World Care Annual Benefit and Celebration
Join us on Thursday, April 18, 2024 for our World Care Benefit!
Over the years, the World Care Benefit and Celebration has become an anticipated spring gathering for social justice-minded Catholics which draws both those who are solidly committed as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of these values.
This celebration brings together people from the entire FMS community--members of the board, returned missioners, lay and religious Franciscans, longtime supporters and friends--to celebrate our Franciscan tradition. The evening included hors d’oeuvres, wine, a silent auction, live music, and dynamic speakers. It is Franciscan Mission Service's biggest fundraiser of the year, with funds going to direct support of our ministries.
Each year features a spotlight on key members of our Franciscan community: an address from either a current or lifelong missioner, the yearly winner of the San Damiano Award and Fr. Anselm Moons Award, and an esteemed keynote speaker.
There is always a special energy in the room at a gathering under the auspices of St. Francis and St. Clare. Get a taste of the spirit from our special evening from some of our previous events.
Awards
Learn more about the awards we present at the event:
Past Events by Year
See photos and videos of the keynotes and award speeches:
2021 - Keynote by Cardinal Wilton Gregory. Award recipients were Beth Riehle and the Father McKenna Center. The San Damiano award winner was Amarilis Rodriguez (Seton Hall University).
2019 - Keynote by Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. and awards to Jeff and Teresa Redder, as well as San Damiano award winner Megan Bohatch (Duquesne University).
2018 - Awards presented to Fr. Ignatius "Iggy" Harding, OFM and Sarah Bertrand (Xavier University).
2017 -Keynote by Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF. Award recipients were Sr. Damon Nolan, MFIC, Sr. Chris Cullen, MFIC, and Sr. Jean Morrissey, MFIC.
2016 - Keynote by John Carr and award presented to Fr. Larry Snyder and Brandon Turner (St. John's University).
Opportunities for Sponsorship, Advertising, and In-Kind Donations
Please contact us if you are interested in supporting our event. Get your name in front of our attendees as well as our network of supporters.