Founded to embody the spirit of St. Francis, Franciscan Youth International provides students with opportunities to make a tangible difference, whether it’s through local outreach programs, service drives, or connections to the international Franciscan missions. Over the years, the group has become one of the largest and most recognizable organizations on campus, uniting students of all grade levels in a shared commitment to helping those in need.
“When I first came to Gibbons, I wanted to bring the spirit of St. Francis to our community,” Dr. Mark DeLaRosa, the moderator, said.
Along with two other colleagues, Mrs. Pamela Heil and Mrs. Agnes Penny, Dr. DeLaRosa launched FYI during his first year of teaching. The inspiration for the club came from their shared experiences with the Franciscan tradition and the Brooklyn Franciscan Brothers, who were still active at Gibbons at the time.
“We wanted to start a group that was like what that kind of charisma of St. Francis, that is about caring for the marginalized, the poor, and really putting faith into action that way,” DeLaRosa said.
What began as a small club of fewer than 20 students has now grown to nearly 300 members. FYI’s popularity reflects both its mission and impact. Each year, the club hosts Dress Down Day for Hunger, an event that involves the entire community in collecting food donations for Catholic Parish Outreach, which now serves 10,000 families a month. Beyond large-scale drives, FYI, students commit to consistent, local service. Each month, they visit Beginning and Beyond daycare to tutor children and Brookdale Retirement Center to spend time with residents.
“Those connections are really special,” DeLaRosa said.
The organization also maintains ties to the Franciscans at the UN, a non-voting member group that advises on global issues.
Although Gibbons is not affiliated with the group, Dr. DeLaRosa hopes to one day bring a delegation of Gibbons students to represent their work on a larger stage. He has been in communication with them about our group.
“They were very impressed and hoped that we would visit someday too,” DeLaRosa said.
FYI’s growing connection to the International Franciscan community reflects the club’s expanding reach and influence. The club has evolved into a movement that embodies the global mission of the Franciscans, building peace, caring for creation, and standing in solidarity with those in need.
“I’m proud of how it’s grown,” DeLaRosa said, “To see students carry the Franciscan spirit forward in real, tangible ways, that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
From small beginnings to a thriving organization, Franciscan Youth International exemplifies the values of compassion, service, and leadership.
