The Capuchin Monastery in Olomouc:
A Place of Encounter and Communion

Capuchin Friars

We are the only male Catholic community with Franciscan spirituality in Olomouc. We are dedicated to serving people in the city and the surrounding area. Our desire is to spread Peace and Goodness among people, as followers of Jesus Christ following the example of St. Francis of Assisi.

Capuchin Monastery – Student Housing

Twenty-two university students from various Palacky University faculties live in the monastery. Each has their own room and takes part in the maintenance and operation of the monastery. Thanks to them, we remain in touch with the youth of today.

Accommodation for Ukrainian Families

Since the start of the war, we have provided a home for eight people from Ukraine. They assist with the monastery’s operations, maintenance, and repairs. Their presence allows us to share in the reality and pain of war.

San Egidio – Assistance for the Homeless

Eight homeless people live in the monastery, where they have found a new beginning. To the best of their ability, they help with cleaning, building repairs, and tending the garden. Their presence reminds us of life’s basic needs and the value of human dignity.

Pastoral Ministry in the Parish

We celebrate Mass daily, hear confessions, and provide spiritual guidance to various people. We visit the hospital and the prison and assist in neighboring parishes. In this way, we share the joy of Christ’s resurrection.

Evangelization events

We organize concerts, exhibitions, games for children, and guided tours of the Nativity scene. We participate in the Night of Churches, the Night of Museums, and other city events. Thanks to this openness, we experience universal brotherhood.

Monastery Community

We gather for Bible study, couples’ meetings, worship, and other activities. We meet every month and together seek where God is present in our lives. Sharing our experiences of faith encourages us and leads to gratitude.

Project “Enjoy the Silence” (ZazijTicho.cz)

Retreats for men seeking peace, rest, and renewal. Men come for three days to the silence of the monastery, living on bread and water, and can experience a digital detox. They have the opportunity to speak with a Capuchin friar. These retreats help realign one’s life and are intended for adult men regardless of denomination.

Pastoral Care for Religious Sisters

We provide spiritual companionship to the Capuchin Poor Clares in Šternberk as well as to sisters from other congregations. The Capuchin Poor Clares are cloistered religious sisters dedicated to prayer, silence, and service according to St. Clare and St. Francis. They are an integral part of the Franciscan family and our prayerful support.

Community of Tertiaries

We assist to provide spiritual care for eight Franciscan communities in northern Moravia. Franciscan tertiaries are laypeople who live according to the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi but remain in their daily lives, families, and professions. Regular meetings and summer retreats are held at the monastery.

SONS – Assistance for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Every summer we organize a community “flea market” to support the blind and visually impaired. It takes place from June to September in the space beneath the church. People donate items they no longer need, and buyers set their own prices. Since 2017, nearly half a million crowns have been raised. We also stay in touch with the blind through regular visits at Christmas and in the summer..

Gym in the Monastery

It serves athletes, children, and communities year-round. The space of the former cloister garden, which was rebuilt during the communist era, is now used by soccer players, floorball players, and fencers. For us Capuchins, this is another opportunity to actively participate in the life of society.

“I Seek God” – Christian Evangelism

The monastery is home to a team that helps people in their search for faith. “I Seek God” (HledamBoha.cz) is an independent Christian online organization that connects seekers with trained guides and offers online courses regarding faith. Their presence inspires us to seek new paths of evangelism.

Radio Proglas

The monastery houses the recording studio of Radio Proglas. Radio Proglas is a non-profit Christian radio station that has been broadcasting since 1995. It offers spiritual, cultural, educational, and musical content for the whole family. We support independent media and their service to society.

Kompas – Christian Entrepreneurs

The Kompas association is based in our monastery. It brings together entrepreneurs, managers, and business owners who wish to integrate Christian values into their work and support one another in both business and spiritual life. Their presence allows us to gain insight into the world of business.

Palacký University – Online Studio

Palacký University in Olomouc has its own recording studio in the monastery. The online bachelor’s program in theology allows students to obtain a comprehensive theological education remotely through video lectures, webinars, and study materials. Thanks to this presence, we have the opportunity to engage with contemporary theology and its instructors.