Fr. David Convertino, OFM
Executive Director of Development
American history was made in 1539 when the first friars established missions among the Native peoples in present-day Arizona and New Mexico. In the nearly 500 years since then, we’ve brought ministries of kindness and care to millions of poor, hungry, sick, and homeless in both the United States and abroad. The fact that we’ve delivered these life-saving ministries in separate regions of the country without optimizing our collaborations or sharing our resources is truly amazing. Individually, the friars of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Cuba were united in our calling and commitment to serve those in need. Still, our separate regional communities did not present a united front. A few years ago, the state of the world and the growing needs of the many urged a compelling question into existence:
Is uniting the regions necessary to help more people and have a stronger fundraising foothold in today’s world?
We began to imagine how we could be stronger together—how uniting our 6 regions could expand and enrich our outreach services, better prepare our young friars for ministry, and provide the best possible care for our elder friars.
After all, nations, workers, service providers, and superheroes have united for years, forming stronger connections and sharing resources that better prepare them for hard times and significant milestones.
Why not us?
And while I would never liken the humble servants of St. Francis to superheroes, we do provide services that deserve elevation, protection, and expansion. And what if uniting the provinces would help us build relationships with each other and stand out in the fundraising marketplace? We owed it to the over 2 million people we serve—and those who might someday need our services—to give it a try. So, the friars of the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Cuba, discussed the idea of coming together as a one unified brotherhood, inspired by the words of St. Francis:
“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
St. Francis also said, “It is in giving that we receive.” After some prayerful reflections and sharing of ideas and opinions, the friars agreed: uniting enables us to enrich and expand our numerous outreach ministries. United regions can deliver stronger charitable messaging, boost the confidence of potential and existing benefactors, and enrich the education and care of friars young and old.
In the fall of 2023, the Franciscan friars in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Cuba made history by forming one new region called The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
With our Franciscan Family united, we formed a new charity to help us continue our work with the poor, to educate our young friars for ministry, and to care for our elder friars. Our name is now Franciscan Friars Charities. This momentous decision marks the beginning of a new era for Franciscan ministry—a chance to renew our commitment to living the Gospel as one single voice in the United States with over 600 Franciscan friars now united and ready to continue our Franciscan Mission both domestically and abroad.
We may provide life-changing ministries under a new name, but our roots run deep, spanning over 800 years of unwavering commitment to serving the poor and marginalized. This centuries-old journey has been marked by compassion, humility, and acceptance. As Franciscan Friars Charities, we friars will celebrate and carry forward the rich heritage we have been given by St. Francis of Assisi and the friars who came before us, serving our poorest and most desperate neighbors with love, respect, and joy.
It’s an exciting time!
United, we can better support the ministries that reach individuals and families who desperately need our help, begin new ministries for those who would otherwise be forgotten, and ensure that friars, young and old, have what they need to live well and pass on the goodwill of St. Francis. By coming together as one region, we’re better equipped to do what’s possible and seemingly impossible.
To learn more about Franciscan Friars Charities, visit https://franciscanfriarscharities.org/
