About 800 years ago John (Francis) Bernardone knelt before a crucifix in the church of St. Damian (San Damiano) and heard the call of God to “rebuild My church.” Since that time St. Francis and the Franciscan Order have devoted themselves to building up the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church. Following in the footsteps of St. Francis, Franciscans throughout the ages have sought to minister to the poor, the helpless and the forgotten.