Warm greetings to you and your loved ones as we look forward to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4!

The celebration of our patron’s feast day is especially important this year because we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Franciscan Order. The Order of Friars of Minor was founded in 1209 when Francis and a small group of his first followers traveled from Assisi to Rome and received approval from Pope Innocent III to life a life of poverty and simplicity based on the teachings of Jesus contained in the Gospels.

At a time when ordinary people were ignored, and even looked upon with disdain by those in power, Francis had a new way of seeing things. It began with his vision of Christ saying to him “Francis, rebuild my church,” which inspired him to restore the crumbling church of San Damiano. But Francis soon came to realize the deeper message of this vision – a calling to rebuild the larger Church by restoring the faith of the people and helping them uphold religious teachings.

Francis saw that bringing the Gospel into the streets – to the destitute, to beggars, lepers, and others who were literally cast out of society –was the key to restoring the Church. It wasn’t just the obligation to help those in need, which we all share. It was also the realization that the Gospel path of humble service is a path of joy for everyone.

This is a joy we continue to experience every day here at St. Francis Church on West 31st Street. We have always stayed faithful to the tradition of our patron, making sure that no one is ever excluded from God’s kingdom.

Our Franciscan Community is also very excited as we look forward to the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the St. Francis

Feast of St. Francis
October 4, 2009
135 West Thirty-First Street • New York, NY 10001-3439
212-736-8500 • www.stfrancisnyc.org

Fr. Jerome Massimino, O.F.M. blesses friars during the annual Transitus ceremony, commemorating the death of St. Francis. Whether serving those who are impoverished, spiritually hungry or simply in need of friendship in this great city, our friars imitate St. Francis by being a presence of Christ for all who visit.

Eight centuries ago, a faithful man from Assisi established a brotherhood that would change the world forever. Join us in remembering our patron St. Francis on October 4!

It was at the dawn of the Great Depression, moved by the tremendous suffering right outside our
doors, when Brother Gabriel Mehler, O.F.M., took action and established the oldest known breadline in the country. This outreach was born out of love for God’s neediest children! During all these years, our church doors have remained open to offer not only food but also compassion, understanding and hope to thousands of our brothers and sisters without regard for the reasons that brought them to our doors. These good people leave with knowledge that someone cares.

The Breadline and all our other programs and ministries remain crucial in these times of rising unemployment, hardship and discouragement. Many who never thought they would be on the receiving end are now coming to us for help and support. Our church is a haven where we serve a diverse urban community with people from many nations who speak different languages and have various cultural traditions. It is a melting pot where we embrace diversity. We unite spirits. We change lives. We witness miracles.

‘How would St. Francis respond?’ is a question we often ask ourselves. And we know that he would eagerly reach out to people of every race, ethnicity and background, using the common language of the Gospel which binds us all.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a place that has always responded to the needs of the community. The Franciscan Friars live their vocation with joy and love to help God’s people -- together with the support of caring people like you. Your financial giving at this crucial time is very important. It will help perpetuate the legacy of St. Francis to spread the good news and include all, never exclude.

We are very grateful to you for joining us on this Franciscan path, and helping us open our doors to all who are in need, both materially and spiritually. Of course this invitation extends to you and your loved ones as well. You are part of our family on 31st Street – a family that is continuing to grow in the spirit of St. Francis. The friars will keep you in our prayers as we give thanks for our patron and the special devotion he inspires in so many. May God bless you, and may St. Francis intercede for you always.

Gratefully,


Fr. Jerome Massimino, OFM
Pastor and Guardian

P.S. Please write your Special Intentions below, and our friars will place them on the altar during
Mass on the Feast of St. Francis, October 4. Enclosed you will also find room to list the names
of your deceased loved ones for remembrance on All Souls’ Day, November 2.
 

Dear Father Jerome,

Please have the friars remember my Special Intentions on the Feast of St. Francis, October 4, 2009:

135 West Thirty-First Street • New York, NY 10001-3439
212-736-8500 • www.stfrancisnyc.org

I have enclosed a copy of an awesome article from the Anthonian featuring the St. Francis Breadline.

Because of you, our ministry of "Feeding God's People" is a reality!