Lecture Notes: Serving the Community with the Franciscan Friars in Philadelphia

Introduction

• Presenter: Francis Pompeii, a Franciscan Friar and priest.
• Location: Kensington section, Philadelphia.
• Historical Context: Inspired by Saint Francis who felt a divine call to serve Jesus and emulate his life.

Saint Francis and His Influence

• Saint Francis's Spiritual Journey:
  • Experienced a void and sought divine light.
  • Inspired to rebuild the church after a vision in Assisi, Italy.
  • Emphasized poverty, love, and suffering.
  • Influenced the establishment of charitable missions.

The Work in Philadelphia

• Origins:
  • Started in the late 1970s with two friars.
  • Initially served 25 meals daily; now serves 300-600.
• Current Efforts:
  • Feeding families, children, the elderly, those with addictions and mental illnesses.
  • Core activities include feeding the hungry and providing shelter.

Ministries and Community Structure

• Key Ministries:
  1. St. Joseph's Men's Shelter: Formerly a bar, now a shelter.
  2. St. Benedict's Thrift Store: Provides clothing and essentials.
  3. Sister Thea Bowman Women's Center: Refuge for women.
  4. St. Francis Inn Soup Kitchen: Central to community service.
• Community Team: Comprised of Friars, Sisters, laypeople, and volunteers.
  • Volunteers include college students and local helpers.

Daily Operations

• Feeding the Hungry:
  • Meals served with dignity; sit-down meals for families.
  • Increase in number of guests due to government cutbacks.
  • Volunteers help with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup.
• Outreach Programs:
  • Distribution of food baskets to "hidden homeless".
  • Challenges of housing and poverty: high rent, poor living conditions.

Stories of Hope and Struggles

• Real-Life Stories:
  • Individuals like Nikki and Anne facing abandonment, addiction, and poverty.
  • Elderly like Mabel seeking companionship.
• Impact of the Ministry:
  • Stories of transformation and recovery.
  • Emotional and spiritual support provided to the community members.

Spiritual and Personal Reflections

• Daily Prayer and Spirituality:
  • Importance of the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment.
  • Personal challenges faced by the friars and volunteers.
  • The role of faith in sustaining the community and its helpers.

Conclusion

• Philosophy and Motivation:
  • The work is driven by love, compassion, and the teachings of Saint Francis.
  • The community aims to be an instrument of Jesus’s love.
  • Emphasis on human dignity and respect.

Final Thoughts

• Personal Transformations:
  • Stories of personal growth among volunteers and those they serve.
  • The community as a beacon of hope amidst difficult circumstances.
• Call to Action:
  • Encouragement to support or volunteer in similar humanitarian efforts.