Our Story

For over 800 years, Franciscan Friars have followed the call of Jesus Christ, to share the hope of the Gospel around the world. Over the centuries this has taken many forms, but Franciscans always protect and celebrate the dignity of each person, that he or she may have “life and life abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Today, the Franciscan Mission Association continues this history, financially supporting the missions of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the former Soviet Union, and even right here in the United States of America.

The Franciscan Mission Association has provided:

• hospitals and medical centers to serve those suffering from leprosy and AIDS,
• clinics and maternity wards for remote villages without access to health care
• daycare and schools to educate the poorest children in remote rural areas as well as desperate city centers,
• water wells to provide clean drinking water for thousands
• farms and farming equipment
• housing and clothing for people in some of the poorest regions of the world
• churches, chapels, and shrines to celebrate the sacraments of the Church and to build the kingdom of God
• seminaries and formation houses to accommodate the growth of Franciscan vocations in countries we serve