Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley: Christmas Is for Bringing a Message of Love

St. Francis House in Boston has seen an uptick in demand for resouces for the homeless

There was a special Christmas prayer service at the St. Francis House on Thursday, especially for those who have no home, as Cardinal Sean O'Malley used this time to send a message of hope to those living on Boston streets.

"Homelessness is a terrible scourge. So many people are suffering, and Christmas is a time when we want to bring hope and a message of love and reconciliation and a sense of responsibility to our community," Cardinal O'Malley said.

St. Francis House workers expect around 450 people to come in for food on this holiday. Karen Lafrazia, St. Francis House's executive director, says that since the Long Island shelter closed down, more have made the shelter their downtown refuge.

"Thirty-seven percent more clothing appointments this November than last November. Our meals are up by 11 percent, there's just not any area of St. Francis House we're not seeing a dramatic increase," she said.

As for the many people who use their services, they could only find it in their hearts to be grateful for the needed food, warmth and encouragement.

"They go all out of their way, out of the kindness of their hearts to help us and I really appreciate it," Anthony Morter said.

"They can deal with an individual like me when I was at my worst, and here I am now, a better individual - you gotta give a lot of props to St. Francis," Leonard Higginbottom said.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley hopes one day there will be no need for a shelter to feed the homeless on Christmas Day. 

Contact Us