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“The Victorious
Missionaries are disciples who happen to have a physical
disability,” explains Bro. Francis. “They
have special gifts, and share those gifts with the Church and
world.”
Bro. Francis has been overcoming barriers
his entire life. He was born with a form of scoliosis and
spent much of his early childhood in and out of a hospital.
When he joined the Oblate community in 1950, his problem
with walking did not slow down his
enthusiasm and effectiveness.
enthusiasm and effectiveness.
In his early ministry, Bro.
Francis was primarily involved in assignments with the Oblate
formation program. In 1976, he joined the Victorious
Missionaries National Office and was in charge of chapter
development. Bro. Francis helped establish VM chapters
throughout the United States.
After working with the VMs
for four years, Bro. Francis was assigned to ministries where
he spent much of his time helping people suffering from a
different form of disability, poverty. His work took him
to places as diverse as the Ozark Mountains and the housing
projects of St. Louis and Chicago.
Before being named VM Director in
1996, Bro. Francis spent three years as a pastoral associate
for parishes in the East St. Louis, Illinois, community. Today,
he is still involved in outreach programs in East St. Louis, an
impoverished city just a few miles from his office at the
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
Bro. Francis says everyone has
some form of disability in their life. A disability may
be a physical barrier, financial limitations, or spiritual
doubts. But by pulling together and with faith in God,
all forms of disabilities can be conquered.
