About Us

1928 - Present

Development and History of the Little Portion of St. Francis Fraternity

In 1928 the Slovak Franciscan Friars established a Friary and Shrine known as Seven Dolors Shine. Now it is known as Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. In 1958 they built the Friary Chapel.

In 1967 the location became Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. The Franciscan Fathers and Brothers were here until December of 1996. The last Franciscan Pastor was Fr. Michael Lenz O.F.M. The original charter for the Little Portion of St. Francis was established in March of 1962 at St. Paul’s Church in Valparaiso Indiana. They began with 25 Members on February 14, 1954 under the leadership of Father Gilbert Maga, O. F. M.

Communications in our file show correspondence with this group until approximately 1968. The group established at St. Paul’s was then combined with the group at the Seven Dolors Shrine in the sixties which was under the direction of Fr. Richard Portasik, O.F.M. In 1982 correspondence was received from Fr. Richard Portasik  indicating that he was updating a membership register of fraternities and solicited the help of Father David Kohut, O.F.M. , who was then at the Seven Dorlors Shrine. During 1979-80, an inquiry was made regarding the establishment of a Third Order and thus the Little Portion of St. Francis began with two individuals and has since grown. In 2002 six members from Whiting Indiana were transferred to the Little Portion. 

We meet once a month on the first or second Sunday at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. 

Check out our Calendar and Contact us at:

littleportion.stfrancis@gmail.com

Thanks be to God!