Forward in Faith
Conventual Franciscan Friars have served the people of Shamokin for 120 years. In return, during those same decades the people supported the friars and their ministries all over the world.
What could the friars do now to help Shamokin?
Pope Francis’ has made the appeal “for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and affect us all.” The friars heard this call to step beyond the friary and parish and began to consider how they might help bring hope back to Shamokin.
After living through decades of decline, the people of Shamokin are doing more than showing resiliency – they are rebuilding with a sense of purpose and a hope-filled vision of the future. In this video people describe the changes happening in Shamokin through the work of the friars along with local, state, and federal government agencies, businesses, and many volunteers.
After scattered conversations potential leaders began to step forward. But, if there was any hope of success, a clear path forward had to be found.
The next step became clear to the friars. They would do one of the things they do best: invite everyone to dinner. Check back next week for parts 3 and 4 of A Spark of Hope in Shamokin.
