St. Francis Inn, Kensington

belief in the power of solidarity, hospitality, and compassion

St. Francis Inn Website Article on the Inn

2026 St. Francis Inn
Mission Ministry Trip

For the past 20+ years members of our ministry spent a wonderful and inspiring week at the St. Francis Inn in Kensington area of Philadelphia. Every year the workers at the Inn bring us so much joy, as we witness what they do on a daily basis for those less fortunate on the streets. What a fantastic group to know and admire.

Thanks to all that participated in this year’s event: Sue Cipparone, Joe Drweiga, Barabra Kazana, Desi McGlade and Tony Mercogliano.

Consider the 2027 trip! For more information contact Desi McGlade

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St. Francis Inn, Philadelphia, PA is an active ministry of the Our Lady of Guadelupe Province which St. Francis, Triangle, VA has supported for over 20 years.

History of the Inn:

The Inn was founded in 1979 by three friars who came to Philadelphia looking to start a ministry to the poor. From the beginning, the friars did not want a ministry that saw the poor as inferior or deficient people who needed their betters to correct them. Rather, their vision was of a place where the poor would be welcomed as friends and treated with dignity. Since the start of the Inn’s dining room, people were welcomed at the door, seated at a table, and a waiter brought them their food. From the moment the Inn first opened its door to now, those who entered have been called guests.

The Inn is currently operated by a group of Friars, Sisters and Lay Franciscan’s lead by Fr. Michael Duffy, OFM. Over the years the Inn has expanded to include several adjacent buildings housing a thrift store, a women’s day center, a social/medical service center and housing for religious, lay volunteer staff, permanent and volunteer.

Its operating budget is derived entirely from financial and food donations from local businesses and benefactors.

Future of the Inn

One recent change in its operation involves the gradual “gentrification” of the Kensington neighborhood which has required the Inn hire a private security service at a significant cost to enforce city regulations prohibiting loitering and “camping out” on the sidewalks and alleys surrounding the Inn and adjacent buildings.

We Are Called to Mission:

Early pronouncements from Pope Francis has called for the Church to return to its mission roots. He has insisted that every Christian and every community “is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society.” Pope Francis speaks of solidarity as a mindset rather than some random acts of generosity. This is a mindset that thinks in terms of community and the priority of life over the appropriation of goods for a few. Pope Francis makes the Church’s mission clear as he states: “This is why I want a Church which is poor and for the poor.”