Saint of the Week: St. Francis of Assisi

Today the Church in the west remembers one of my favorite saints, St. Francis of Assisi. Francis lived in 10th century, and is credited with bringing a wide spread renewal into the Catholic Church that in many ways continues to this very day.

If you don’t know who saint Francis is here are some books. Read them!

St. Francis was a man who heard the call of God to rebuild God’s church. So he went out and got on his hands and knees and rebuilt the chapel outside of his town. There are so many stories of what he did I could probably make St. Francis the Saint of the month.

Here is what you need to know about St. Francis in a nutshell:

• He received a vision while in the military which spurred his “awakening”
• He was a decan in the Catholic church, never a preist.
• He is the founder of the religious order called the Franciscans, sometimes called the Grey Friars. Which is properly called the Order of Friars Minor (FM).
• He is associated with a spirituality that was close to nature
• Although Francis grew up in a wealthy home, he and his followers rejected wealth and did not own anything
• He is concidered the first Italian poet. He wrote in the common tounge beliving the people should be able to speak to God in their native language

Here is one prayer he is said to have written:

Saint Francis’ Canticle of All Creatures

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
raised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.