In Preparation for Novemeber 1st: let us align ourselves with the angels and saints as we journey toward the day of Universal Sanctification!

October 4: St. Francis of Assisi, our big brother in Heaven and model of holiness!

I beseech Thee, O Lord, that the fiery and sweet strength of Thy love may absorb my soul from all things that are under heaven, that I may die for love of Thy love as Thou didst deign to die for love of my love. -St. Francis of Assisi

How does a saint help others be holy? It's all about love...

"People today experience a dual and radical phenomenon in the world: the phenomenon of great evil and at the same time of great goodness. People need to be positively instructed about the mystery of both good and evil. They need to be led to an integral Christianity in which they can invest their lives, and find the fulfillment of their human and spiritual growth. The world becomes energized only through the witness of true and holy Christians. Think of the deep impact St. Francis of Assisi made on the people of his time. St. Francis was a man totally transfigured by love and suffering, wounded with Christ’s wounds. From La Verna, Francis radiates great supernatural love. Mind you that we are not speaking of the St. Francis we watch in movies: the Francis who pats the little birds, etc. These are only marginal expressions of St. Francis’ love for God, poured out on his brothers and sisters, and extended to the whole creation. Rather, we are speaking of Francis as the poor and simple man, who receives Christ’s wounds, and whose only language is the language of love." (Giaquinta, The Spirituality of the Pro Sanctity Movement)

Please post your comments, quotes and book recommendations on St. Francis of Assisi!

In Preparation for Novemeber 1st: let us align ourselves with the angels and saints as we journey toward the day of Universal Sanctification!