly in recent years. The red bars indicate departures (expiry of vows, dispensations, dismissals, etc.) from the Order, which also number about 200 each year. Here also, fewer friars have been leaving the Order in recent years. Finally, the green line represents the annual number of temporary professions in the Order. In the last 20 years the Order has averaged about 356 professions a year, but this trend is also slightly negative. It appears that one of the reasons why departures have decreased is that the admissions process for candidates has become more selective, which also leads to fewer professions each year.
The overall result of these figures, as we saw in the last slide, is a small annual decrease in the number of friars in the Order. It is possible that the Order may begin to grow again in the near future as the large classes of the 1950’s and 1960’s enter the “Eternity Fraternity”.
In this graph, the black bars represent the annual number of deaths in the Order, which have averaged about 200 for the past 20 years.
This number, however, has been decreasing slightly in recent years.
The red bars indicate departures (expiry of vows, dispensations, dismissals, etc.) from the Order, which also number about 200 each year.
Here also, fewer friars have been leaving the Order in recent years.
Finally, the green line represents the annual number of temporary professions in the Order. In the last 20 years the Order has averaged
about 356 professions a year, but this trend is also slightly negative. It appears that one of the reasons why departures have decreased
is that the admissions process for candidates has become more selective, which also leads to fewer professions each year.
The overall result of these figures, as we saw in the last slide, is a small annual decrease in the number of friars in the Order.
It is possible that the Order may begin to grow again in the near future as the large classes of the 1950’s and 1960’s
enter the “Eternity Fraternity”.

5. Departures from temporary vows
While we have no control over death and only limited control over the number of temporary professions, we can attempt to reduce the number of friars who leave the Order. This graph shows that about 40% of those who profess temporary vows do not make perpetual profession. Since the purpose of temporary vows is to give friars time to discern whether they are called to our life one would expect a certain percentage of departures. With better accompaniment, however, perhaps the percentage of departures could be reduced. Hopefully, the Ratio Formationis, which will be presented for approval at the 2018 general chapter, will lead to improved formation, which in turn will result in better perseverance.
While we have no control over death and only limited control over the number of
temporary professions, we can attempt to reduce the number of friars who leave the Order.
As this graph shows, about 40% of those who profess temporary vows do not make perpetual profession.
Since the purpose of temporary vows is to give friars time to discern whether they are called
to our life one would expect a certain percentage of departures.
With better accompaniment, however, perhaps the percentage of departures could be reduced.
Hopefully, the Ratio Formationis, which will be presented for approval at the 2018 general chapter,
will lead to improved formation, which in turn will result in better perseverance.

6. Perseverance among perpetually professed
50%
75%
Even more concerning is the number of perpetually professed friars who leave the Order, either by incardinating into a diocese, transferring to another congregation, requesting a dispensation or being dismissed. The timing of these departures is particularly significant. This graphs shows the number of departures according to the length of time spent in perpetual vows. As you can see, the greatest number of departures take place only a few years after perpetual profession. In fact, 50% of those who departed after perpetual profession did so within six years. 75% of departures took place within eleven years of perpetual profession. This points to the need for improved ongoing formation in the Order, especially in the early years of perpetual vows. This has been a concern of the General Formation Office, and we hope that the Ratio Formationis will also help in this regard.
Even more concerning is the number of perpetually professed friars who leave the Order, either by
incardinating into a diocese, transferring to another congregation, requesting a dispensation
or being dismissed. The timing of these departures is particularly significant.
This graphs shows the number of departures according to the length of time spent in perpetual vows.
As you can see, the greatest number of departures take place only a few years after perpetual profession.
In fact, 50% of those who departed after perpetual profession did so within six years.
75% of departures took place within eleven years of perpetual profession. This points to the need for improved
ongoing formation in the Order, especially in the early years of perpetual vows. This has been a concern of
the General Formation Office, and we hope that the Ratio Formationis will also help in this regard.

7. A “three-speed” Order
While the number of friars worldwide has been only slightly declining in recent years, this overall stability masks significant changes taking place at the regional level. One can say that the Order is operating at three speeds. In Asia and Africa, the Order is growing significantly. The number of friars in Central-Eastern Europe and Latin America has remained approximately the same over the years. In Western Europe and North America, the Order is experiencing a sharp, numerical decline. In 2015, for the first time in the Order’s history, the number of Capuchins in Africa and Asia exceeded the number of friars in Western Europe and North America.
While the number of friars worldwide has been only slightly declining in recent years, this
overall stability masks significant changes taking place at the regional level.
One can say that the Order is operating at three speeds.
In Asia and Africa, the Order is growing significantly.
The number of friars in Central-Eastern Europe and Latin America has remained approximately the same over the years.
In Western Europe and North America, the Order is experiencing a sharp, numerical decline. In 2015,
for the first time in the Order’s history, the number of Capuchins in Africa and Asia
exceeded the number of friars in Western Europe and North America.

8. Changes in regional membership
Looking at the data in another way, in 1996 almost half – 46% – of the Order’s friars were from Western Europe, 10% were from the African continent and 14% were from the Asia-Pacific region. Twenty years later, by the end of 2016, Western Europe accounted for less than one-third of the Order’s friars, while Asia-Pacific grew to one-fourth of the Order and Africa grew to 15%. While the growth in Asia and Africa is certainly welcome, the numerical decline of the Order especially in Western Europe leads to difficult and sometimes painful decisions. Provinces have merged. Friaries where Capuchins have been present for centuries are being abandoned and sold. Managing this decline takes a great deal of time and energy.
Looking at the data in another way, in 1996 almost half – 46% – of the Order’s friars were from
Western Europe, 10% were from the African continent and 14% were from the Asia-Pacific region.
Twenty years later, by the end of 2016, Western Europe accounted for less than one-third of the
Order’s friars, while Asia-Pacific grew to one-fourth of the Order and Africa grew to 15%.
While the growth in Asia and Africa is certainly welcome, the numerical decline of the Order
especially in Western Europe leads to difficult and sometimes painful decisions.
Provinces have merged. Friaries where Capuchins have been present for centuries are being
abandoned and sold. Managing this decline takes a great deal of time and energy.

9. Friars and candidates in formation
When we look at the number of formandi (postulants, novices and temporarily professed friars) in the various regions, it is clear that these demographic trends will continue for quite some time. The number of formandi is highest in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and is still growing. Western Europe and North America have the lowest numbers, and their numbers are still decreasing. The number of formandi in Latin America and Central-Eastern Europe are between the other two regions. Their numbers were growing until 2003, but then declined until 2014.
When we look at the number of formandi (postulants, novices and temporarily professed friars) in
the various regions, it is clear that these demographic trends will continue for quite some time.
The number of formandi is highest in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, and is still growing.
Western Europe and North America have the lowest numbers, and their numbers are still decreasing.
The number of formandi in Latin America and Central-Eastern Europe are between the other two regions.
Their numbers were growing until 2003, but then declined until 2014.

10. Formandi as a percentage of friars
This chart shows the number of formandi (postulants, novices and post-novices) as a percentage of the number of professed friars. For every ten professed friars in the Western Europe and North America region, there is less than one person in formation. In Central-Eastern Europe and Latin America, there is about one person in formation for every three professed friars. The percentage of formandi in the Africa and Asia-Pacific region is very high – about one person in formation for every two professed friars. The high percentage of men in formation presents a challenge for finding a sufficient number of trained formation directors and for meeting formation expenses.
This chart shows the number of formandi (postulants, novices and post-novices) as a percentage
of the number of professed friars. For every ten professed friars in the Western Europe and
North America region, there is less than one person in formation.
In Central-Eastern Europe and Latin America, there is about one person in formation for every three professed friars.
The percentage of formandi in the Africa and Asia-Pacific region is very high – about one person in formation
for every two professed friars. The high percentage of men in formation presents a challenge for finding a sufficient
number of trained formation directors and for meeting formation expenses.

11. Needs
The Order’s changing demographics have economic consequences, as well. It should be quite apparent that as the number of formandi increases in Africa and Asia, their economic needs will also increase. It is equally true, although maybe not quite as apparent, that as the number of friars in Western Europe and North America decline, contributions to the Order will decrease.
Revenue
The Order’s changing demographics have economic consequences, as well. It should be quite apparent
that as the number of formandi increases in Africa and Asia, their economic needs will also increase.
It is equally true, although maybe not quite as apparent, that as the number of friars
in Western Europe and North America decline, contributions to the Order will decrease.

12. Friars by economic group
Each circumscription contributes to the Order's administrative costs based on the number of its perpetually professed friars and its "economic group". These contributions support the ministry of the general council and the general curia. Circumscriptions are assigned to one of four “economic groups” – A to D. Group A makes the lowest per capita contribution and Group D pays the highest per capita contribution. This chart illustrates the increase and decrease in the number of perpetually professed friars in each of the four “economic groups”. Since 1996, the number of friars in circumscriptions belonging to groups C and D, that is, the groups that contribute the highest amount, has declined by about 1700 perpetually professed friars. In that same time period, the jurisdictions in Group A, that is, the group that contributes at the lowest rate, have added just under 2000 perpetually professed friars. Group B stayed about the same. Since the per capita contribution of group D is more than twice the per capita contribution of group A, the average per capita contribution to the Order decreases each year.
Each circumscription contributes to the Order's administrative costs based on the number of its perpetually
professed friars and its "economic group". These contributions support the ministry of the general council and the general curia.
Circumscriptions are assigned to one of four “economic groups” – A to D. Group A makes the lowest per capita
contribution and Group D pays the highest per capita contribution. This chart illustrates the increase and
decrease in the number of perpetually professed friars in each of the four “economic groups”.
Since 1996, the number of friars in circumscriptions belonging to groups C and D, that is, the
groups that contribute the highest amount, has declined by about 1700 perpetually professed friars.
In that same time period, the jurisdictions in Group A, that is, the group that contributes at the lowest rate,
have added just under 2000 perpetually professed friars. Group B stayed about the same.
Since the per capita contribution of group D is more than twice the per capita contribution of group A,
the average per capita contribution to the Order decreases each year.

13. Challenges for the Order
Keeping mission at the heart of the Order
Maintaining its essential institutions
Supporting formation in young circumscriptions
Supporting the personnel needs of older circumscriptions
In light of these numbers, what are some of the major challenges facing the Order?
First, we need to maintain a commitment to the missions, not only because it is a fundamental part of our charism, but also because missions will contribute to our future growth. How can we continue to assist our current missions while also being open to new areas?
With fewer friars in Europe and decreasing financial resources, how do we maintain our vital institutions, such as the International College, the Historical Institute, etc.?
How do we continue to support good formation programs in Africa, Asia and other young, growing areas of the Order, not just financially, but with personnel and advice, as well?
How do we support the circumscriptions in Europe and North America, where the decline in vocations, fewer donations and less paid ministry is creating challenges for maintaining friaries and structures that were built when these provinces were large and thriving?
In light of these numbers, what are some of the major challenges facing the Order?
First, we need to maintain a commitment to the missions, not only because it is a fundamental part
of our charism, but also because missions will contribute to our future growth. How can we continue
to assist our current missions while also being open to new areas?
With fewer friars in Europe and decreasing financial resources, how do we maintain our vital institutions,
such as the International College, the Historical Institute, etc.?
How do we continue to support good formation programs in Africa, Asia and other young, growing areas
of the Order, not just financially, but with personnel and advice, as well?
How do we support the circumscriptions in Europe and North America, where the decline in vocations,
fewer donations and less paid ministry is creating challenges for maintaining friaries and structures
that were built when these provinces were large and thriving?