St Francis Home, Nainital, is a historic Capuchin friary and parish set amidst one of India’s most beautiful hill stations, about 6,346 feet above sea level. It continues to serve as a Centre of spiritual ministry, hospitality, and pastoral care for the local Catholic community and visitors.​

         Nainital has been visited by Catholic chaplains since 1842, when it was served from Bareilly, then part of the Agra Vicariate. In 1978, this region was detached from Agra and attached to the Diocese of Allahabad, reflecting its growing ecclesial importance.​

         The first Catholic church in Nainital, Lake Chapel, was built in 1868, marking a stable sacramental presence in the hill station. In 1887, Fr Engelbert, OFM Cap, founded St Joseph’s Seminary, which is known today as St Joseph’s College, an institution that has significantly contributed to education in the area.​

         According to the historical sketch of the Diocese of Allahabad, Br Petronius Gramigna, OFM Cap, then Superior Regular, built St Francis Home in 1900. However, records kept by Fr Severus, who served as discreet to the Superior Regular, Br Fulgentius, indicate that St Francis Home may have been built around 1895, suggesting a slightly earlier origin.​

         St Francis Home was later purchased by the Bologna Capuchins from the Diocese of Lucknow, consolidating Capuchin presence and ministry in Nainital. A decree dated 6 August 1966 established St Francis Home as a separate parish, distinct from the Lake Church, with the parish now serving over thirty Catholic families in the locality.​

         On 31 January 1967, Bishop Conrad de Vito signed the decree ceding St Francis Home to the Indian Capuchins, marking an important step in the indigenization of the mission. The house was formally handed over to the Indian Province by Fr Constant Farneti on the last day of February 1971, integrating it fully into the life and mission of the Indian Capuchin jurisdictions.​

         The friars residing in St Francis Home continue to offer spiritual ministry to the surrounding neighborhoods through sacraments, pastoral care, and outreach. They are also particularly noted for their warm hospitality to priests, religious, and lay faithful who visit this hill station, making the friary a place of rest and fraternity.​

         Today St Francis Home belongs to St Fidelis Province North India, and it remains an active Capuchin friary and parish community. Faithful to the charism of St Francis of Assisi, the brothers strive to combine contemplative fraternity with generous pastoral service in the vicinity.