Saint Francis Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018, dedicated to serving the Deaf and disabled in Uganda. Through spiritual, linguistic, and academic empowerment, we strive to bring the Sacraments and a deeper understanding of Christ and His Holy Church to those in need.
Meet Our Founder, Rannah
In 2014, after an intense conversion and baptism into the Catholic Church, God led me to a Deaf school in Kampala, Uganda, where I was to spend the next seven months.
My first day at school was also the first day of a student just two years younger than me who had never had a language. This hit me hard and left an impression that has never left me. The realization that she had never read or heard the Gospels or been told of God’s infinite love for her, along with being isolated from family and society—unable to express emotion, thoughts, opinions, or fully pursue her dreams in life—left me saddened with a heart yearning to help change those circumstances.
In this time of learning, growth, and the stretching of my heart, the director of the school took me to Northern Uganda. Before it was time for me to leave, he told me, “I think God wants you here.”
Thank God he was right. In September 2016, Bishop Wanok of the Nebbi Diocese offered me a center to be used as a Deaf boarding school. In one day, a distant dream of mine, which had seemed impossible, became reality.
I hope to lift, even if a little, the oppression placed upon the Deaf. I hope to see them pursuing their dreams of becoming farmers, teachers, business owners, and mothers and fathers. I hope to help guide our students on a path to holiness and Christ. Whatever it may be, may it all be for the Glory of God.
“It starts with a language, it starts with an education, and it starts with just one child—and through Christ, may it be accomplished.”
– Rannah (Evetts) Libutti
Our Patron, Saint Francis de Sales
In 1605, St. Francis de Sales met Martin, a young man about 25 years old who, due to his deafness, had never received any formal education or instruction in the Catholic Faith. Moved with deep compassion, St. Francis recognized that without intervention, Martin would remain unaware of God’s love and the richness of the Faith. Determined to change this, he developed his own form of sign language and personally taught Martin about Catholicism.
By 1606, Martin was able to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time, and two years later, he was confirmed. He embraced a devout prayer life, examined his conscience each evening, regularly went to confession with St. Francis, and assisted him at Mass. After St. Francis’ passing, Martin visited his grave almost every day until his own death.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation He came down from Heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
He suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into Heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and His Kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life,
Who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
Who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.
Amen!