Followers of St. Francis

FOLLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS Reflecting the Heart of Jesus “This is what I want! I want to be a Franciscan.”

Never underestimate the power of a truly good movie. One such movie, Brother Sun, Sister Moon—the 1972 biopic of St. Francis, directed by Franco Zeffirelli—had a profound impact on Donna Hollis. Seeing the movie for the first time in the theater brought tears to her eyes, and something deep inside screamed: “This is what I want! I want to be a Franciscan.”

Early in her Franciscan vocation, Donna, now a Secular Franciscan, admits she was called to be a Franciscan, but not necessarily to be a Catholic. The formative years in her family were what she would describe as a pretty anti-Catholic setting. As she explored what it would take to become a Franciscan, she was introduced to a man who was just beginning to establish a new Secular Franciscan community. Little did she know, this man would eventually become one of the most famous faces of the Franciscan movement: singer/songwriter John Michael Talbot.

It was Talbot who told her if she wanted to become a Secular Franciscan, she would first have to become a Catholic. Not sure that was what she wanted, but knowing she wanted to be Franciscan, she moved from southern Texas to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Talbot was establishing his community. Despite resistance from her family, Donna underwent instruction and was received into the Church.

Currently serving the immigrant community in and near Las Cruces, New Mexico, just miles from the Mexican border, Donna continues to follow in the footsteps of the poor man of Assisi. Working from her base of operations at the Holy Cross Retreat Center, administered by Conventual Franciscan friars, Donna and her team of volunteers facilitate the entry of immigrants into the United States. They are a part of a hos- Donna Hollis, OFS pitality coalition made up of the local governments in Las Cruces, El Paso, and the Mexican cities of Juarez and Palomas; several evangelical churches; and community organizations. The coalition works closely with the border patrol.

When new immigrants are processed and enter the country, they often have nothing with them except the clothes on their back. Donna and her team help the newly arrived immigrants navigate their first few days in the United States. They’re provided with clean clothes, food, basic medical treatment, showers, and a safe place to sleep. The goal is to help arrange for transportation to the immigrant’s final destination. Donna assists the immigrants in understanding their paperwork and making sure they understand when their court date has been set. Time is of the essence, Donna says, because these immigrants are equipped with ankle monitors that track their movements and must arrive at their final destination within two weeks.

COVID-19 has, for now, changed the ministry of the Hospitality Coalition. “Be in the present moment,” she says, “and be at peace with where you are.” The pandemic has halted the influx of immigrants. Her work now consists of picking up prepacked boxes of food, along with many others from southern New Mexico and Palomas/ Juarez, to take back to those in need. “There are many hungry people in our area,” she says.

Reflecting on her life of service, Donna says, “Just as the water reflects your face, your face reflects your heart.” Ever joyful in her ministry, she hopes her face will always reflect the heart of Jesus to those in need. —David Seitz, OFS

s ST. ANTHONY BREAD s

FRANK JASPER, OFM

The National Shrine of St. Anthony is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Consecrated in 1889, it includes a first-class relic of St. Anthony and serves as a center for daily prayer and contemplation.

The Franciscan friars minister from the shrine. To help them in their work among the poor, you may send a monetary offering called St. Anthony Bread. Make checks or money orders payable to “Franciscans” and mail to the address below.

Every Tuesday, a Mass is offered for benefactors and petitioners at the shrine. To seek St. Anthony’s intercession, mail your petition to the address below. Petitions are taken to the shrine each week.

viSit our webSite to:

StAnthony.org s mAil poStAl communicAtionS to: St. Anthony Bread 1615 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45202-6498 s