Francis and Minority

This experience of being the "lowest" is a key to understanding St Francis. It has much to do with the teaching of Jesus in the Gospels, when he taught his disciples:

"The first shall be last; the last shall be first".....and taking a little child into his arms he said: "Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the Kingdom of Heaven"

St Francis himself described the event that caused him to abandon his wealthy life-style:

"This is how God inspired me, Brother Francis, to embark upon a life of penance. When I was in sin, the sight of lepers nauseated me beyond measure; but then God Himself led me into their company and I had pity on them. When I had once become acquainted with them, what had previously nauseated me became a source of spiritual and physical consolation for me. After that, I did not wait long before leaving the world."

The value of being "lesser or least" is still central in the lives of Franciscans today. Friars strive to serve and be with those who are seen as being "least" or the "little people" of today; those whom society looks down on, those judged to be of no account. So you will find Friars living and working among the "lepers" of society.

In fact, an image of the Franciscans that has been passed down the ages is that they are men who identify with the poor, the outcasts, the marginalised. This is their mandate if they are to be faithful to the spirit and message of Francis.

The Friars and the Poor

Since the time of their arrival in Australia in the 19th Century, the Friars have lived amongst the poorer classes of our society. In 1879 the Archbishop Roger Vaughan of Sydney, assigned the Friars to the Eastern Suburbs area of Sydney. It was then an area known for its poverty and slums, where Irish settlers lived. This area was also known for its failed "gold-seekers" who came here, after having failed to strike it rich on the Bendigo and Ballarat goldfields. The Friars were still here during the days of the Great Depression in the 1930's.

In their ministries, the friars have been concerned not only with those who are materially poor but, like Francis, also with those are considered to be of little worth in the community. Friars work as advocates for recent immigrants and refugees; volunteer to work in Third World countries as missionaries (PNG/Africa); provide funding to what is known as NILS: "No Interest Loans Schemes" whereby a poor family can purchase an essential item like a refrigerator or washing machine/
Friars are chaplains to disabled people; to prisoners and those in hospital.

In Paddington today, in the inner city area of Sydney, a Friar works with young people, who are homeless, unemployed or substance addicted. In Minto, in the outer south-western suburbs of Sydney, three Friars live with some of Sydney's poorest people in a government Housing Estate. Here, they seek to try and improve the quality of life for the local people, by assisting with such activities as: street clean-ups; providing furniture for new tenants; helping people move house; being available for counsel.

In Abbotsford, in the inner city area of Melbourne, a Friar lives and works amongst the poor of the area; he particularly helps those with alcohol addiction and visits the elderly sick and isolated people.

"The Brothers should adopt the lifestyle of people considered unimportant in society and live among them as lesser Brothers....the Brothers should follow the example of St Francis who was led by the Lord to go among lepers. Every Brother should show a preference for the marginalised; for the poor and oppressed; for tousled and sick people and be happy to live among them and show them compassion."