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St Francis of Assisi |
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InformationSt. Francis of Assisi is known as the Seraphic Saint, with a nature befitting that of the angels. He was born to a wealthy family at Assisi, Italy in 1182. After a carefree youth he renounced the wealth of his family and answered God's call to rebuild his Church. St. Francis founded three orders -- the Order of Friars Minor, the second Order of the Poor Clares and the Tertiaries or Third Order of Saint Francis (Lay Order). All of the orders practice penance. He received the "Stigmata" on September 14, 1224. St. Francis wrote the "The Canticle of the Sun (see below)." He is the Patron Saint of Animals, Catholic Action, Ecology, Italy and Merchants.
Prayer Before the Crucifix
This simple prayer had its origin at the foot of the crucifix in the Chuch of San Damiano. It clearly reflects the struggle of the early years of the saint's life as well as his ever-present desire to fulfill the will of God. "Most high and glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope, a perfect charity, sense and knowledge so that I may carry out Your holy and true command." - from the Words of St. Francis 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. 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.
The Canticle of Brother Sun Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing.
and no man is worthy to mention Your name.
and the stars, in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather through which You give sustenance to Your creatures.
which is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
through whom you light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
who sustains us and governs us and who produces varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
through those who give pardon for Your love, and bear infirmity and tribulation.
for by You, Most High, they shall be crowned.
through our Sister Bodily Death, from whom no living man can escape.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy willl, for the second death shall do them no harm.
and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility. AMEN
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