Friar's Corner
Next weekend is a special weekend for Fr. Mike, myself, and all our Franciscan brothers and sisters throughout the world. We will gather together in different churches and chapels to commemorate the passing of Francis of Assisi and his entry into heaven with a transitus service, blessings of animals and Solemn Masses. It truly is a great celebration for us as friars since St. Francis of Assisi is our founder and also for the church at large because of the impact that he left on this earth.
Francis, the son of Pietro di Bernadorne and Pica Bourlemont was born in Assisi and was baptized Giovanni after John the Baptist but the father always referred to him as Francesco because of his great interest in all things French and did not appreciate the association of Giovanni (John) to a religious leader. Francis grew to be a man that enjoyed hanging out with friends, appreciating the beauty of the ladies of the town, throwing grand parties and also wanted to be a great soldier. In 1201 he joined an expedition to Perugia but was captured. He returned to Assisi and in 1205 became very ill. After these incidents he began his journey of converting from his old ways. His most intimate encounter with God was at the church of San Damiano where the image of Christ on the cross was made alive and spoke to Francis in these words, “Francis, go and repair my house, which as you can see is falling into ruins.” Francis thought these words were referring to repairing the actual church but God was calling him to great things.
After Francis was touched by the words from Matthew 10:9 which Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.” Francis was attracted to a way of life in which he had no possessions. By the end of his first year he had 11 followers. Where they went out in two throughout the world to live out the gospel message. In 1209, St. Francis and his followers went to Rome to meet with the pope to get approval for his way of life. The pope did not immediately give him permission but after having a dream of Francis holding the basilica of St. John Lateran (the cathedral of Rome). The pope saw this as a sign of greatness and he granted him permission.
Today in the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), 15,000 friars minister in parishes, hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, and the list goes on ministering to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the name of the gospel that we profess. May we follow that great example of St. Francis of Assisi to truly preach the gospel and live out as humble and obedient servants. "Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures.."(Canticle of the Sun).
Love,
Fr. Phil
Francis, the son of Pietro di Bernadorne and Pica Bourlemont was born in Assisi and was baptized Giovanni after John the Baptist but the father always referred to him as Francesco because of his great interest in all things French and did not appreciate the association of Giovanni (John) to a religious leader. Francis grew to be a man that enjoyed hanging out with friends, appreciating the beauty of the ladies of the town, throwing grand parties and also wanted to be a great soldier. In 1201 he joined an expedition to Perugia but was captured. He returned to Assisi and in 1205 became very ill. After these incidents he began his journey of converting from his old ways. His most intimate encounter with God was at the church of San Damiano where the image of Christ on the cross was made alive and spoke to Francis in these words, “Francis, go and repair my house, which as you can see is falling into ruins.” Francis thought these words were referring to repairing the actual church but God was calling him to great things.
After Francis was touched by the words from Matthew 10:9 which Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.” Francis was attracted to a way of life in which he had no possessions. By the end of his first year he had 11 followers. Where they went out in two throughout the world to live out the gospel message. In 1209, St. Francis and his followers went to Rome to meet with the pope to get approval for his way of life. The pope did not immediately give him permission but after having a dream of Francis holding the basilica of St. John Lateran (the cathedral of Rome). The pope saw this as a sign of greatness and he granted him permission.
Today in the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), 15,000 friars minister in parishes, hospitals, schools, soup kitchens, and the list goes on ministering to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the name of the gospel that we profess. May we follow that great example of St. Francis of Assisi to truly preach the gospel and live out as humble and obedient servants. "Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name. Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures.."(Canticle of the Sun).
Love,
Fr. Phil
posted by Fr. Phil at
2:19 PM
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