Franciscans in Africa: Fr. Damien Isabell, OFM

Fr. Damien Isabell has been serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) for over 30 years. Besides teaching in the local Franciscan seminary, he has also taken on the job of housing, feeding, and providing education and technical training for some of the homeless boys in the area.  The last I heard, there were 27 boys in his care.

Fr. Damien recently sent some photos.  Since the DRC does not have a celebration comparable to the USA's Thanksgiving day, the boys designed their own thanksgiving celebration.  The local bishop and some Third Order members came to join in the festivities.  Fr. Damien's note indicated that when the kids started dancing, others in the area joined in.

Also, Fr. Damien got the rare privilege of being invited to baptize some of the boys during the Easter celebration.  Here are some of the pictures we received.

To make a donation to support Fr. Damien's work in the DRC, please contact Br. Joseph Rogenski, FMU, 3140 Meramec St., St. Louis, MO, 63118.  If you wish to donate online, please click on this link which will take you to the Franciscan Charities webpage:  Franciscan Charities