Mission Needs
$1200 sponsors an orphan for one year
$500 Medical supplies
$100 one bed for a child
$75 one bicycle for a child
$50 One school uniform and shoes
$15 rice for one month
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This is the official web site of the Franciscan Missions, Inc., a fund-raising office of the Order of friars Minor, headquartered in Rome, Italy. Fr. Jose Carballo, OFM is the Minister General of the OFM Franciscans.
For your convenience you may easily make a donation to the work of the Franciscan Missions by clicking on the "Donate" button!
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NEW ... LITTLE FRANCIS BOOK |
This hard-cover 20 page book featuring "Little Francis" and Santa Clause is is a great way to teach children that Christmas is about Jesus Christ. >>Click to order |
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DEAR FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR,
It takes a long time and effort in the Church to declare someone a saint. Therefore, not every holy person has been canonized. You have probably known a "saint" in your lifetime or perhaps there is someone right now in your life who, in your heart and mind, is a "saint." And there just might be someone who thinks that you are one.
Through your prayers, special gifts and Mass stipends of ten dollars, or more, you are helping the Franciscans to miraculously help the poorest of the poor, especially the lepers who held a special place in the heart of a little man who became a saint—Francis of Assisi.
As the Church celebrates All Saints Day, November 1, and All Soul's Day, November 2, perhaps you would like to acknowledge a Saint who holds a special place in your heart. And perhaps there is someone close to you who has died and you would like prayers offered for him/her.
The names that you submit will be remembered in a special Novena, November 1 through November 10. And may the Saints in heaven look upon you with favor and may Almighty God bless you; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Sincerely,
Fr. Sereno Baiardi, ofm
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Somethig Old ... |
Eight Hundred Years
The Franciscans are celebrating eight hundred years of missions. Perhaps the Franciscans are the oldest and first missionary order in the Roman Catholic Church.
Francis of Assisi had a love for God that consumed him. He was passionate about sharing that love with everyone, and that attracted many followers.
Assisi was a walled city. Those living inside its boarders were protected from those outsiders who were considered to be enemies. Among those outside the wall were the lepers. As his little band of brothers expanded, Francis did something bold and daring. He and the brothers started crossing those boarders in order to share the good news of the Gospels.
Going outside the walls of Assisi to minister to those with leprosy, Francis set an example of how one can step outside his/her comfort zone, finding that the other is not a stranger, but a brother or sister.
Francis knew that there is nothing older than God's love. And it's that love that can make everything new.
Fr. Sereno
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| What Would Jesus Do? |
 Jesus was the one who lead Francis to God. It was Jesus who taught Francis how to love. It was Jesus who made it possible for Francis to consider everyone, rich or poor, to be his brother or sister. It was Jesus who gave him courage when he crossed battle lines without being armed. And when Francis had his first real encounter with a leper he had a real encounter with Jesus. If there was ever any doubt in the mind of Francis whether or not to reach out beyond his comfort levels to the poor, the broken and the outcast, he would only have to consider what Jesus would do and then do likewise. Francis would not be confined. He was on a mission, spreading God's amazing love.
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| Saring Your Cup |
 Francis recommended preaching always, and sometimes using words . The importance of being with and among people, especially the marginalized in the world, is a characteristic of the Franciscans. How can one preach the good news and ignore the pain and suffering of God's children? What would Francis have us do? Since actions speak louder than words he would have us talking less about love and showing it more by the way we live and respond to the needs of others. When you offer your gifts to the poor, through the Franciscans, the recipients will see God's love in action through you.
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 At a young age, Francis came to realize that bigger isn't always better. Yet, he discovered the big rewards of living small.
Looking back, Francis would not have heard of the word downsizing. That word that has so many implications in our society today. But Francis showed his followers how to downsize and for the right reasons. He made his wants smaller and other people's needs bigger. In living small, Francis lived large in all the ways that mattered to God.
As you reach out to others, may you also discover as Francis did—the more you give, the more you receive.
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The Franciscan Missions Store |
| Please visit out Mission store which features the "Little Francis" Books, cards, fine religious art, and the famous "Little Francis" honey. Your purchase helps to support the work of the Franciscan Missionaries throughout the world. >>Go to store. |
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Our Missionaries
The Franciscans have 5,400 missionaries and 800 missions throughout the world. They serve the poor in every continent, following in the steps of St. Francis, with a special ministry to people with leprosy, many of whom are children.
Tax-deductilbe checks should be made to
Franciscan Missions
P.O. Box 130
Waterford, WI 53185
In Need of Prayer
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