Join the Father Felice Friends Circle
Father John Felice, OFM, one of our co-founders, passed away peacefully on July 31, at 81, from an Alzheimer-related illness.
This year, as we approach the Feast of St. Francis on October 4 – our namesake – we remember and celebrate the extraordinary life of our co-founder.
Many of our long-term supporters knew Fr. Felice as pastor of the historic St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street, where he served from 1973 to 1982.
In 1980, he established our first St. Francis residence in Chelsea with Fr. John McVean and Fr. Thomas Walters.
Their groundbreaking idea – to provide permanent, affordable housing with on-site medical, psychiatric, wellness, and social services for New York City’s homeless struggling with serious mental illness – was radical at the time. Now, it’s the standard of care.
Father Felice showed us what it means to follow in Saint Francis's footsteps. He led by example, as our staff and supporters do today.
We invite you to join our Father Felice Friends Circle with a leadership gift of $1,000 or more and receive invitations to special events and communications from our leadership.
Fr. Felice’s impact stretched across New York City and beyond.
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;
where there is sadness, joy.
— Artwork by Judith R. —