Our Patron Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Feast Day: October 4

Francis grew up in a wealthy family as the son of a store owner. During his youth, he enjoyed all the luxuries of upper class life--friends, money and entertainment. When he was twenty, however, he set off to fight in a civil war. Upon his return, he became quite ill. From this point on, Francis recalled, he experienced steady spiritual growth.

One day, while deep in prayer, he heard the voice of Christ telling him to rebuild a church which had been seriously damaged. Without the permission of his father, who was away at the time, Francis took many goods from his father’s shop and sold them. He took the money to the priest of the church to donate them. His father, however, was furious--he pleaded with the Bishop to insist Francis return the money. The Bishop obliged his father; all of the money was returned to his him. Francis also returned all of his clothing and possessions to his father in order to clear up any debt. Francis told him that his only father was the father in heaven.

From that point on, Francis devoted his life to poverty and humility. He founded the Friars Minor--a group of men living under strict rules opposing the ownership of any possessions other than a coat marked with a white cross. He taught his followers to love all creatures of the earth--rich, poor, man, woman or animal.

Eventually, Francis’ lifestyle led to illness. On October 3, 1226, St. Francis of Assisi passed away in poverty. Many religions recognise Francis as a saint.

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;
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.