Saint Francis of Assisi
Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone was born in
Assisi (Umbria / Italy) in 1181 or 1182
and died in October 3, 1226.
He was a Catholic deacon and preacher.
Was also the founder of the Order of Friars Minor,
more commonly known as the Franciscans.
After a care free youth, he turned his back on inherited wealth
and committed himself to God and like many early saints,
he lived a very simple life of poverty.
He is known as the patron saint of animals,
the environment and one of the two
patrons of Italy (with Catherine of Siena),
and it is customary for Anglican and Roman Catholic churches
to hold ceremonies blessing animals
on his feast day (October 4th).
The 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.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
