There was special excitement buzzing around St. Francis parish this month. Parishioners congregated to view engraved bricks, while others proudly pointed to the newly finished San Damiano Parish Hall. This is St. Francis' first parish hall and it is now the largest gathering space in Gallup, New Mexico.

Donna Herrera, long-time parishioner and Secular Franciscan, shared that the journey to build the parish hall was effortful. The development, planning and fundraising has been a multi-year process. The fundraisers for the parish hall included: engraving bricks, bake sales, fiestas, and yard sales. 

Ms. Herrera shared that there were many dedicated people who played a special role in the development, "Every pastor added another layer." The building of San Damiano Parish Hall is a true manifestation of the St Francis quote "Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."

San Damiano Parish Hall includes two conference rooms, a small store front , a full kitchen and a large gathering space. The gathering space will not only be used for parish social gatherings, catechetical instruction, and retreats, but also for the use of the greater Gallup community. Ms. Herrera shared that the space had already hosted it's first wedding reception! The hall is also scheduled for showers and graduation parties.

On Friday, May 31, 2019, St. Francis Parish hosted the Dedication of the San Damiano Hall, which was the first official event in the space. Hundreds of happy parishioners, over twenty Franciscan Friars, and Bishop Wall of the Diocese of Gallup joined in the celebration. During the event there was a presentation and blessing of a San Damiano Crufix. Fr. Jack Clark Robinson, Provincial Minister, stated, "The choice of the name San Damiano for the hall, along with the blessing represents a real desire for the "rebuilding of the Church" in the midst of all of the trials that the Church has faced in Gallup over the last decade."

Prayer and Blessing of San Damiano Crucifix 
"We come now in prayer and ask your blessings upon this San Damiano Crucifix, that it may be a blessing for this place, for all who enter here, all who see its beauty and all who are inspired by it to pray. You spoke to Francis of Assisi from the San Damiano Crucifix, sharing with him the entire story of the Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of your Son as You commanded him to rebuild Your Church. May this Crucifix speak to all who come before it, with the call to repair the Church, beyond wood and stone, to repair the Church of their hearts and in their lives,and in the hearts and lives of all around them."