When St. Francis of Assisi looked for followers, he found them among his friends. Centuries later, the Franciscan vocations still hear the invitation, but are more likely to do so via social media. It’s up to Fr. Greg Plata, OFM, vocations director for the nationwide Our Lady of Guadalupe Province, to respond with a touch of gratitude.

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

If he hadn’t answered the call to Franciscan vocation, John Boissy, OFM, probably would’ve chased his God-given gift by opening a woodworking shop. Despite no formal training, transforming wood into furniture and household furnishings

It’s tradition during the announcements at the end of Mass for parishioners to stand and share their blessings and needs at the Langley Park Mission of St. Camillus Church, where Franciscan friars have been providing pastoral care for 40 years.