Thank you for giving to our Fall Appeal!

The summer and early fall months are a challenging time for fundraising, but they are also a period when our ministries’ needs remain as vital as ever. Your support during this time has a profound impact, ensuring that we can continue to be a beacon of hope for those who need us most in downtown Boston. We cannot do this important work without the generosity of friends like you. Below are updates on some of our most vital ministries, which you help sustain with your contributions.

The Franciscan Food Center continues to be a lifeline for those facing food insecurity. Since the beginning of 2024, we have distributed 55,730 pounds of food to over 3,100 individuals and families. Your donations keep our shelves stocked and our doors open to all who come seeking nourishment.

Our Homeless Street Outreach program remains at the forefront of providing support and comfort to the most vulnerable members of our community. Throughout the hot summer months, we distributed bottles of water, toiletries, snacks, and sunscreen to the homeless population in downtown Boston. We are also authorized to participate in ride-alongs with the Boston Police Department, helping to connect people with vital services. Our mission is to help those in need find their footing and regain their dignity.

The Rita A. DiMento Women’s Clinic offers compassionate healthcare services to homeless women who might not otherwise have access to medical care. Thanks to the generosity of Anthony and Susan Consigli, we have recently purchased a new hand-held ultrasound, which will increase our capacity to provide on-site care to homeless women, ensuring they receive timely and necessary treatment.

The Father Mychal Judge Center for Counseling and Recovery is dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible mental health and substance use care. We offer a sliding scale and accept most insurance plans, making it possible for anyone to seek therapeutic services without financial strain. We are excited to announce that our new full-time clinician, Abby Paine, is now accepting appointments. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the Center at 617-542-2964 or [email protected].

Our Friars remain as active as ever. Here’s an update from Fr. Frank Sevola, the Guardian of the Friary: “There is always a lot of activity in the friary that goes unnoticed by the average Shrine goer. Over the last several years, the Arch Street Friars have hosted friars from around the world who have come to Boston to study English… Since 2017, we have hosted friars from Hungary, Egypt, Colombia, Brazil, Portugal, and Poland… You may not see these friars around the Shrine or in ministry here, but they are a wonderful, if brief, addition to the friar community. And all of them love Boston!”

The Development Office also has exciting news. Laura LeTourneau has joined us as Chief Development Officer. Laura brings over 30 years of experience in development and a deep commitment to our mission. She has previously worked at Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center, Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, and Victory Programs. Laura is eager to connect with our donors and help drive the Shrine’s mission forward.

As we move through these early fall months, when donations traditionally slow, your gift can have an even greater impact. I invite you to make a gift today to support our ministries. Your donation, no matter the size, helps us provide essential services to those who need them most. 

Together, we can ensure that St. Anthony Shrine remains a steadfast beacon of hope and compassion, where All Are Welcome. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. May God bless you and keep you.

With gratitude,

Fr. Thomas E. Conway, OFM
Executive Director