Today is the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi who was a protector of God’s creations, lived by the Holy Gospel, and was devoted to Peace. He was also very literal. When he received a vision from Jesus to rebuild His church, he literally went and repaired the church building, San Damiano, in Italy. Although it was true, the church was in dire straits, God really wanted him to rebuild the Church - fix it of its corruption and disobedience. He finally got it and devoted his life to carrying out the mission and also to serve the poor.
I am in my second year of formation to become a secular Franciscan - Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis (OFS) and it has been a beautiful experience learning about our patron saint, Saint Francis. He received the Stigmata while carrying out his work. Here is a prayer that was attributed to him but has since been found unlikely to be written by him, however; it is sung often during Mass because of its beauty.
St. Francis Prayer
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; And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,Grant that I may not so much seekTo 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.
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