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introduction
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missionary heroes
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Spanish friar Francis Solano was born centuries before “inculturation” was part of the
missionary lexicon. But by learning the language of the indigenous people he served and striving to
protect them from oppression, he laid the groundwork for modern evangelization.
Francis’ early life as a friar in 16th century Spain was distinguished by his selfless care for prisoners and the sick. In 1589 he was sent to South America to spread the Gospel in what is now Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. When the ship that carried him and others struck rocks near the shore and many abandoned ship, Francis stayed on to pray with and console the passengers. They were eventually rescued, clinging to the rocks. An ear for languages – he quickly picked up dialects – helped Francis relate to natives in even the most remote villages. They came to hear him preach and to hear the mysterious musical instrument he played with joy, his violin. In 1601 Francis was called to Lima, Peru, where he reputedly converted the entire city – 9,000 souls – to Christianity. It was there that he died on July 14, 1610, uttering the words, “God be praised!” Francis was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726; his feast day is July 24. |
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stanthony.org
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Post a prayer request,
send a St. Anthony e-card,
or read about the life and
prayers of St. Anthony.
And become a partner in
the work of the Franciscans by donating to
St. Anthony Bread at
www.stanthony.org.
Subscribe to St. Anthony’s Breadbasket—e-news
from Friar Jim.
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Introduction
Dear Visitor,
Our Franciscan community is involved in a multitude of ministries in a multitude of places, both here in the States and around the world. Some of what we do is self sustaining and some is not. In those places where the friars work with and among the poor they often need financial assistance to do their work. Friar Works / Franciscan Ministry & Mission is the office that generates charitable gifts to support our ministries and missions, our infirm and retired friars and our men in formation. The support of benefactors enables us to do some really good work. Fondly,
Friar Jim Bok, OFM
Director, Friar Works / Franciscan Ministry & Mission
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Radio Maria USA
Radio Maria was born as a parish radio station
in 1983 in Milan, Italy. In 1987 the Radio Maria Association was formed in hopes of giving Radio
Maria a larger audience in its commitment of evangelization. Within three years, Radio Maria
Italia became a National Broadcasting Station.
Having a missionary spirit, Radio Maria Italia wanted to move beyond Italy. The World Family, established in 1998, resulted in the founding of stations throughout the world. Radio Maria currently operates in over 30 countries, spreading the Gospel to millions of listeners in more than a dozen languages. Radio Maria began broadcasting from its first English-speaking station on May 25, 2000, in Alexandria, La. Shortly after its establishment, Fr. Duane Stenzel, OFM, retired and 74 years old, began full-time ministry at the station. “It was kind of an adjustment going from retirement to a full-time job,” Duane admits. Today at 81, he’s still going strong. “Listeners want Jesus to be more real in their lives,” he says. “They want to know how to trust the Lord more and pray in time of need.” In this day and age the use of technology and other media is commonplace. Radio Maria frequencies have been added in Lake Charles, La., Port Arthur, Texas, Natchitoches, La., and Anna, Ohio. Like most members of the World Family, Radio Maria USA can be heard internationally on the internet. Duane is firm in his belief that “This is a teaching ministry. And conversion of hearts is the purpose of Radio Maria.”
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