Saint Francis
We are Franciscans because we believe that message of St. Francis is a message that the World needs to hear for these reasons:
His devotion to God: Francis was deeply devoted to God and lived a life of prayer and contemplation. He believed that all of creation was a reflection of God's love and sought to live in harmony with the natural world.
His humility and simplicity: Francis renounced his wealth and material possessions and embraced a life of poverty and simplicity. He believed that true happiness and fulfillment came from living a life of service to others.
His love for all creatures: Francis had a deep love for animals and believed that they were part of God's creation. He is often depicted with birds and other animals, and his love for them is seen as an example of God's love for all creatures.
His commitment to peace and nonviolence: Francis believed in the power of love and nonviolence to overcome hatred and conflict. He is known for his efforts to negotiate peace during the Crusades and for his famous prayer, the "Prayer of St. Francis," which calls for peace, love, and understanding.
"Probably no one in history has set out as seriously as did Francis to imitate the life of Christ and to carry out so literally Christ’s work in Christ’s own way. This is the key to the character and spirit of St. Francis and helps explain his veneration for the Eucharist (the body and blood of Christ) and respect for the priests who handled the elements of the communion sacrament. To neglect this point is to present an unbalanced portrait of the saint as a lover of nature, a social worker, an itinerant preacher, and a celebrant of poverty. " -- The Encyclopedia Britannic
Practical ways to integrate his teachings and spirituality into your daily life:
Embrace simplicity: St. Francis valued simplicity and detachment from material possessions. Evaluate your lifestyle and consider simplifying it by decluttering your home, minimizing excessive consumption, and focusing on what truly matters. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in your life, practicing contentment and avoiding excessive attachment to material possessions.
Foster a spirit of humility: St. Francis embraced humility as a virtue, recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of all people. Strive to cultivate humility in your interactions with others. Practice active listening, seek to understand different perspectives, and treat everyone with respect and kindness.
Care for creation: St. Francis had a deep love for all creatures and saw them as expressions of God's beauty. Follow his example by developing an ecological awareness and being mindful of your impact on the environment. Practice sustainability, reduce waste, recycle, and support initiatives that protect and preserve the natural world.
Serve others: St. Francis dedicated his life to serving others, especially those who were marginalized and in need. Look for opportunities to serve in your community, whether through volunteering at a local charity, assisting the elderly, mentoring youth, or supporting those experiencing poverty or homelessness. Extend a helping hand to those around you and practice compassion and empathy.
Cultivate a prayerful life: St. Francis was deeply connected to God through prayer and contemplation. Set aside regular time for prayer, meditation, or reflection, allowing yourself to connect with the divine. Explore different prayer practices, such as the Franciscan tradition of contemplative prayer or the recitation of the Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
Seek reconciliation and peace: St. Francis was a peacemaker, promoting harmony and reconciliation. Strive to resolve conflicts in your relationships and work towards peace in your community and the world. Practice forgiveness, promote dialogue, and seek opportunities to build bridges and foster understanding among different groups.
Remember that incorporating St. Francis's ideas into your life is a journey, and it's essential to approach it with patience and perseverance. By living out these values, you can contribute to creating a more compassionate, just, and harmonious world, following in the footsteps of St. Francis.