LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Conventual Friars announced the release of a short documentary film from three-time Emmy Award winning filmmaker Mary K. Fields Korfhage. The Franciscan Shelter House is an outreach program located in the Smoketown neighborhood of Louisville. It was founded in 1980 by James Fields, OFM Conv (1926 – 1998). Mary K. Fields Korfhage is Brother Jim’s niece.
Originally opened in an abandoned bar and grill, a new facility was erected in 2001. The Franciscan Shelter House operates five days a week and serves an average of 450 meals every day to men, women and children patrons. The current director is Kerry Guillory, OFM Conv. The film is being released in Flash format at www.franciscans.org, a key element of the Conventual Franciscan friars’ new communications initiative launched earlier this year.
“The Franciscan Shelter House exemplifies a distinctly Franciscan outreach with deep community roots and an unbelievable group of committed volunteers,” said Jim Kent, OFM Conv. “The friars are thankful for Mary K’s gifts in her telling the story of the Franciscan Shelter House and her uncle Brother Jim.”
Mary Fields Korfhage added, “Making this film was a deeply personal experience and reflects the inspiration that my uncle was and continues to be in my life. I hope that sharing this story will inspire others to offer their gifts and make a difference in their communities.”