Today marks the 800th anniversary of the death (or Transitus) of Saint Francis of Assisi, with his feast day celebrated on October 4. St. Francis, the patron saint of nature, was known for his deep love and reverence for God’s creation, seeing all of creation as one shared family.
As the Season
of Creation ends, let us continue to be people of peace, simplicity and those
who care for all of creation. Creation is both gift and sacred responsibility
for all people. Each one of us is called to care for our planet. May we listen
deeply to the cry of our Earth and those affected by environmental harm. As we
celebrate St. Francis’ Feast Day let us recall his prayer for peace.
Prayer of St.
Francis of Assisi (Prayer for Peace)
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.
May the spirit of Saint Francis deepen our commitment to protect all life and our world.
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