Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis of Assisi, (Francisco d’ Assisi) 1181-1226. Born in the town of Assisi, Italy, great mystic, is known as the patron saint of animals, because of his love for animals and all nature. Feast day is October 4th.   St. Francis of Assisi is the founder of the Order of the Franciscan Friars.  

Francis, a cheeful and joyful friar who preached in the marketplace, was born the son of a successful and wealthy merchant family. Francis grew to love the teachings of Christ and gave up family and fortune to devote his life to God and the poor.   During his pilgrimage before he had any followers, Francis would tend to those who suffered from leprosy. Francis said he would not be ordained a priest, his only mission was to lead a life of poverty and teach his brothers, the friars -  love, respect and peace toward others.  To Francis  love was the truest of all  truths,  hence his deep sense of personal responsibility towards his fellows. The love of Christ permeated the whole life and character of Francis.

Francis found happiness in offering songs and poems;  he identified with elements of the Universe and found in all created things some reflection of the Divine perfection, and loved to admire in them the beauty, power and wisdom and goodness of the creator.   During a forty day fast in preparation for Michaelmas Day, Sept 29, Francis had a vision as a result of which he received the stigmata, (wounds of Christ).  In later years, being already very ill, and in one of his last visits to St. Clare of Assisi, he composed the ”Canticle to the Sun.”

Francis always yearned to be both a knight and a troubadour (poet-singer) - to do battle for God and at the same time to amuse with a song.  Saint Francis is remembered during the month of October.  The good work of Saint Francis, his genius writings, his gentle charity and compassion, his loving heart and virtuous humility, are reminded to us through his powerful prayer:    

Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your 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; where there is sadness, joy.

…read full prayer under Prayers category.

Prayer of Saint Francis

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your 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; 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;

it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.  Amen.