St. Anthony of Padua often used earthy imagery to describe God’s love, in one instance comparing the sweetness of Jesus to honey. This merging of Scripture with the environment is a common thread in Franciscan spirituality, and especially visible in the witness of several partnering friar ministries in Central Maryland. From the sprawling campus of the Shrine of St. Anthony (where the Companions offices are located) to a from-scratch soup kitchen in West Baltimore, friars, staff, and volunteers bring fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables to the plates of those most in need.

This is but one snapshot of how our friars and the ministries they operate and sponsor are serving their communities. Across the world, our friars are reaching out to the poor and marginalized, caring for the sick and aging, assisting in the  religious and theological formation of those joining the Franciscan fraternity, building and operating schools and churches, offer counseling to the aging, and educating young men seeking a Franciscan education.

In addition to serving in more than two dozen parishes, our friars pray Mass in local nursing homes, offer counseling services, and minister to the poor and marginalized in their communities. Friars live and work as paramedics, lawyers, social workers, and teachers. Companions of St. Anthony support our friars with their prayers and financial gifts. For more about some of our unique ministries supported by the Companions, click on the images below.