On October 5 at 10:00 a.m., the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry will celebrate its 25th anniversary — a quarter Century of living out Christ’s words in Matthew 25: “When I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” This passage has guided the Center from its earliest days, calling the community to see Christ in every person, especially those most in need.
When the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province assumed leadership of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church in 1990, they brought a vision rooted in radical hospitality and service. Their very first ministry was outreach to individuals living with HIV and AIDS, offering compassion and dignity at a time of fear and isolation. From that first step grew a network of programs addressing food insecurity, homelessness, immigrant support, LGBTQ inclusion, and care for creation — each one a living expression of the Gospel.
The food insecurity ministry began humbly, with a single friar making a few sandwiches and sitting by the door, waiting to see if anyone needed a meal. Today, it has grown into an operation that served over 40,000 meals last year alone, with hundreds of volunteers involved in sourcing, preparing, and serving food. This growth reflects both the urgent needs of our neighbors and the deep generosity of those who answer Christ’s call to feed the hungry.
The Center’s mission is strengthened by symbiotic partnerships with other Hartford organizations. In collaboration with House of Bread, the Center helps provide meals and supplies for families and individuals facing hunger. Its work with Open Hearth supports men seeking housing, stability, and employment. A partnership with Saint Joseph’s University brings healthcare checks, nurses, and physician assistants to those who might otherwise go without medical care. The Center is a proud member of the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance to advocate for systemic change and address the root causes of poverty and injustice. At the October 5th celebration, the Franciscan Center will take a significant step forward by entering into a covenant partnership with Levo International, deepening its commitment to bringing fresh, healthy food to the neighborhood while addressing one of the nation’s most severe food deserts.
The anniversary will honor all those who make this mission possible and recommit the Center to the Gospel call of Matthew 25: to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and build a city where Christ is encountered in the most vulnerable — and where all are welcomed, fed, and loved.
Pictures from the Groundbreaking Ceremony from April 10, 1998
Newspaper articles from the building of the Franciscan Center
The Dedication Mass in 2000
