Saint Francis of Assisi
Stigmatist, Religious, Founder - Memorial
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Liturgical Cycle: C | Lectionary Cycle: I
Introduction
We speak much today of poverty and or returning to the true values of the gospel. What St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) undertook in the 13th century might very well inspire our times. Today’s society threatens to destroy itself in many parts of the world by its own philosophy and prosperity; even in developing countries, artificial needs are forced on people, to the loss of the deeper values of God and people. What we need is not only talk about poverty and evangelical living, but responsible Christian living according to the values of the gospel.
In 1979, St. Pope John Paul II designated St. Francis as the patron saint of ecology. Today also signifies the conclusion of the annual observance of the month-long Season of Creation. The Season of Creation is a collaborative celebration of prayer and action to nurture the environment in which we reside. St. Francis teaches us a path of conversion, not only in our hearts but also in how we live harmoniously with nature. As we conclude the Season of Creation, we are reminded that caring for the Earth is not an optional task but an integral part of our faith. Our renewed commitment to protect God’s creation acknowledges that in doing so, we honour the Creator Himself.
May this feast and the close of this sacred season inspire us to repent of our ecological sins and embrace a life of stewardship, gratitude, and care for the world around us.
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
it is a pleasure for us to celebrate today
your gentle and loveable saint,
Francis of Assisi.
Let us go through life like him
one with you, one with nature,
one with all that is good and kind-hearted.
Make us humble and peaceful like him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
[Below are the readings suggested for today’s Memorial. However, readings may also be taken from the Liturgy of Ordinary Time]
Responsorial Psalm
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
You will show me the path to life,
fullness of joys in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Our mighty God,
you are partial to the poor.
From your own gifts
we bring before you bread and wine.
Make us as genuine and simple
as these offerings,
that we may understand readily
the simple story of your forgiveness and love,
which you tell us through your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord of heaven and earth,
we thank you in the poverty of our hearts
that you have let us eat from Jesus’ table
notwithstanding our inadequate faith
and our lukewarm love.
Keep accepting us in our weakness as we are,
help us to be and to do better
and to render wholehearted service
to our brothers and sisters in need.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.