Once there lived a simple man by the name of Francis of Assisi. He spent his days feeding the hungry and cleansing the wounds of lepers.

One day, while praying in the tiny chapel of

San Damiano, he heard a voice call to him, "Francis, go, rebuild my house, which as you

can see is falling into ruin."

And so Francis did. Stone by stone, he began repairing the walls of this forgotten chapel.

His labors and outpouring love for the poor attracted a band of followers. And together,

they began rebuilding the walls of the whole Church, bringing to life God's love and care for the world.

Some eight hundred years later, Franciscan Friars  of the Sacred Heart Province are continuing to heed this call to serve the poor and marginalized.            In a very real way, the Franciscan Connection is seeking to rebuild a deeper sense of community through a hands-on ministry among God's neediest.  Staff and volunteers work together to provide emergency assistance and home repairs to low-income families in south St. Louis city.