St. Francis of Assisi Our Patron Saint

To Christians of his time and ours, St. Francis gave a vision of life lived wholly in the spirit of the Gospel. He always looked for success through the meekness of the Gospel and was ingenious in finding ways to serve. He had the courage and simplicity to take the words of Jesus literally. Joy was the Lord’s exquisite gift to Francis, illuminating his whole being and influencing those around him. He recognized all things as being created by God and accorded them due respect. The very seriousness with which St. Francis lived the Gospel message challenges us to do likewise. His profound concern for peace among people, his dedication to brotherhood among all, his identity with those who suffered, his reverence of nature dares us to seek Christ in every situation we find ourselves.