Help Prepare the Next Generation of Franciscan Missionaries [25A8FM]

“What shall I do, Lord?”

Thrown from his horse and shaken to the core, Saul, soon to become Paul, sat on the dusty road to Damascus, awaiting God’s next command.

Centuries later, a wealthy merchant’s son, restless and unsure of his purpose, knelt in prayer before a crucifix in the crumbling chapel of San Damiano. Like Paul, young Francis of Assisi opened himself to God’s will.

“Lord, what do you want me to do?”

You and I know what happened next.

God called Saint Paul and Saint Francis to leave everything behind and follow him. And their whole hearted response, “Yes, Lord!” set in motion a legacy of faith that would change the world forever.

In every age, God calls. And in every age, hearts respond.

Friar Inacio, OFM from Angola, professed his solemn vows and continues his formation to become a Franciscan Missionary priest

Young friars in formation in Kenya

Friar from India makes his
Solemn Profession

Your Generous Support is Needed

Today, I want to share Friar Inacio’s story with you. He is one of more than two thousand young men around the world following in the footsteps of Saint Francis as members of the Franciscan Order, becoming instruments of peace, healing, and hope.

Born in a rural village in Angola, in west-central Africa, Inacio is the second of twelve children. “A full soccer team and one substitute,” he says with a laugh. The family supported themselves by farming and raising animals.

His parents, devout Catholics, instilled in him a deep love for the faith. From his earliest years, he dreamed of serving God.

His vocational journey did not begin with friars, but with Franciscan Sisters, the Missionaries of Mary, who visited his school and introduced students to various religious orders. When Inacio heard about the Order of Friars Minor, something in his heart stirred.

He was especially drawn to Saint Francis himself. Young, privileged, full of worldly ambition, yet willing to give it all up for the “heavenly nobility” of Christ.

“I want to serve with a joyful heart,” Friar Inacio says. “I want to be available to the most vulnerable, those who have no voice or place.”

Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, Friar Inacio professed his solemn vows and continues his formation to become a Franciscan missionary priest. He hopes to serve where he is needed most, bringing peace, joy and the Gospel to those who hunger for God’s love.

Not long ago, I received a letter from Fr. Herménégilde Birushe OFM, Vicar of the Custody of Our Lady of Kibeho, which was established in 2024 and encompasses the countries of Burundi and Rwanda.

In his letter, Fr. Herménégilde shared an urgent and

hope-filled plan to build a clinic and chapel for the people of Musave and the surrounding villages. This clinic will offer compassionate healthcare to the poor and sick and a sacred space for prayer and peace in times of illness, death, or healing.

Furthermore, the clinic will serve the more than 500 children, staff, and friars at our nearby St. Mary Queen of Angels School, which was built in 2023 through your generous support.

Most important of all, this will be a Franciscan mission of mercy. Everyone will be welcomed with dignity and love. No one will be turned away because of their poverty, religion, or politics.

The dispensary will include four consultation rooms, a birthing room, eight inpatient beds, and treatment space for up to 150 people each day.

The people of Musave are ready. Local Christian nurses and health agents, many of whom were educated with the friars’ support, have already offered to serve. The community has pledged to help maintain the building. The friars have promised to keep care affordable and Gospel-centered.

Friar Freddy, OFM formation student

Friar Jazon, OFM from the Philippines has made his first vows and is now a second-year theology student

Young friars professing final vows from the Francis and James Province, Mexico

Rite of Solemn Profession and Ordination to Priesthood, Mexico

Friar Clesio, OFM a native of Mozambique preparing for life as a missionary friar

Will you help us prepare the next generation of Franciscans?

Your gift, in any amount, will make a difference in the lives of Franciscan seminarians like:

• Friar Freddy, OFM in Bolivia, who grew up in a village where Franciscan friars have served for over 200 years. Inspired by their closeness to the people, Freddy is now studying theology in Cochabamba and hopes to be “a light of hope” in a world that is growing dark.
• Friar Jazon, OFM in the Philippines, who endured poverty, loss, and vocational detours, but never gave up. After years of struggle, he finally found his way to the Franciscans. He now studies theology in Davao City and hopes to serve as a missionary priest bringing Christ’s love, compassion, and hope to the poor.
• Friar Clesio, OFM in Mozambique, in southeast Africa, who was moved by the friars’ joyful service to the poor. Today, he is preparing for life as a missionary friar, committed to living simply, joyfully, and in communion with creation.

These young men are the hands and feet of Christ. But their formation depends on the generosity of others. They depend on people like you!

Select “Help Prepare the Next Generation of Franciscan Missionaries [25A8FM]”

Just as these young men are saying “Yes, Lord!” with open hearts and courageous faith, your own “yes” can make it possible for them to follow Christ in the spirit of St. Francis.

Your gift today ensures that young men like Inacio, Freddy, Jazon, Clesio, and all our seminarians can continue their journey toward becoming Franciscan priests and brothers who will serve the poor and bring the Gospel to the world.

Thank you for carrying forward the legacy of St. Paul and St. Francis, and for helping ignite that same Spirit in a new generation of Franciscans answering God’s call.

Yours in Christ,

Brother Andrew Brophy, OFM Executive Director

P.S. Formation lasts many years. Please consider making a generous gift to sponsor a year of study and formation for a Franciscan seminarian. Your support today helps prepare a young man to dedicate his life to serving God, the Church, and the poor for decades to come.