Look Into This Mirror

THE SAN DAMIANO CRUCIFIX

The Church of San Damiano was a ruin when Saint Francis knelt before this cross. Stretching out his arms as he prayed.

O great God of Glory
my Lord Jesus Christ,
I entreat you
put light into the darkness of my mind.
Give me right faith, firm hope, and perfect charity.
Help me learn to know you, Lord, so well,
that in all things I may do everything this day
in keeping with your holy will.

Francis prayed these words in the little ruined Church of San Damiano in Assisi, in the autumn of 1205. And as he prayed, he heard a voice which said: "Francis, rebuild my church, which as you see, is falling down."

He did rebuild it - brick upon brick - until he came to understand that what he was called to rebuild was the living Church in the heart of humankind.

As he worked Francis had prophesied: "Here will come to dwell ladies who will glorify our heavenly Father throughout his holy, universal Church by their celebrated and holy manner of life." This prophesy was fulfilled in Saint Clare who lived her life under the shadow of this story of salvation.

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