Francis of Assisi Community

Pros

• It is a great place for praying and meditation with God.
• It has great people and great priests, such as Goode and John.
• They love their church, their community, and their fathers.
• It is highly recommended.
• It is described as a safe place to live.

Cons

• It is not worth the hassle.
• Entry is practically impossible.
• The desk attendant is rude and ignores requests for entry.
• The reviewer was followed down the hall and yelled at for knocking on the door.

Review

A mystical place of meditation can feel like a doorway to serenity and connection, and this description captures that sense of sacred calm. The voices praise a haven where praying and meditating with God come naturally, and where the atmosphere is described as deeply supportive of spiritual practice. In this account, the place earns high regard for its people and leadership: the community is described as large and loving, with great priests, notably Father Goode and Father John, who are remembered fondly. The sentiment is clear: the church and its ministers are held in affectionate esteem, and the overall experience is framed as something worth seeking out. The repetition of words like "great," "love," and "highly recommended" echoes a genuine warmth toward the spiritual environment and the guiding figures who shape it.

Yet the same collection of impressions doesn't shy away from a contrasting reality. For some, the practical side of visiting this sacred place is fraught with friction. The reviewer who writes "Not worth the hassle" points to a real barrier: entry seems nearly impossible. The desk attendant is described as rude, ignoring requests to gain entry, which transforms what should be a welcoming moment into a frustrating obstacle. The intensity of the negative experience is underscored by a frightening follow-up incident: during a visit, the person who knocked on the door was pursued down the hall while being yelled at. That degree of hostility stands in stark contrast to the tranquil, prayerful ideal that the place otherwise embodies for others. The tension between sacred invitation and administrative resistance is palpable, painting a complex portrait of a place that can feel both inviting and exclusionary depending on who you are and when you arrive.

The third thread in this collection of reflections shifts focus to a more practical, family-centered aspect: "A place to accompany grandparents." This phrase hints at a custodial, intergenerational purpose for the site or a related program, where grandparents and families - perhaps with elderly relatives - see value in the environment as a space to be with loved ones in a meaningful setting. It evokes a sense of community care and shared purpose, suggesting that the location serves as more than a purely spiritual retreat. In this view, the ambiance is aligned with family presence and the possibility of meaningful companionship, reinforcing the idea that the place can function as a comforting, supportive hub for those who are accompanying older relatives.

Embedded in this same voice is a hopeful, almost practical longing: the desire to be part of the experience in a living capacity. The speaker notes a wish to have an application accepted to live there, to inhabit the space and fully participate in what they perceive as the ongoing spiritual journey. The statement acknowledges a boundary, however: they have been told that it is a safe place to live. That safety claim adds a layer of reassurance, implying reliable protection and a stable, nurturing environment. Taken together, these lines paint a picture of a place that promises both spiritual nourishment and a secure living setting, which could be especially appealing to families or individuals seeking a sanctuary that also supports longevity and stability.

When these threads are woven together, a nuanced portrait emerges. On one hand, the place is celebrated as a powerful sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and communal worship, where the clergy - imagined as thoughtful, caring guides - help sustain a deeply meaningful spiritual practice. The affection for Father Goode and Father John, and the overall regard for the church community, convey a sense of warmth, belonging, and genuine devotion. On the other hand, practical realities intrude: access can feel gatekept, and interactions with staff can dampen the experience, leaving some visitors feeling unwelcomed or unsettled. This tension between sacred invitation and procedural barrier creates a dual impression: a spiritual oasis for some, a place of struggle for others, depending on the moment and the people involved.

Ultimately, the message you can draw from these reflections is one of vivid contrast, yet with strands of hope interlaced throughout. For devoted worshippers and those drawn to meditation, the place offers a luminous vision of prayerful life, anchored by beloved leaders and a sense of shared faith. For others - those who arrive with uncertainty, impatience, or prior disappointments - the experience can be tarnished by poor access and a terse, unwelcoming encounter at the doorway. The environmental promise remains strong: a safe, potentially life-enhancing living space that families may aspire to join, and a community that believes in care and safety as core values. Taken together, the impressions form a picture of a sacred site that is as much about the beauty of spiritual practice as it is about the sometimes challenging human dynamics that surround any devotional community.

This part of San Francisco, California, offers a vibrant and diverse community with convenient access to various amenities. There are several cafes, restaurants, pharmacies, and parks within close proximity, making daily errands and recreational activities easily accessible. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and hospitals nearby for any medical needs that may arise. The neighborhood also has a variety of theaters for entertainment options. Transportation is readily available with the San Francisco Caltrain Station located just 1.7 miles away. Overall, this area provides a bustling urban environment with plenty of resources for seniors to enjoy a fulfilling and active lifestyle.

Cafes

• Four Barrel Coffee (0.2 miles)
• Cafe Réveille (0.5 miles)
• SPRO Coffee Lab (0.5 miles)
• Le Marais Bakery (0.7 miles)
• Sightglass Coffee (0.8 miles)
• The Mill (0.9 miles)
• Sightglass Coffee (1 miles)

Physicians

• One Medical (0.4 miles)
• Noe Valley Pediatrics (1.2 miles)
• Golden Gate OBGYN (2.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Grass Roots (1.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Good Good Culture Club (0.5 miles)
• Hi Tops (0.5 miles)
• Salt & Straw (0.5 miles)
• A Mano (0.5 miles)
• SF Eagle (0.6 miles)
• Garden Creamery (0.7 miles)
• True Laurel (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Duboce Park (0.5 miles)
• Mission Dolores Park (0.7 miles)
• The Panhandle (1.3 miles)
• McKinley Square (1.3 miles)
• Lafayette Park (1.6 miles)
• Yerba Buena Gardens (1.6 miles)
• Alta Plaza Park (1.6 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Square (0.7 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse New Mission (0.9 miles)
• AMC Kabuki 8 (1.2 miles)
• AMC Metreon 16 (1.5 miles)

Transportation

• San Francisco Caltrain Station (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center (2.4 miles)