St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) is one of Christendom’s most beloved historical figures. Born Giovanni Bernardone, he became an Italian monk at the age of 25, leaving behind the life of a well-to-do soldier and began to live a humble life dedicated to imitating the selfless life of Christ.
He is best remembered as a gentle and compassionate man who was a lover of nature and someone who saw the hand of God in all creation, and he urged people to respond with expressions of praise and alleluia. St. Francis would often be found praying wherever there were trees, fields, open sky, and his friends the animals. He also loved music and encouraged singing in his monastery, writing more than 60 hymns for just that purpose. One of his most enduring hymns is “All Creatures of Our God and King”, echoing his deep reverence for all of God’s creation. In the Catholic Church there is an official Feast Day for Saint Francis on October 4th. This is why churches quite often conduct Pet Blessings early in October; to honor St. Francis’ love of animals.
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. Amen
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