Franciscan Challenge returns with stories of impact

The Franciscan Challenge, the flagship fundraising campaign of Franciscan Friars Charities, has launched its Spring 2026 campaign, featuring stirring footage and testimonials from Franciscan ministries across the U.S. and Jamaica.   

Those who receive the six Challenge videos via email or social media will have the chance to see and hear from those who rely on the friars for food, medicine, spiritual guidance and other necessities. Those who accept the Challenge can see how impactful their gifts can be. 

The stories featured in the Spring 2026 Franciscan Challenge come from:  

Negril and Revival, Jamaica 

The friars inspired the purchase of a 29-passenger bus now central to the Get Kids to School program, which provides students who weren’t attending school due to the costs of uniforms, books and taxi fare with free school supplies and round-trip transportation to school. In the nearby settlement of Revival, the friars provide access to poverty-breaking education at the Revival Catholic Primary School. 

“It's not just a school,” said Kemar, a Revival School parent and PTA member. “It’s a part of the community and part of a family.”  

With continued donor support, the friars will soon open the Revival Catholic Pre-School, where, for the first time, area children ages 3 to 6 will receive the essential foundations for social, emotional and cognitive development.   

“Studies show that if you don’t support early childhood development – if kids are touching a book for the first time in grade one – you’re setting them back,” said Br. Colin King, OFM.   

In Revival, the friars have also partnered with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness to open the Revival Health Clinic, where a licensed doctor and nurse provide wellness checks, wound care, cancer screenings, eye exams, blood pressure and glucose tests and diabetes assessments. 

Hartford, Connecticut 

In Hartford, where many families, workers and people experiencing homelessness struggle to find healthy food close to home, the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry is a steady presence of hope. Connected to St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Church, the ministry serves the poor and hungry with compassion and care. 

Philadelphia 

St. Francis Inn provides food, clothing, spiritual guidance and job assistance to more than 200 guests each day.   

“Our guests tend to struggle with severe addiction and mental illness,” said Br. John Neuffer, OFM. “So, it’s not so much expensive food costs that drive people to us, but rather the fact that guests have no money for food regardless of cost.” 

St. Francis Seraph Ministries in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood provides life-changing resources. At St. Francis Seraph Ministries, no one is turned away, and kindness is happily shared. 

“I don't know what we’d do without this place,” shared Anita, a guest. “It’s just a beacon for us. Br. Dave Crank was so warm when I first met him. I thought he was like my best friend. I told him my name maybe once, and he remembered my name!” 

Navajo Nation in Arizona 

People in the remote town of Chinle lack clean water, healthy food choices, employment opportunities and access to spiritual guidance. At Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Br. P.J. Pabatao, OFM, ministers to the community with a food bank, community gatherings and culturally sensitive worship services. 

Funds raised by The Franciscan Challenge will help support the featured ministries and more than 7.2 million women, children and men who come to the friars for help annually. They will also help to educate young friars and care for retired and elder friars who have served so many for so long. 

Women of the Ministries 

This year's Challenge also features a collection of testimonials from women who visit and volunteer at Franciscan ministries. They share powerful stories of struggle, resilience and hope come from major U.S. cities, their suburbs and Puerto Rico. 

Those with Franciscan hearts can accept the Spring 2026 Franciscan Challenge and help the friars provide care to those in need on the Franciscan Friars Charities website.