Franciscans in Action
May 2008 e-newsletter

Feeding Utica's Poor

Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen in Utica, New York

The city of Utica, New York has been under economic duress for a long time. First, the textile mills disappeared in the 1950s. The tool and die industry began to fade away in the second half of the 20th century. A decline in population and a cutting back of social services left Utica troubled and on edge. Many of the local unemployed or underemployed had and have trouble paying rent and caring for their families. Often they cannot afford to buy food.

An abandoned building in Utica

Knowing the plight of the poor, Deacon Gilbert Nadeau of Utica’s St. Joseph-St. Patrick Church recently initiated Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen in the church’s parish center. The local Secular Franciscans are energetic contributors to this endeavor. The soup kitchen has unfortunately become a necessity because local residents used to knock on the rectory door asking for food. Food is a basic and immediate necessity, Deacon Gilbert points out. Without proper nourishment people are unable to function and their spirits suffer. It is the hope of all those involved with Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen that the meals served to the local poor will wash away at least the worry of hunger from their minds.

We encourage you our readers to send in stories where you see the spirit of St. Francis at work in the world. Email your stories to Peter Rajchert at peter@franciscans.org.

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