As the sun rose over Manhattan on Ash Wednesday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan stood alongside volunteers at the Saint Francis Breadline, handing out meals to those in need. The historic breadline, operated by the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi on West 31st Street, has served New Yorkers every day for nearly a century, embodying the Franciscan mission of charity and care for the poor.

For many, volunteering at the breadline is a tradition—one that marks the beginning of Lent by helping others.

“It’s a good way to kick off the Lenten season,” said John Walzer, a volunteer. “It makes you think about what the season is really about—giving back. People need help year-round but today is a great time to start.”

Volunteers arrived as early as 6:30 a.m., preparing meals and greeting the guests who rely on the breadline for daily nourishment. Among them was Antony Francis Paul Kozhipatt, a Third Order Franciscan, who has been a part of the ministry for eight years. His journey to serving the poor began with a simple invitation and has since grown into a deep commitment to the Franciscan mission.

“One of the guests once told me, ‘It’s another day in paradise,’” Antony recalled. “That made me reflect. Here I was, upset about not finding a parking spot, and this man, with so little, was grateful for the air in his lungs, a meal, and a book to read. That changed my perspective.”

For nearly a century, the Saint Francis Breadline has been a place of sustenance, both physical and spiritual, for the city’s most vulnerable. Father Jim Gannon, O.F.M., who is part of the Pastoral Staff at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, spoke about the enduring legacy of the ministry.

“The people here come every single day, and what amazes me is how they and the Cardinal remember each other,” he said. “It’s a special bond, one that speaks to the heart of what this breadline represents.”

The connection between faith and service has been central to the Franciscan mission since its earliest days. Father Jim shared a story about Saint Francis of Assisi, who, in 1209, was deeply moved by the sight of the homeless sleeping on the steps of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. More than 800 years later, the same call to care for the poor remains urgent.

“If Saint Francis were here today – whether in New York, Philadelphia, or Rome – he would still be heartbroken by the number of people experiencing homelessness,” Father Jim said. “It reminds us that we still have a huge job of taking care of God’s little ones.”

As the morning light brightened the city streets, the volunteers continued their work, serving meals, offering smiles, and embodying the spirit of Lent – not just for one day, but for every day to come.