ATHENS, Ga. – Four Franciscan Volunteers from Camden, N.J., visited the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia last week. One spoke at the Masses and all four of the young people were present after our Eucharistic celebrations on Feb. 18.
The visits were Franciscan to the core. They spoke from their hearts about the plight of the poor and how working with them has transformed their lives. As director Jack McDowell said “Their presence here at the Catholic Center was exemplary.”
The Franciscan Volunteer Ministry (FVM) is a vital link of Holy Name Province in reaching out to the people we serve in new and creative ways. Visitors Danny Bourdua, Joanne Lannan, Mike Smith, and Kelly Zientek are four of the 13 FVM members.
Their words made young and old ponder the mystery of how Christ is present to the poor and suffering of this world. They reminded listeners that each of us must reflect and respond in the ways of Christ.
We encourage each of our friars to think about inviting the young men and women of the FVMs to speak at our various ministries. It may just be the spark needed to help young people find more meaning in their faith and maybe even recruit some new members to the program.
We could not have started off our Lenten days in a better way.
— Fr. Thomas, pictured above, is campus minister at the UGA in Athens, GA.