Predating the foundation of the City of San Francisco, the National Shrine of St. Francis was established in June of 1849. Archbishop Alemany, the first Archbishop of San Francisco, consecrated the Church in 1851 and used it as his Cathedral for three years. The first presbyteral ordination in California took place at the Shrine in 1852.
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic North Beach district, the Shrine continues to build upon its historical mission. The church became the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi in 1999.
Archbishop Cordileone installed Capuchin Father Robert Barbato (Fr. Bobby) as rector of the Shrine on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 11.
In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone relayed his gratitude to the Capuchin Franciscans present, ” I am very grateful to the Capuchin friars, the spiritual sons of St. Francis, who provide the pastoral care here at the Shrine dedicated to him and under his patronage. Here, the spirit of St. Francis is alive; here in the heart of the city of St. Francis. Let us pray that God, through the ministry of the Capuchins here and all who support their work, make this Shrine a beacon of hope and faith to all.”
The Archbishop went on to thank Fr. Bobby for taking on the important role as rector of the National Shrine of St. Francis.
