They come from every corner of the world.

Approximately 2,000 young men have answered the call. They come from different continents and regions and have diverse backgrounds, but they share the same goal—to follow in the footsteps of Saint Francis as Franciscan missionary friars.

The road they have taken is a difficult one. It calls for sacrifice and dedication. Academic studies, pastoral training, and spiritual and personal growth require much of these men. They know how important it is for them to open themselves to the Holy Spirit and give themselves totally to God, so they can serve you, God’s people, as Christ would.

Franciscan friar Father Alan, OFM answered Christ’s call.

Thanks to your prayers and generosity, Fr. Alan was recently ordained as a Franciscan missionary priest. He is serving the poor in Congo-Brazzaville.

He met the friars for the first time in 2006, and the seed of a calling was planted. After a year serving his community as a hospice worker, he decided to become a Franciscan missionary.

In 2013, he was able to study philosophy. In 2016, he learned to speak Italian in Rome and then went to Jerusalem to study theology.

Fr. Alan now serves as the parochial vicar in Djiri, where he spreads the Gospel, works with the poor in the local community, and is responsible for the Santa Chiara school that educates and cares for 500 children!

He is very grateful to the benefactors who supported his formation, because without them, everything he does today would not have been possible.

On behalf of Fr. Alan and all of the Franciscan missionaries, I thank God for you, and I thank you with all my heart!

 

Yours in Christ,

Brother Andrew Brophy, OFM

Executive Director