In the late seventies the Capuchin Order was looking for a new foundation to provide both accommodation for friars and a suitable training centre for aspirants to the Order. Carlow was chosen for a range of reasons, not least of which was the fact that the Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Lennon had kindly offered us a foundation in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin.  Again, the presence of St. Patrick's Diocesan Seminary meant that the theological formation of Capuchin aspirants could be provided for without having to travel outside of the town.  Finally, the presence of the Poor Clare Sisters and the welcoming atmosphere of the town itself made Carlow a prospective foundation difficult to match.  A site became available in the form of the Bank of Ireland (National) branch in Dublin Street and on 5 September 1977 the Provincial Minister, authorized the formation of a local fraternity in Carlow.  Thus, the Capuchins took up the challenge of converting what had once been a busy bank into what was to become Carlow's newest place of prayer.

Having acquired the former Bank of Ireland building and site, much work had to be undertaken before it became habitable.  Much of this reconstruction work on the oratory and friary was done by the Capuchins themselves under the capable hand of Br. Christy Twomey.  Finally, on Thursday, 11 May 1978, less than a year after the acquisition of the property, Bishop Patrick Lennon blessed and opened the new Oratory of St. Anthony.

While the main function of the Carlow community was to initiate aspirants into the Capuchin way of life, the friars were also keen to be pastorally engaged with their new neighbours, and so provisions were made for daily public celebration of the Eucharist, daily exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and for the ready availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  Also, the community provided spiritual assistance to the seminarians of St. Patrick's College and the Poor Clare Sisters, as well as being actively involved in retreat work of varying kinds and helping to carry the ministerial workload of the local clergy if and when required.

Today, while the friary no longer functions as a house of initial formation, it continues to welcome those seeking spiritual refreshment.  The friars of the house are now more involved in ministries of evangelisation such as retreat work, publication, ordained ministry and, of course, prayer.