St Francis lived the Gospel. Sounds simple doesn’t it? It is easy to say, but much more challenging to do. Francis life took him from earth to better!
He tells you about himself in his Testament and if you want to look into his eyes he can be a way of encountering God. So many people have strayed into his presence in Assisi and found their lives turned upside down. We can reflect on this in his litany.
Francis sums up his way to the Lord in his letter to everyone who loves God in faith and in this passage from his first Rule which is the heart of the Gospel.
He was a man who prayed with his life the Praises of God that he gave to Bother Leo after Christ marked his life with the wounds of the cross on Alvernia. They are part of our daily prayer at TMD. Like St Clare, we also pray the Office of the Passion that he composed for his brothers
Francis loved all creation and praises God for it in the Canticle of the creatures. Like Brother Sun and Sister Moon he also loved Queen Wisdom and Lady Holy Simplicity - and Mary, the Virgin made Church.
We have made our celebration of the Transitus of St Francis - his passover to eternal life - available for those who would like to join us in spirit for his feast day October 4. We also welcome 'live' guests - keep an eye on what's on for the date and time!
Left: Giotto, Lower Church Assisi 13C. Portrait made during Francis' lifetime, Subiaco. Giotto,13 C. Donatello, Padua 16/17C. Francis weeping, Portrait made during Francis lifetime Greccio. TMD 21 C
