Special to the Times
St. Anthony Shrine hosted its eighth annual Franciscan Dinner at the iconic Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, gathering hundreds of supporters to celebrate service, compassion, and the enduring mission of the Franciscan friars in the heart of downtown Boston.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pope Francis Award to Josh Kraft, honoring his decades of unwavering dedication to the city of Boston and its most underserved communities. Kraft, the former President of the New England Patriots Foundation and former CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, was recognized for a career spanning over 35 years in community-based service and leadership.
Commenting on the award, Kraft said “As someone who has long admired the work of St. Anthony Shrine, and the quiet but impactful way they help the most marginalized in society with compassion, I am both honored and humbled by their recognition.”
The Franciscan Dinner, a sold-out event once again this year, brought together some of Boston’s most influential business leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates. The event raised more than $1.5 million to support the Shrine’s outreach ministries, which serve individuals and families across all walks of life with dignity and compassion.
“The Shrine is deeply grateful for the generosity and support we received at last night’s event – and throughout the year,” said Executive Director Fr. Thomas E Conway OFM. “It was an honor to recognize Josh Kraft’s work as he consistently reflects the values we hold dear at St. Anthony Shrine: compassion, justice, humility, and an unwavering commitment to those on the margins.”
Past recipients of the Pope Francis Award have included esteemed figures such as Ronald M. Druker, Anthony Consigli, David P. Manfredi, Regina M. Pisa, The Honorable Regina L. Quinlan Doherty, Thomas N. O’Brien, and Dr. James J. O’Connell—each recognized for their alignment with the Franciscan values of humility, service, and social justice.
St. Anthony Shrine, located in Downtown Crossing, continues to serve as a spiritual and social sanctuary for thousands each year. The Shrine’s programs include a women’s health clinic, addiction recovery services, spiritual counseling, food and clothing distribution, and liturgical offerings.
For more information about St. Anthony Shrine and its ongoing ministries, visit www.stanthonyshrine.org.
St. Anthony Shrine, known as the Church on Arch Street, is a Catholic landmark in the heart of Boston. Established by the Franciscan Friars in 1954, the Shrine has been a welcoming refuge for nearly 70 years, offering a place of prayer, reflection, and community for all. With a deep-rooted tradition of offering daily Masses and confessions, the Shrine serves as a pillar of the Catholic community for Bostonians and visitors seeking solace and guidance.
Grounded in the Franciscan values of compassion and justice, the Shrine actively advocates for social justice through its ministries, addressing issues such as homelessness, poverty, and healthcare access. Committed to nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of the community, the Shrine offers spiritual direction and training programs, guiding individuals on their faith journey through one-on-one counseling and faith formation initiatives. Beyond its liturgical offerings, the Shrine’s ministries provide essential services, including the Rita A. DiMento Women’s Medical Clinic for homeless women, weekly and monthly food distributions at the Franciscan Food Center, mental health and substance use counseling at the Mychal Judge Center for Counseling and Recovery, and dignified funerals and burials for the homeless through the Lazarus Ministry.
St. Anthony Shrine is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our tax ID number is 04-2119394.