St. Francis' Mission Lives On in Local Parishes, Ministries

Parishes, organizations carry on the saint's charisms of prayer and service to the marginalized.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In this Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint's charisms of prayer and service are active in parishes named for him and in several organizations that serve the marginalized and care for creation in the Philadelphia region.

Why it matters

As the Catholic Church celebrates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis' death, his legacy of compassionate service and environmental stewardship continues to inspire local parishes and ministries to follow in his footsteps and bring the Gospel to life through loving action.

The details

Parishes like St. Francis of Assisi in Norristown and Springfield, as well as organizations like the Franciscan Volunteer Ministry and St. Francis Inn in Kensington, are carrying on St. Francis' mission by focusing on the marginalized, living in intentional community, and expressing their faith through direct service. Catholic Charities' St. Francis Villa affordable housing also reflects the saint's values, while EcoPhilly mobilizes creation care teams in parishes and schools.

  • The Jubilee Year of St. Francis of Assisi was declared by Pope Leo XIV.
  • St. Francis Inn in Kensington has been living out the saint's mission for 46 years.

The players

Father Richard Smith

Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Norristown.

Kaitlin Slack

Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia's Kensington section.

Suzanne O'Grady Laurito

Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services for Catholic Charities.

Aaron Lemma

Project manager and chair of the education committee for EcoPhilly.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's the hope that Francis' story gives us. We've really dived into his story.”

— Father Richard Smith, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Norristown

“Rather than just giving them a meal and sending them home, we're inviting them into our community and serving them with an emphasis on dignity and respect.”

— Kaitlin Slack, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at St. Francis Inn

“We believe there's five different languages spoken at St. Francis, so it really is representative of the whole community there.”

— Suzanne O'Grady Laurito, Director of Catholic Housing and Community Services for Catholic Charities

“St. Francis of Assisi kicked off this history of creation care, and it's taken different forms over the past 800 years.”

— Aaron Lemma, Project manager and chair of the education committee for EcoPhilly

What’s next

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia plans to host a series of events and pilgrimages throughout the Jubilee Year to celebrate St. Francis' legacy and inspire further action in his spirit.

The takeaway

In the 800 years since St. Francis' death, his charisms of prayer, service to the marginalized, and care for creation continue to animate the work of local parishes, ministries, and organizations in the Philadelphia region, keeping his transformative vision alive.