Today we celebrate the feast of one of the most beloved persons
in history…
Saint Francis of
Assisi
Feast Day: October 4
Patron
of Animals and All Who Care for the Earth
Saint
Francis was born as the son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi in 1182. He loved
to sing songs and party with his friends.
One
day, Jesus spoke to Francis from the crucifix in the tiny chapel of San
Damiano, “Go,
rebuild My Church.”
Francis
fell in love with Jesus. He gave away his rich clothing and wore a simple robe.
He cared for the sick and needy.
He
taught that
everything God made, like the sun, the moon, the animals and plants, is
good. God wants us to take good care of our earth.
Captivated
by his sincerity and fervent heart, men and women, began to follow Francis.
Together
they cared for others, especially the poor, and began to spiritually rebuild the Church.
The
pope blessed Saint Francis and his followers. Saint Francis prayed and preached
much.
He
was the first person in history to receive the stigmata—the wounds
of Jesus, and
died with the words, “Welcome, Sister Death!”
Prayer of Saint
Francis of Assisi
Lord,
Make
me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where
there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where
there is injury, pardon;
Where
there is doubt, faith;
Where
there is despair, hope;
Where
there is darkness, light;
And
where there is sadness, joy.
O
Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be
consoled, as to console;
To be
understood, as to understand;
To be
loved, as to love;
For
it is in giving that we receive;
It is
in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Saint
Francis of Assisi, pray for us.
