“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby
some have entertained angels unawares. – Hebrews 13:2
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:35-40
ADVOCACY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
Striving to follow Jesus in the footsteps of Francis as “the hands and feet of Christ” to this generation, and on behalf of the Saint Francis of Assisi Research Library, Brother Allen is blessed to be able to partner with and support a few select ministries and organizations who have dedicated themselves to helping “the least of these” as described in Matthew 25:35-40
To read a brief summary of the programs and services, or to visit the websites of these missions of mercy, please click on the “learn more” links for the organizations listed below. Thank you.
HOUSTON HOMELESS COMMUNITY
To help raise awareness of and advocate for the needs of Houston’s homeless community, Brother Allen is blessed to serve the homeless, volunteers, and staff of Hope Center Houston as their full-time Executive Director and lead advocate for the homeless. Striving to restore the God-given dignity of our homeless brothers and sisters, Hope Center not only provides nutritious meals, mentoring, showers and laundry service, but also computer access, shelter from inclement weather, and a safe, welcoming atmosphere where they can just relax and hang out. In addition, the Saint Francis of Assisi Research Library is strategically located on the Center’s second floor to also help focus attention on the plight of Houston’s homeless. Learn more
HUMAN SEX TRAFFICKING
Since 1995, Franciscan Peacemakers has been ministering on the streets of Milwaukee to connect women survivors of sexual exploitation to safe housing, meaningful work and a healing network of support.
They work for an end to human sex trafficking through service and advocacy because they believe that everyone is created to enjoy peace and all good. Learn more
CARE FOR CREATION
It’s been about 800 years since Saint Francis walked Mother Earth, composed his “Canticle of the Sun”, and sang his praises to God for Brother Sun, Sister Moon, and Brother Wind, Water, and Fire. Considered by some a nature mystic, remembered by others as the saint who preached to birds and tamed a wolf, and recognized today by a few as nothing more than a cute garden statue, the truth is Saint Francis of Assisi represents so much more. Indeed, Saint Francis was formally recognized by Pope John Paul II in 1979 as the Patron Saint of Ecology, and all of us living today in the twenty-first century are not only the inheritors of Francis’ deep respect and love of creation , but are also called to be the stewards of all that God has created… Learn more
Misfit University uses misfit socks as a creative muse to teach hope, inspiration, respect, and gratitude. Inspired by the children’s storybook and Christmas tradition, “The Misfit Sock,” the University also sponsors The Million Misfit Sock (virtual) March in October for anti-bullying month and Misfit MARCH Madness in March for “Celebrate What Makes You Different” month. Learn more.
“For His sake, I am but one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?” – Edward Everett Hale
NOTES & CREDITS
- Photo Credit: “Human Kindness” by photographer Matt Collamer | Used and modified with permission by Nexus Prayer International.
- Photo Credit: “Francis Canticle” by Brother Allen, OSF | ©2020 Saint Francis of Assisi Research Library. Used with permission.
