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October 04, 2006 Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, religious Old Calendar: St. Francis of Assisi, confessor
St. Francis (1182-1226) was born and died in Assisi. He was the son of a rich merchant, Bernardone, received a good education, and in the beginning followed the ways of the world. He was taken prisoner in the battle between the Assisians and Perugians, and after his release decided to abandon everything for Christ. His father became extremely displeased at his action, and disinherited him. In 1220 he founded a new order which in ten years numbered five thousand brothers. His followers were called Friars Minor because they were to consider themselves as the least among religious. Out of humility Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon all his life. He had a great love for God's creatures and called them his brothers and sisters. His ardent love of God merited for him the name of Seraphic.
St. Francis of Assisi Francis Bernardone was born in 1181 at Assisi, Umbria, Italy. The son of a wealthy cloth merchant, he lived a lavish and irresponsible life. At the age of twenty, he went to war against Perugia, but was captured and imprisoned. During his imprisonment he experienced a vision from Christ and changed his life completely. He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life. He wore ragged old clothes, begged for food and preached peace. He began to attract followers, and in 1209 with the papal blessing he founded the Friars Minor (Franciscans). Then in 1212 with St. Clare of Assisi he founded the foundation of the Order of "Poor Ladies", now known as the "Poor Clares". He also founded the "Third Order of Penance" (the Third Order) which included lay people. He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224. He died on October 4, 1226 at Portiuncula, Italy. He was canonized by Gregory IX less than two years later. Patron: against fire; animals; Catholic Action; dying alone; ecology; environment; families; fire; lacemakers; merchants; peace; zoos; Italy; Assisi, Italy; Colorado; Sante Fe, New Mexico; archdiocese of San Francisco, California; archdiocese of Denver, Colorado; archdiocese of Sante Fe, New Mexico; diocese of Salina, Kansas. Symbols: birds and animals; bag of gold and rich raiment at his feet; winged crucifix with five rays; stigmata; crown of thorns; lighted lamp; fiery chariot; birds; deer; fish; skull; wolf; fire. Things to Do:
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I Want to Follow You! Saint Francis of Assisi, religious Luke 9:57-62 Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to you today with faith and humility, thanking you for so many gifts. Above all, thank you for calling me into existence, for calling me out of sin and for calling me to serve you in my life as your true disciple. Petition: Lord, grant me the generosity to follow you wholeheartedly in my particular vocation. 1. My Vocation. Jesus calls each one of us to a particular vocation. Has he called me to the married life? Has he called me to be a parent? Has he called me to the consecrated life? Has he called me to be a priest? The words of this Gospel passage are directed to me: Follow me. The most important thing we can do before this invitation of Christ is to be generous. We should respond like Mary: "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). 3. St. Francis. St. Francis of Assisi is a wonderful example of someone who put God first in his life in order to follow his vocation. He was popular and wealthy, from one of the top families in the Italian town of Assisi. However, when he heard the call of Christ to rebuild the Church, St. Francis responded in a radical way. He left his possessions, family and friends in order to dedicate his life fully to Christ. We can all follow the example of St. Francis by responding, seeking to do Gods most holy will in our lives, no matter what the sacrifice. Dialogue with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for the example of so many saints throughout the history of the Church. I believe that I am called to be a saint too. Help me to live my vocation with the spirit of St. Francis, imitating Christs attitude before Gods will: not my will, but yours be done (Luke 22:42). Resolution: Lord, today I resolve to stop and pray. I will reflect on my vocation and tell you that I would like you to be number one in my life. |