Honoring 35 Years of Franciscan Mission Service

Last week, our Executive Director, Cecilia Flores, had the great honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the Franciscan Mission Service’s World Care Benefit and Celebration in Washington, DC. The evening marked the 35th anniversary of FMS—a beloved member of the Catholic Volunteer Network—and brought together a spirit-filled community committed to faith, service, and accompaniment.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Community

In her keynote address, Cecilia shared a deeply personal reflection, tracing her journey from a tight-knit immigrant community in California to six transformative years serving in Honduras alongside a Franciscan lay community. Her story was a powerful reminder that mission work is often defined not by grand gestures, but by presence—by showing up with compassion and humility in the everyday moments of life.

“All we need to do is show up and BE there so that God can move,” she said. “And also that just because there is a story, doesn’t mean it is the only story.”

A Shifting Landscape—But Not the End of the Story

Cecilia acknowledged the challenges currently facing faith-based service: shrinking programs, limited funding, and shifting societal norms. But she reminded us that these challenges are not the whole story.

She uplifted the deep longing she sees in people across all generations—from young adults in programs like FMS’ DC Service Corps, to older adults drawn to international mission—who are still seeking ways to serve and live meaningful lives of purpose and justice.

“Despite a changing landscape and society, the desire to serve and to bring hope to the world still exists strongly in the hearts of people across generations.”

From Volunteers to Witnesses of God’s Love

At the heart of Cecilia’s message was an invitation to move beyond programs and seasons of service toward a lifetime of solidarity. FMS, she noted, has modeled this for 35 years—forming missionaries who don’t just serve, but who commit to walking with others in love, humility, and hope.

“The world doesn’t just need volunteers. It needs witnesses of God’s love. It needs people who are willing to commit to the story of extraordinary love lived out in ordinary ways.”

Continuing the Work, Together

We are so grateful to Franciscan Mission Service for the witness they have been—and continue to be—to our shared mission. Through the ongoing formation of lay missioners and young adults, FMS reminds us that service rooted in faith still has the power to transform lives, shape communities, and proclaim the Gospel in word and deed.

As Cecilia closed her speech, she left the room with a powerful blessing and a call to action:

“Let us keep showing up. Let’s keep choosing hope… And may we look forward to eternity where we will be able to share stories of God’s glory and ask one another—
‘Do you remember? You were there.’”