History
The Commandery of St. Francis was founded in San Francisco on November 20, 1992, with its first Convent and Investiture (C&I). The original membership consisted of seven postulants who were invested on that date, sponsored by a Knight of the Order who had moved to the San Francisco area. The Commandery was elevated to Priory status in 1993.
St. Francis of Assisi
Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone (c. 1181 – 3 October 1226), known as Francis of Assisi, was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher. He is one of the most revered saints in Christianity, known for his devotion to poverty, humility, and simplicity. Francis was born into a wealthy family but chose a life of poverty and service to others, which eventually led to the founding of the Franciscan Order.
Charities
The primary charitable mission of a SMOTJ Priory is to support Christians at risk, especially in the Holy Land. The Priory of St. Francis fulfills this mission by placing financial attention to two local charities annually. Individual members of the Priory support the Raymond Davis Foundation through scholarships for high school and college students in the Holy Land.3.