People are the same all over the world. They work, they play, they laugh, they cry. It's just that some have three strikes against them from the start. Some live in poverty, some are ignored, some are victims of war and political oppression; all are loveable, all are God's people.

The Franciscans have been ministering to God's needy all over the world. The missionary work of the St. Barbara Province has expanded over the years to include rural parishes, Hispanic and Native American missions and ministry among the poor of the inner cities. In other parts of the world, our friars work with church communities in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador and the Holy Land. They try to reach out to them, to be the hands and mouth and heart of Jesus to them, to share with them faith, education, some hope for the future, a new life, the ability to "make it on their own."

Over the years, the Franciscans have been assisted in their missionary efforts by people sharing their spiritual and financial resources through the Franciscan Missionary Union (FMU). The FMU is an association of persons who help the missions by their prayers, alms, spreading knowledge and love for the missions and encouraging missionary vocations - all works of the highest charity.

The Franciscans invite you to become partners with them in this ministry of love and compassion. By enrolling yourself and friends in the Franciscan Missionary Union, you become partners in the work of the Franciscan Missionaries and also share in many spiritual benefits. Please join us!

The FMU, under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, was founded first in Europe and since has grown worldwide. It has received papal approval from Pope Pius X and Pope Pius XI. Today, the efforts of the members of the Franciscan Missionary Union continue to make Franciscan missionary activity possible. Through their financial and spiritual contributions, FMU members join the efforts of the Franciscan Order in the work of the evangelization, reconciliation and care of the poorest among us.

Membership in the Franciscan Missionary Union is an opportunity to exercise one's own missionary call and participate in the work of the Church worldwide. In turn, members share in the spiritual benefits of the Masses offered by Franciscans as well as our prayers and good works throughout the world.

There are several types of memberships. Please choose the one you're interested in to learn more about it. Spiritual Benefits are the same for all, but the larger the donation the more the Franciscan Missionaries will be able to accomplish. The style of the certificate you receive will depend upon the type of enrollment you select.