PHOTOS FOR TODAY · PRAYERS FOR TODAY · COOL LINKS · BLOG FOR TODAY
Praise and bless
my Lord, and give him thanks, and serve him with great humility
St. Francis’s Canticle of Brother Sun
Photos for Today Thanks, Alison!
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The Story of St. Francis
In Assisi, we come close to Francis and Clare, founders, mystics, humble, holy people. The wonderful story of the beginning of Francis’ mission has been told many times, but it bears repeating. While kneeling in prayer in a little chapel at San Damiano, Francis heard the voice of Christ, who said to him three times, “Francis, Francis, go and repair my house which, as you can see, is falling into ruin.” Francis began by rebuilding the chapel, which was, indeed, falling apart. But he soon understood that Jesus wanted him to rebuild not a church, but the Church--and through his simple life of obedience and poverty, Francis did.
A Meditation by St. Francis
Nothing must keep us back, nothing separate us from him, nothing come between us and him. At all times and seasons, in every country and place, every day and all day, we must have a true and humble faith, and keep him in our hearts where we must love, honor, adore, serve, praise and bless, glorify and acclaim, magnify and thank, the most high supreme and eternal God, Three and One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Creator of all and Savior of those who believe in him, who hope in him, and who love him. (from the Rule, 1221)
Intentions for Today
PILGRIMS TO ROME: Francis answered Christ’s call to rebuild the Church. How am I called to build up the Church?
PILGRIMS AT HOME: Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with great
natural beauty. As we remember St. Francis, the patron saint of
environmentalists, let us give thanks for the beauty of this region, and pray
that we may be good stewards of the natural world, preserving its beauty for
generations yet to come.
How do you get from Rome to Assisi?
Click here to view an online album of Assisi and environs
Read about St. Francis of Assisi at AmericanCatholic.Org
Read The Little Flowers of St. Francis (Fioretti) online
Explore the art of Assisi at the Web Gallery of Art
Other pilgrims chose to visit Pompeii. Wikipedia has a great article with plenty of photos!
