St. Francis of Assisi

Dearest Ones,

St. Francis, one of the most beloved and well-known of all the saints, was the son of a very rich merchant, in the Italian town of Assisi. He was one of the most unique personalities the world has ever known. As a young man, he spent his time partying and loafing around. He led a sinful life and didn't want to be near anyone sick or poor. After returning from the war, he needed to find a deeper meaning in life. During a long illness, he read about Jesus being poor and soon he gave away all his father's riches, which made his father very angry. In fact, his father disowned him. Joyfully and humbly, he began to follow Jesus as a poor man. Some of his rich friends would have nothing to do with him, but others followed him in giving away their possessions, too.

His simple and sincere faith attracted many followers and soon he got permission from the Pope to start an Order of Brothers to go through Italy telling others of the love of God. Francis and his followers changed the world. They lived the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Through their efforts, a major renewal took place in teh Catholic Church in Europe in the 13th century. Francis lived at a time when the Moslems were trying to take over all of Europe and he decided to do something about it. He took another Brother with him and went to meet with Saladin, leader of the Moslems. At first, they were taken as prisoners and tortured. Francis did not mind, as he was glad to suffer as Jesus suffered. He only wanted to show that he didn't have any hatred for the Moslems. When he finally met with the leader, he said, "You are my brother. I do not hold any hatred toward you - only love." The Moslem leader was so surprised and impressed that he invited Francis and his companion to dine with him. He made sure that no one harmed Francis, saying, "This is a holy man - treat Francis with great respect." Although neither man converted the other, they held mutual admiration for each other and the world became much more peaceful because of Francis.

St. Francis saw the face of God in everything. He is known today for his great gentleness and love for all God's creation, especially animals. He called them his brothers and sisters, such as: Brother Donkey, Sister Cat, Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Fire and Sister Death. Wild animals became tame when he was near. Francis was a man of his century, who became most like Jesus, which was his only aim in life. His joy was contagious, as people flocked to hear him preach. He became so much like Jesus, that at times, when people saw him, they thought they were seeing Jesus. That's all he wanted in life - to be like Jesus.

Two years before his death at age 44, Francis was blessed with the stigmata - the wounds in the hands, feet and side suffered by Christ on the Cross. Although very painful, he thanked God for this special blessing, as he felt privileged to suffer as Jesus did. During his last two years of life, when he was half-blind and seriously ill, Francis remained full of joy. Although Francis never become a priest because he felt unworthy, it was because of him that today there are thousands of Franciscan priests who bring Jesus to the people. Francis spent many long hours in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as he never could thank God enough for leaving Himself with us under the appearance of bread and wine. We have Francis to thank for making Christmas come alive through the Nativity Scenes as we have them today. That God would allow Himself to come into the world as a tiny baby, was something that caused Francis so much awe and wonder....... it was why he made the first Christmas Crib Scene in Assisi. Live people, as well as live animals were characters in the first Christmas scene. It was because many people could not read the Bible that he made the Nativity scene come alive, which has become a Christmas tradition all over the world.

St. Francis is not only a favorite of Catholic folks, but many different faiths claim him as one of their own. I see statues of Francis in gardens of non-believers. It was Francis who wrote the inspiring hymn, "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace," which brings peace to so many.

One of the blessings I remember as a child was our family going together to confession during the days just before Christmas. God's gift of forgiveness makes Baby Jesus seem more real and it must make Him feel good, too, because He knows we know the real reason He came. As long as we have Baby Jesus, we have everything!

With Christmas Peace, Love and Joy!
Sister Francelle