Thanksgiving is a time to gather and feast.

It’s an opportunity to connect with loved ones, taking comfort in their presence. 

It is a time to thank God for the many blessings we have been given.

But it’s easy to be grateful when we have so much.

Gratitude requires extraordinary faith when your stomach is empty, clean water is scarce, or illness leaves you in constant pain.

Wherever hunger and hardship exist [26ABMS]

For many in the poorest communities served by Franciscan missionaries, hardship is woven into every aspect of daily life.

Franciscans have answered the call to serve for more than 800 years. Each day, our friars bring a nourishing meal, basic medical care, and the compassion of Christ to so many around the world.

In many areas of the Philippines, poverty and isolation make life very challenging for elderly populations and the sick. 

We want to tell you about the projects our friars are working on to help ease their pain.

Support those in need today

Wherever hunger and hardship exist [26ABMS]

Fight Hunger, Illness, and Poverty with Brother Mark

On Olango Island and in the communities of Cebu and Lanao del Norte, many elderly villagers live in deep poverty. Limited mobility and inadequate access to healthcare make even common, treatable conditions difficult to manage. Some regularly go without the nutritious food and medicine they need.

With your help, Franciscan Brother Mark Basallajes will establish a rural health unit offering medical checkups, health monitoring, therapy services, and meal programs for elderly neighbors in need.

Brother Mark needs a little more than $7,000 to complete this urgent project.

Will you give today to help seniors live with greater comfort and dignity?

Donate Today

Wherever hunger and hardship exist [26ABMS]

Prevent Malnutrition with Father Benjamin 

In Kidapawan City, hundreds of indigenous people face malnutrition and inadequate medical care.

  • Children are at risk of stunted growth. 
  • Expectant mothers lack the care they need for safer pregnancies. 
  • Elderly residents suffer from health problems that could be treated if care and medicine were available.

Father Benjamin Tigullo wants to bring nutritious food, medical attention, and the loving embrace of Christ to these families. 

Building on his success helping other local communities adopt healthier practices, he plans to provide a coordinated program of nourishing meals, preventive care, basic treatment, and health education.

Father Benjamin remains $17,978 short of what he needs to begin this project. 

Will you give today to help Father Benjamin?

Help prevent malnutrition today

Wherever hunger and hardship exist [26ABMS]

We Have Been Truly Blessed

Despite everything happening in the world around us, you and I have much to be thankful for. 

  • When we are hungry, most of us can find something to eat. 
  • When we are thirsty, we can turn on the faucet. 
  • When we are sick or in pain, help is often a phone call away.

Every gift you share can place food in a hungry child’s hands, provide medicine to an elderly neighbor, or help an expectant mother receive the care she needs. Your generosity allows our Franciscan missionaries to go where the need is greatest and serve people who might otherwise be overlooked.

Thank you for renewing your faithful support of Franciscan Missions and the people we serve.

Please accept my heartfelt gratitude and my prayer that God will bless you and your loved ones abundantly this Thanksgiving and always.

Yours in Christ and Saint Francis,
Brother Andrew Brophy, OFM
Executive Director

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