There is a saying, that if there was only one loaf of bread left in the entire world, the Franciscan Friars should have it. Why? Because they would share it with everyone! This is the heart of our story, the pulse of the Franciscans – Friars caring for all of creation with compassion and joy through diverse outreach and social service ministries. Ministering to people ignored and neglected, and who would otherwise not be helped in any other way. The Friars help millions of people every year who suffer with poverty, hunger, addiction, mental illness, and other hardships.

In autumn 2023, Franciscan Friars in five regions of the United States formed a single coast-to-coast fraternity – signaling the beginning of a new era for Franciscan ministry in the U.S. and beyond. It also created the unique opportunity for Friars, along with thousands of secular Franciscans, lay volunteers, and donors and supporters, to advance – with a new and unparalleled reach – the Franciscan mission of serving the poor, desperate and forgotten who seek help from the Friars every day.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS Charities was created as a way to invest in the daily work and outreach services of the Friars unified under the province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. An important part of our story is Franciscan-hearted people, like you, whose prayer, support and generosity enable FRANCISCAN FRIARS Charities to power this work of the Friars across the United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba and in missions in Jamaica and Africa. Your generosity is an investment in the Friars’ mission of healing, uniting and transforming the lives of the most vulnerable.