Frank Desiderio@frankdesiderio
Frank Desiderio, C.S.P., is a priest whose work blends faith, creativity, and service. As a poet, filmmaker, and pastoral leader, Frank’s career has been devoted to using various forms of art and media to help others explore the deeper meanings of life, faith, and forgiveness. His ministry is an invitation to reflect on personal growth, healing, and the power of spiritual connection.
As a poet, Frank’s writing serves as both a sanctuary and a challenge for those who engage with it. His poems have appeared in respected journals such as America and Presence, and he has contributed to several anthologies that focus on sacred themes. In Sibling Reverie, co-authored with his sister Mimi Moriarty, Frank captures the bond between siblings and the role of faith in family relationships. His book Can You Let Go of a Grudge: Learning to Forgive and Get On with Your Life offers practical advice on the transformative power of forgiveness. Frank continues to share his reflections on life and spirituality through his Holy Poetry newsletter, reaching an expanding audience of readers seeking deeper meaning in their lives.
Ordained in 1982, Frank has dedicated his ministry to spiritual leadership and social justice. His early role as Director of Campus Ministry at UCLA, particularly during the 1984 Olympic Games, set the stage for his lifelong commitment to working with young people and helping them deepen their faith. Later, as rector of St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., and Director of the Paulist Center in Boston, Frank focused on serving marginalized communities. At the Paulist Center, he oversaw one of the longest-running weekly hot meal programs for people experiencing homelessness in Boston, reflecting his strong commitment to social justice and practical service.
Beyond his pastoral work, Frank has made significant contributions to the media. As executive producer at Paulist Productions, he helped create over 25 hours of documentaries for networks like the History Channel, A&E, and Hallmark. His film The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness received critical acclaim and sparked national conversations on forgiveness and personal growth.
Frank Desiderio’s life is a testament to the power of blending faith, creativity, and service. Through his poetry, films, and leadership, he inspires others to explore the transformative power of forgiveness, trust, and human connection.