Peace and Justice Reflection

What Would St. Francis Do?

By Brother Steve Herro, O. Praem.

On October 4th, he Church celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Founder of the Friars Minor (Franciscan) and patron saint of ecology and the poor. I dare say that he deserves our reflection throughout the year!

I recently had a few "What would Francis do?" moments in my own life.  He has always been a hero of mine for his extreme care for the poor, radical simplicity of life, and deep concern for God's creation.  Since beginning to serve at Catholic Charities USA last August, care for the poor has become an even more dominant theme in my life.  The organization’s motto is "Working to reduce poverty in America," and its mission is "... to exercise leadership in assisting its membership, particularly the diocesan Catholic Charities agencies and supporting group members, in their mission of service, advocacy, and convening."

Last month, I was greeting people in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas.  We were preparing to celebrate Mass while kicking off the Catholic Charities Annual Gathering and Poverty Summit with over 700 Catholic Charities staff, board members, and volunteers from throughout the United States.  A young man approached the Cathedral on his bike and asked,
"Is there a priest available?"

"Yes.  Would you like to go to confession?"

"No. I am wondering if I could get $40 to pay for the rest of my bus ticket to return to Chicago.  I really don't like it here."

I explained that many of the priests in attendance were from out of town, preparing for Mass at a national gathering, and were not really in a position to address his question.  I asked if he could stay until after Mass, that perhaps someone could assist him then.  I also offered to ask the local Catholic Charities staff about what procedure was in place to help an indigent person on a Sunday afternoon looking to buy a bus ticket?

I approached a Ft. Worth Catholic Charities staffer and was told that he could come to the agency office at 7 a.m. sharp on Monday morning and was assured that the man would know how to get there.

I returned to the man and asked him where he was going to spend the night.  “Most likely on the street,” was his response.  I explained that he could visit the Catholic Charities office the next morning for assistance.  He expressed his frustration and hopelessness. "I thought that the Church could help me.  I come to church, I make my offerings, but it is OK.  I will go elsewhere for help."

My excuses about our busy preparations for this opening Mass, with many attendees not from the area, held no water.  I was haunted throughout the Mass by the memory of this encounter.  Turning down an indigent man in front of St. Patrick Cathedral at the opening of the Poverty Summit was just too ironic.  What would Francis do?

A few days later, I thought that I was "minding my own business" while praying evening prayer on the Washington Metro. Of course, it happened to be the memorial of St. Vincent de Paul, another Catholic saint honored for his loyal service to the poorest people within his community.  Here I was, attempting to resonate with the life of Francis by choosing a more environmentally friendly way home, the Metro vs. the car, and a transit means more frequently used by the lower class than the upper class.  And of course, I was adhering to the tradition of my religious community and reciting our evening prayer!

I felt someone standing over me.  I raised my head from my breviary to find a middle aged man holding a half sheet of paper with the message.  "I cannot speak.  I am hungry.  Could you give me some money so that I could eat?"  I shook my head no.  He continued his walk down the aisle of the train to ask others.  They responded as I did. He departed the Metro train at the next stop, Reagan National Airport.  I assumed that he had chosen another venue with perhaps more charitable prospects.

As I continue to grow in my call to serve God, I reflect on the life of Francis and the message of Jesus to "feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and give sight to the blind."  Though I am attempting to live the Gospel call by serving Catholic Charities USA; living in a lower income neighborhood in Washington, DC; and forsaking the comfort and convenience of a car, I have a lot to live and learn about advocacy and outreach to the poorest among us.  St. Francis, pray for me!