Frank Desiderio, C.S.P., is a priest whose life and work combine creativity, faith, and service. As a poet, filmmaker, and pastoral leader, he has dedicated his talents to inspiring others and addressing the complexities of the human experience. His career is driven by a strong commitment to social justice and a deep desire to help others explore faith, forgiveness, and personal growth. Frank encourages spiritual reflection and healing through poetry, films, and ministry.
Frank’s poetry is reflective and challenging, inviting readers to contemplate their faith, relationships, and personal growth. His work has been published in respected journals like America and Presence and continues to resonate with a broad audience. In Sibling Reverie, co-authored with his sister, Frank explores the connections between siblings, faith, and family. His book Can You Let Go of a Grudge: Learning to Forgive and Get On with Your Life (Paulist Press, 2014) offers practical advice on forgiveness, guiding readers to let go of resentment and find peace. Frank’s weekly poetry on Substack inspires readers seeking spiritual renewal, providing comfort and wisdom for those on their journey.
Ordained in 1982, Frank’s ministry has spanned various roles, each marked by a commitment to service and leadership. As Director of Campus Ministry at UCLA, he provided spiritual guidance to students during the 1984 Olympic Games. Later, as rector of St. Paul’s College in Washington, D.C., he combined theological insights with hands-on service. At the Paulist Center in Boston, Frank led one of the longest-running hot meal programs for people experiencing homelessness, showing his dedication to social justice and care for marginalized communities.
Within the Paulist Fathers, Frank played a key role in securing major capital gifts and overseeing the renovation of properties, which supported the order’s work for years. As executive producer at Paulist Productions, he created documentaries for networks like History Channel and A&E. His film The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness earned recognition at multiple film festivals and inspired retreats and talks nationwide.
With academic degrees in English Literature, Theology, and Communications, Frank has also taught at the Catholic University of America and Washington Theological Union. His life and work demonstrate the transformative power of faith, creativity, and service. Frank Desiderio’s example inspires others to live with purpose, compassion, and a deep sense of service to others.
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