Welcome to the City of the Immaculate

"Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

— St. Francis of Assisi

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Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

"For it is in giving that we receive."

— St. Francis of Assisi

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Following the Footsteps of St. Francis

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love."

— Prayer of St. Francis

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A Place of Prayer and Peace

"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart."

— St. Francis of Assisi

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Faithful to the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, we continue the over 800 years of Franciscan tradition of helping souls and preaching the Gospel. The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate were established to give fullest expression to the Marian dimension of St. Francis' ideal and Rule.

Who We Are

Sons of St. Francis

We are Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, a Roman Catholic religious institute dedicated to living the gospel in the spirit of St.Francis of Assisi . We strive for perfect conformity to the poor,humble, and crucified Christ through a life of charity, supernatural obedience, and evangelical poverty.

Totally consecrated to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, we follow the example of St Maximilian Mary Kolbe, seeking to give full expression to the Marian dimension of the Franciscan ideal and Rule.

"We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way." — St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis Preaching to the Birds
St. Francis preaching to the birds - Giotto (1297-1299)

Our Mission

Following the footsteps of our Seraphic Father, St. Francisof Assisi, we embrace a life of Gospel poverty and minority. we seek to live the life and poverty of Our most high Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother, persevering in this way of life to the end.

Our mission is the care of souls and the cultivation of a lively faith, bringing the Good News to all people through our witness of life and apostolic works.

We are located at Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, where we carry out our mission through various apostolates. Among these are our Chaplaincy for pastoral activities, our Formation House for the training of young religious, a Marian sanctuary for prayer and devotion, a Charity Home for works of mercy, a Sacramental Store, and a REtreat Ground for spiritual renewal.

St. Francis Receiving Stigmata
St. Francis receiving the Stigmata - El Greco (1585-1590)

Retreat and Event Centre

A Place of Encounter

The City of the Immaculate Retreat Center offers a sacred space for those seeking deeper union with God. Nestled in a peaceful environment conducive to prayer and reflection, our center provides the perfect setting for directed retreats, days of recollection, and spiritual renewal.

Whether you come for a 30-day directed retreat, an 8-day silent retreat, or a weekend of recollection, you will find here a welcoming home where you can "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Retreat Chapel
Our Retreat Chapel

Key Programs

30 Day Directed Retreat

An extended time of silence and prayer following the Spiritual Exercises, guided by an experienced director.

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8/6 Day Directed Retreat

A shorter retreat experience for those seeking spiritual renewal and deeper intimacy with Christ.

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Training for Spiritual Directors

Formation program for those called to accompany others on their spiritual journey.

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Other Programs

  • Lenten Day of Recollection
  • Easter Weekend for Young Boys & Girls
  • Advent Day of Recollection
  • Monthly Days of Prayer

Life of Charism

The Franciscan Charism

Our charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit, inherited from St. Francis of Assisi and enriched by the example of St. Maximilian Kolbe. It is characterized by a total consecration to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, living the Gospel life according to the Rule of St. Francis, and an ardent zeal for the salvation of souls.

We strive to live in the world without being of the world, maintaining a spirit of prayer and penance while actively engaging in apostolic works. Our charism calls us to be both contemplatives and missionaries, monks and apostles.

"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today." — St. Francis of Assisi
Franciscan Friars at Mass
Our Friars in Prayer
Monastery Gardens
Cloister Walk
Chapel Interior
Franciscan Sisters

Franciscan Marian Shrine

Under the Protection of Mary

At the heart of our religious family is devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary. St. Francis of Assisi was one of the greatest devotees of the Mother of God in the history of the Church. He sang Her praises in his Salutation to the Blessed Virgin Mary: "Hail O Lady, Holy Queen, Holy Mother of God, Virgin made church..."

Our shrine is dedicated to Mary Immaculate, Mediatrix of All Graces. Here, pilgrims come to seek her maternal intercession, to consecrate themselves to her Immaculate Heart, and to draw closer to her Son through her powerful mediation.

We continue the tradition of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who founded the Militia of the Immaculate to bring all souls to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Our Lady Immaculate Statue
Our Lady Immaculate
"Holy Virgin Mary, among women there is no one like You born into the world. You are the Daughter and the Handmaid of the Most High King and Father of Heaven, You are the Mother of Our Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, Your are the Spouse of the Holy Spirit..." — St. Francis of Assisi, Antiphon for the Office of the Passion

Our Life of Prayer

Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration

The Foundation of Our Life

Prayer is the heart of our Franciscan life. We gather seven times a day to chant the Divine Office, offering the prayer of the Church to the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the center and source of our day.

We maintain a daily schedule that includes time for mental prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and the Holy Rosary. Following the example of St. Francis, we seek to pray always, making our entire life a continuous prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Our friaries are houses of prayer, where the faithful are welcome to join us in worship and to find silence and recollection before the Blessed Sacrament.

The Franciscan Crown

In addition to the daily Rosary, we pray the Franciscan Crown, a seven-decade rosary honoring the seven joys of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This beautiful devotion, given to the Franciscan Order in the 15th century, weaves a spiritual crown for our Lady more pleasing than flowers.

The seven joys are: The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity of Our Lord, The Adoration of the Magi, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, The Resurrection of Our Lord, and The Assumption and Coronation of Mary.

St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe - Patron of our Marian Devotion

Our Life of Penance

Following the Crucified Christ

Penance is an essential element of our Franciscan vocation. Following the example of St. Francis, who embraced "Lady Poverty" and bore the wounds of Christ in his own body, we seek to die to ourselves so that Christ may live in us.

Our life of penance includes fasting and abstinence, manual labor, the humble acceptance of correction, and the willing embrace of suffering for the salvation of souls. We offer our daily mortifications in union with the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

During Lent, we intensify our penitential practices, following the ancient Franciscan tradition of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

Penitential Procession
Penitential Procession
"We must hate our lower nature with its vices and sins; by living a worldly life, it would deprive us of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ and of eternal life." — St. Francis of Assisi

Our Apostolic Work

Preaching the Gospel

Following the command of our Lord to "go and make disciples of all nations," we engage in various apostolic works aimed at the salvation of souls. Our primary apostolate is the preaching of the Gospel through every legitimate means possible, especially through the media. Through this, we offer spiritual direction and lead souls to a deeper union with Christ.

We also engage in parish missions, preaching, teaching the faith, and publishing. Inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe, we use modern means of communication to spread the Gospel and promote devotion to the Immaculate Virgin.

Apostolic Work
Serving the Poor

Missionary Expansion

From our humble beginnings in Italy, we have grown to serve on five continents. Our missionary friars bring the Good News to the poor and marginalized, establishing houses of prayer and centers of evangelization throughout the world.

We are committed to the New Evangelization, seeking to reawaken the faith in traditionally Christian lands and to bring the light of Christ to those who have not yet heard the Gospel.

Missionary Work
Our Missionary Friars

Our Life in Common

Franciscan Community
Our Franciscan Family

Fraternity in Christ

Central to our vocation is life in fraternity. We live together as brothers, sharing all things in common, supporting one another in the spiritual life, and working together for the spread of the Kingdom.

Our fraternities are places of mutual charity, where each friar is welcomed as Christ. We seek to create an atmosphere of joy and simplicity, where the love of Christ shines through our relationships with one another.

Following the example of the early Church and the first Franciscans at Rivo Torto, we strive to live in true poverty and humility, serving one another in love.

"A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows." — St. Francis of Assisi

Our Habit

The Franciscan Garment

Our habit is a visible sign of our consecration to God and our commitment to the Franciscan way of life. It consists of a simple tunic of gray-blue wool (for the Friars of the Immaculate), a cord cincture with three knots, and a capuche (hood).

The three knots in our cord represent the three vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. Some friars add a fourth knot, representing our Marian vow of total consecration to the Immaculate Virgin.

The habit reminds us daily of our call to follow Christ in the footsteps of St. Francis. When we put on this garment, we take up our cross to follow the Crucified Lord.

Franciscan Habit
The Franciscan Habit

Symbolism of the Habit

The Tunic

The simple robe represents our poverty and our solidarity with the poor. When laid out, it forms the shape of the cross.

The Cord

The rope cincture symbolizes spiritual battle, chastity, and obedience. It girds us for the service of Christ.

The Capuche

The hood reminds us to be hidden in Christ and to seek the solitude necessary for prayer and union with God.

Our History

1182-1226

St. Francis of Assisi

Born in Assisi, Italy, Francis renounces his wealthy inheritance to embrace a life of Gospel poverty. He founds the Franciscan Order and receives the stigmata, becoming a living image of the crucified Christ.

1894-1941

St. Maximilian Kolbe

A Conventual Franciscan friar who founded the Militia of the Immaculate and established Niepokalanow, the "City of the Immaculate," in Poland. Martyred at Auschwitz, offering his life for a fellow prisoner.

1970

The Beginning

Fr. Stefano Maria Manelli and Fr. Gabriel Maria Pellettieri begin a new form of Franciscan life at Casa Mariana in Frigento, Italy, seeking to live the fullness of the Franciscan vocation with special emphasis on Marian devotion.

1990

Erection as Institute

Pope John Paul II erects the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate as a religious institute of diocesan right, recognizing the authenticity of their charism and mission in the Church.

1998

Pontifical Right

On January 1, 1998, Pope John Paul II elevates the Institute to pontifical right, extending its mission to the universal Church and blessing its growth throughout the world.

Today

Worldwide Mission

Today the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate serve on five continents, continuing the mission of St. Francis and St. Maximilian to bring all souls to Christ through Mary Immaculate.

Our Sisters

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate

Together with the Friars, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate share the same charism and mission. Founded in 1993, the Sisters live the same Rule of St. Francis according to the Marian Traccia, consecrating themselves totally to the Immaculate Virgin.

The Sisters engage in various apostolic works, including teaching, healthcare, and assisting in the retreat center. Their contemplative life of prayer supports the missionary activity of the whole Institute.

Like Mary at the foot of the Cross, the Sisters stand with Christ in His suffering members, offering their lives for the salvation of souls.

Franciscan Sisters
Our Sisters in Prayer
Sisters at Work
Community Life
Chapel Prayer
Retreat Ministry

A Day with Mary

Marian Devotion and Evangelization

A Day with Mary is a Marian apostolate inspired by the message of Our Lady of Fatima. It offers instruction, devotion, and intercession based on the Fatima message of prayer, penance, and reparation.

The day typically includes Holy Mass, the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, and opportunities for confession. It is a time of grace and spiritual renewal, helping participants deepen their relationship with Mary and through her, with her Son.

This apostolate, begun in England over 25 years ago, has spread worldwide. Our Franciscan Tertiaries and Friars organize these days to bring the message of Fatima to parishes and communities.

Marian Devotion
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Schedule of A Day with Mary

  • 8:45 AM - Arrival and Welcome
  • 9:00 AM - Holy Mass
  • 10:15 AM - Rosary Procession
  • 11:00 AM - Instruction on Marian Devotion
  • 12:00 PM - Lunch
  • 1:30 PM - Eucharistic Adoration
  • 2:30 PM - Sacrament of Confession
  • 3:30 PM - Consecration to Mary
  • 4:00 PM - Benediction and Departure
Contact Us to Host
Our Lady Statue
Mass Celebration
Procession
Shrine
Community
Prayer

FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF THE IMMACULATE

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Begin your spiritual journey with us. Reserve your retreat date today.

Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

City of the Immaculate Retreat Center

Welcome to the City of the Immaculate Retreat Center booking portal. Kindly complete this form to reserve your preferred retreat date. Dates are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be contacted after submission for confirmation and further arrangements.

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Rules, Regulations & Booking Requirements

Rules and Regulations

  • Pilgrims are forbidden to enter the Friars' Cloister AND Kitchen area without any formal invitation.
  • Pilgrims must participate at the Morning Mass (7:00am) and at the Holy Hour (4:00pm).
  • Pilgrims are enjoined to engage themselves in the cleaning of the Church on Saturdays.
  • Pilgrims are to maintain an atmosphere of SILENCE throughout the period of their stay.
  • Rooms, dormitories, kitchen, toilets, and the compound must be kept clean after use.
  • Pilgrims are not allowed to cook in the rooms and in the dormitories.
  • Indecency in the mode of dressing is disallowed (Body-hugging dresses that reveal body parts are disallowed — Both Male & Female. Skirts above the knee are not allowed. Males are not allowed to wear boxers walking around the compound.)
  • There is no sharing of the same room or dormitories between both sexes.
  • Care must be taken in the handling of properties belonging to the host community. Every damage comes with a penalty. (The vandalization of plants and animals in the community will be penalized.)
  • The Sick or anyone under hard medical or any form of drugs are advised to stay back.
  • NB: The Friars are not to be held responsible for any discomfort or poor service when there is a breach in the above-mentioned Instructions, Guidelines, Rules and Regulations.

Booking Requirements

  • Every booking is to be made at least 5 days prior to the arrival of the pilgrims.
  • Introduction/Recommendation from the parish priest/director/Chaplain of the Association must be submitted prior to or on arrival of any Group. (This is very necessary.)

Appreciation

Since our community is a poor Community, we beg Pilgrims to generously appreciate our works and mission. Food items such as Rice, Beans, Oil, and any other food items, along with tokens, will be highly appreciated.

Pricing

  • Single Room: ₦3,000 per night
  • Meal per individual: ₦800 per meal (optional — groups can self-cater)
  • Diesel (groups of 50+): 50 Litres per night

Personal Items to Bring

  • Wrapper for Cold
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Personal Bed Spread (if coming in a group)

Get In Touch

Superior

Fr. AlexAnthony
Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate
City of the Immaculate Retreat Center

Email

ffiavemaria@gmail.com

Location

City of the Immaculate
Franciscan Retreat Center
[P.O Box 364, Old Aiyepe Road Sagamu Ogun State]

We welcome your inquiries about our retreat programs, vocations, or any other questions about our Franciscan life. May God bless you and keep you.

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