The presence of the Capuchin Friars in Gabon arose from the request of a Poor Clare Monastery that was in need of spiritual assistance. The appeal was accepted at that time by the General Minister, Br John Corriveau. The mission was entrusted to the Capuchin Province of Warsaw, Poland, and officially began on August 2, 2000.
The first brothers took over a parish in Issassa, near the Poor Clare Monastery, where they worked together and shared the Capuchin charism. Later, they also settled in other places. They are currently present in four fraternities: three parishes and one shrine. Eleven brothers live in Gabon, while four young Gabonese brothers are pursuing their philosophical studies in Benin.
Of the 11 friars present, 9 are from Poland (7 from the Warsaw Province and 2 from the Krakow Province), 1 from Benin and 1 from Gabon who is currently pursuing the pastoral year.
Over the years, many brothers have lived in the mission, and some have returned to their own circumscription. Since 2010, small groups have begun their initial formation, but there are still no Gabonese brothers in perpetual vows. One of the missionaries, Br Paul Truszkowski, succumbed to malaria in 2014 and is buried in the parish church of Ntoum.
In June 2025, during the visit of the General Secretary for Evangelisation and Missions, there was a community reflection on various aspects of the Order’s presence in Gabon.
This year 2025 is a very special one for the presence of the brothers in Gabon, because they are celebrating 25 years since the arrival of the first missionaries in the country. It is a time to take stock and also to relaunch the missionary commitment.
Let us pray for the missionary brothers in Gabon, for the young brothers in formation (5 postnovices, 1 postulant and 3 aspirants) that they may persevere in their vocation, and for the people of God entrusted to them, that they may always grow in faith.
