Feast Day of St. Francis

Okay, we know. We spend all of our time here at Omni ripping the Catholic Church a new one, so why post about St. Francis?

Because:
1) He was cool
2) We can
3) He is the patron saint of animals and the environment

Giovanni Francesco di Bernardone 1181/1182 – October 3, 1226, is our most beloved Saint.

He was raised in a very wealthy family and sheltered from the harsh realities of life. When as a teenager he roamed the streets and saw the poverty, disease and inadequacies of life, he cast aside his wealth. One day, he stripped down to his underwear, threw the fancy clothes to his father, told his father and his entire family, mom and all, to fuck off, and went out to live "among the people".

The Basilica of St. Francis, in Assisi, is so beautiful. Unlike the marble, gold encrusted, gaudy and gross churches across Italy, the Basilica welcomes you with warm wood and stone construction, where there is a spirituality that is so palpable, that it feels real.

You are probably most familiar with his Peace prayer..but this one is our favorite.

Saint Francis’ Canticle of All Creatures

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.

Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.

Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.

Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.

Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with coloured flowers and herbs.

Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon
for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
By You Most High, they will be crowned.

Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.

Heavenly Father,
You gave Your servant Francis
great love for each of Your creatures.
Teach us to see Your design in all of creation.
We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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