Sr. Irene Marshiano (right) attended the 2nd annual Voices From The Heart Gala on Sept. 28. She is pictured here with the Franciscan Center’s Executive Director Christian Metzger.
Sr. Irene Marshiano OSF, Founding Director of the Franciscan Center, passed away on Oct. 31, 2013 following a long illness.
Sr. Irene opened the Franciscan Center’s doors in September, 1968, at a time when poverty and civil unrest in the wake of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left hope in short supply in Baltimore. In its first month of operation, with a budget of just $200, the Center served 30 people with the respect and dignity that have always been the hallmark of the Franciscan Ministry. In the years that followed, with support from the good people of Baltimore, the Center has grown to serve tens of thousands of poor and hungry men, women and children in our community – sharing dignity, hope and the chance to move forward in their lives.
Sr. Irene’s vision, faith and love continue to inspire us as we carry on the work she began more than 45 years ago. Her beautiful spirit lives on here at the Franciscan Center, and in the lives that we touch with our ministry.
We give thanks for the life and work of this remarkable woman and for the legacy of love she gave to our community.
