When Br. Charles Okorie, NSA, was attending high school in Nigeria, he purchased a book about the saints. The stories of these holy men and women inspired him, especially the biography of St. Francis of Assisi. Br. Charles felt God calling him to follow in Francis’ footsteps.
Fast forward several years and Br. Charles is now a Novice in the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement. He’s blessed to work in and around Assisi, the same town as his saintly hero.
Here’s what he has been up to since our last update.
Serving those in need.
Br. Charles dedicates much of his time to helping the poor and vulnerable.
Emporio solidale 7 ceste is a food center that also provides essential household items for hundreds of poor people. Br. Charles volunteers here on a regular basis, putting together food boxes for struggling families.
He also volunteers at the Serafico Institute, a nonprofit organization that offers psychological, social and clinical care for children and young adults with disabilities. His greatest joy is making sure each person feels God’s love deeply.
“All of this gives me the opportunity to continue maturing in my vocation, deepening my calling and growing in service for the greater glory of God,” says Br. Charles.
Let us keep Br. Charles in our prayers, as he continues to follow in the footsteps of St. Francis.
Forming his mind and heart for ministry.
Br. Charles earned a Bachelor of Theology from the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), which is affiliated with the University of Calabar. He moved to Italy in 2022 to pursue studies in moral theology at the Pontifical Alphonsian Academy (Alfonsianum).
Having completed his exams, he is now working on his thesis, a challenging task for which he humbly asks for your prayers.
Beyond academics, Br. Charles embraces the rich liturgical life of the Franciscans. He serves at Chiesa Nuova, a church built in 1615 on what is believed to be the birthplace of St. Francis.
Grateful for his journey, Br. Charles says, “In the example and witness of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, I have found the way of life I have always longed for. To me, At-One-Ment means, ‘Take one step at a time and in the end, everything will come together as one.’”