Bishop Douglas Lucia (left) and Minister Provincial Friar Michael Heine, OFM Conv.

For the past quarter century, The Franciscan Place (TFP) has been a prayerful beacon in an unusual location – Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, N.Y. A 25th anniversary celebration was held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, with a special Mass and reception on the Sky Deck of the Mall.

Syracuse Bishop Douglas Lucia was the main celebrant with Minister Provincial Michael Heine, OFM Conv., concelebrating with several friars. Friar Joe Freitag, OFM Conv., and Sister Marcia Barry, OSF, were the first directors when it opened on Oct. 11, 1999. Friar Jim Moore, OFM Conv. is the current director with Friars Jude DeAngelo, Nader Ata and Steven Frenier serving as staff confessors.

TFP is known as an easily accessible, inviting, and prayerful environment in the mall where guests, staff, and visitors from across Central New York can feel safe to share their life’s experiences and encounter God. TFP offers the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist throughout the week in its chapel as well as quality Catholic items and hand-crafted, artisan gifts made by religious communities.

As a ministry of Assumption Church, TFP shares a common vision: to be a vibrant, inclusive, and loving community where we serve the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those thirsting for meaning and purpose in Syracuse and beyond, caring for all of God’s creation. TFP welcomes and honors singles and families, rich and poor, young and wise, devout and searching, those differently-abled, LGBTQ+, immigrants, and refugees.