On the evening of Apr. 18, 2024, at St. Francis Hall located at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, Washington, D.C., I had the pleasure of attending the “World Care 2024 Benefit & Celebration.” This is an annual fund-raising event sponsored by Franciscan Mission Service, an organization that promotes and sponsors volunteer missionary activity throughout to world, particularly in areas affected by poverty and the need for human development. 

Many dedicated lay people, Franciscan Friars from various branches of the order, religious sisters from various communities, and others, were present for the event. 

It was a pleasure to participate in the celebration with Friar Paschal Kolodziej, OFM Conv. and Friar Paul Lininger, OFM Conv., two friars from my own Conventual Franciscan community.  And it was also a joy to see Deacon Joe Petrizzo (a former friar of our community) and his wife Mary Petrizzo!  

See the Franciscans in Mission website at https://franciscanmissionservice.org/