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Our Cause

Our Inspiration

St. Francis Hands Foundation is a nonprofit inspired by the life and message of Saint Francis of Assisi, and founded by a Third Order Franciscan Secular. We are committed to serving Christ by uplifting the poor, the voiceless, and the marginalized in El Palmar de Herrera and surrounding communities, in Dominican Republic.

 

Rooted in the values of human dignity, shared responsibility, and love, we gather and send clothing, shoes, hygiene and non-perishable essential goods from parishioners and friends in the United States to families in need. We carry a gentle and courteous spirit, recognizing the image of Christ in each person, and seeking to build a culture of compassion, mercy, and justice, guided always by the Holy Spirit. Perfect Joy, in the Spirit of Saint Francis.

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St. Francis Hands Foundation received IRS recognition as a 501(c)(3) public charity on August 14, 2025. This status affirms our charitable mission and allows supporters to make gifts that are tax-deductible as permitted by law. EIN:39-3778694.

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St. Francis of Assisi

Early Life

  • Born in 1181/1182 in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy merchant family.

  • Baptized as Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, but nicknamed Francesco (“the Frenchman”).

  • Lived a privileged youth, enjoying wealth, fine clothes, and friends.

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Conversion

  • In his early 20s, experienced illness and imprisonment during war.

  • Felt called to a life of poverty after hearing Christ speak from the cross in the church of San Damiano: “Rebuild my Church.”

  • Renounced his wealth, stripped of his father’s inheritance, and embraced radical poverty.

  • Ministry & Founding the Orders

  • Began preaching repentance, peace, and care for the poor and creation.

  • Attracted followers and in 1209 founded the Order of Friars Minor (First Order), approved by Pope Innocent III.

  • With St. Clare, founded the Poor Clares (Second Order) in 1212.

  • Later inspired the Secular Franciscan Order (Third Order) for laypeople and diocesan clergy.

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Teachings & Way of Life

  • Emphasized poverty, humility, joy, peace, care for the poor, and reverence for creation.

  • Wrote the Canticle of the Creatures, one of the earliest works of Italian literature.

  • Promoted peace and even met the Sultan of Egypt during the Crusades to seek dialogue.

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Later Life & Death

  • Received the stigmata (wounds of Christ) on Mount La Verna in 1224 — the first recorded instance.

  • Wrote his Testament, reminding followers to live in simplicity and faith.

  • Died on October 3, 1226, at the age of 44.

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Canonization & Legacy

  • Canonized a saint in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX.

  • The Basilica of St. Francis was built in Assisi to house his tomb.

  • Patron saint of animals, ecology, and peace.

  • His spirit inspires millions worldwide, including the Franciscan family (OFM, Poor Clares, OFS).

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