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The mission of The San Damiano Foundation is to communicate through films the spirituality of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. The church of San Damiano in Assisi, Italy, is the birthplace of the Franciscan movement. In that small, dilapidated church, St. Francis heard the voice of Christ speak to him from a painted Byzantine cross telling him to rebuild the Church. It was a moment of transformation for the future saint. The San Damiano Foundation desires to help inspire similar transformation within individuals, within the Church and within our society.
 The San Damiano Foundation recognizes the power of film to touch and inspire people, making it a perfect medium to communicate Franciscan spirituality and concern for the poor, social justice, peace and nonviolence. The films produced by the Foundation will explore the active and contemplative dimensions of Franciscan spirituality. They will either illustrate St. Francis’ love of the poor by showcasing the work Franciscans and other Christians are doing with the poor around the world or enter the heart of contemplative prayer as embodied by St. Clare. Some films will be produced for broadcast on public and commercial television stations; some will be geared for distribution to churches and schools.
The films, crafted by professionals who wish to create quality films that celebrate the goodness of God and humanity, will tell stories in an engaging and entertaining fashion. The San Damiano Foundation seeks to shine a light on the lives of modern-day Franciscans who are striving to walk in the footsteps of the two saints from Assisi, making a positive difference in the lives they touch. Initially, the foundation’s top priority will be to produce fundraising films for Christian charities aiding the world’s poor; we hope to put the power of film at the service of those helping the weak, and who in turn need help raising funds and attracting volunteers.
 To walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare is to walk in the footsteps of Christ. While Francis and Clare are the foundation’s guiding stars, Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of The San Damiano Foundation and the focus of all that it produces. Accordingly, the foundation will not limit itself to the Franciscan family and will also tell the stories of other Christians who embody the Gospel life. The San Damiano Foundation’s name honors the place in Assisi, as well as in hearts, where Jesus speaks.
The San Damiano Foundation recognizes the power of film to touch and inspire people,making it a perfect medium to communicate Franciscan spirituality and concern for the poor, social justice, peace and nonviolence. The films produced by the Foundation will explore the active and contemplative dimensions of Franciscan spirituality. They will either illustrate St. Francis’ love of the poor by showcasing the work Franciscans and other Christians are doing with the poor around the world or enter the heart of contemplative prayer as embodied by St. Clare. Some films will be produced for broadcast on public and commercial television stations; some will be geared for distribution to churches and schools.
The films, crafted by professionals who wish to create quality films that celebrate the goodness of God and humanity, will tell stories in an engaging and entertaining fashion. The San Damiano Foundation  seeks to shine a light on the lives of modern-day Franciscans who are striving to walk in the footsteps of the two saints from Assisi, making a positive difference in the lives they touch. Initially, the foundation’s top priority will be to produce fundraising films for Christian charities aiding the world’s poor; we hope to put the power of film at the service of those helping the weak, and who in turn need help raising funds and attracting volunteers.
To walk in the footsteps of St. Francis and St. Clare is to walk in the footsteps of Christ. While Francis and Clare are the foundation’s guiding stars, Jesus Christ is the heart and soul of The San Damiano Foundation and the focus of all that it produces. Accordingly, the foundation will not limit itself to the Franciscan family and will also tell the stories of other Christians who embody the Gospel life. The San Damiano Foundation’s name honors the place in Assisi, as well as in hearts, where Jesus speaks.
Gerard Thomas Straub
President and CEO
Click here for bio
Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen |
