In the 9 minute and 10 second video on this page Friar John Heinz from the Franciscan province in California speaks about his work as a missionary in Bolivia. About 26 friars live and work in Bolivia. Half of these men come from Poland while the rest are local friars. Their work involves helping Bolivians by providing whatever care they need. Pastoral care and spiritual development are a major part of the friars work in Bolivia. The friars have however also opened a soup kitchen and healthcare centre in the country. Amongst other projects they help children with their education and work to prevent violence against women.

Bolivia is not the only country where the Franciscan friars work to change the lives of others for the better. In fact you will find friars on every continent except for Antarctica. Their ministries take into account the local culture and situation. Friars who move to a country to help the local people eat, live, and work with them.  They also do their best to get a grasp of the local languages. The friars want at the end to work with the local population so that it becomes empowered.

(Source of image on homepage: Conventual Franciscans in Kenya.)