Lord, help me to live this day quietly, peacefully. To lean upon Thy great strength trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of Thy will patiently, serenely. To meet others peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow confidently, courageously. Amen.
– SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Greetings to you all on this feast day of St. Francis of Assisi!
St. Francis is one of the Catholic Church’s most popular saints. It’s easy to understand why. Although he lived in the 13th century, what he stood for are values so very critical to our lives today — caring for creation during a time when climate change causes massive storms and severe droughts that endanger our lives; reaching out to the outcast without question as Francis did to the leper and we must do to the poor and the immigrants looking for acceptance; and striving to make peace, as Francis did in meeting with the Sultan of Egypt during the Crusades and we must do with those who would destroy us with war. Because St. Francis is not here among us today, we need to live as he did and model for others care of creation, care of the stranger, and care for peace.
Peace and all good,
Sister Barbara Jean Donovan
General Minister
Honor Your Beloved Pet
St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all of God’s creation earned him recognition as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Every year around Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis, people celebrate with prayers for creation and a blessing of the animals. Honor your pet on our virtual blessing wall while supporting the Sisters of St. Francis.
You can participate with a donation of any amount. With a minimum donation of $25 you can receive one St. Francis Protect and Bless my Pet medal. Additional medals are available for $5 each.
