October 4, 2023

Feast of San Francesco D’Assisi

San Francesco d'Assisi, ora pro nobis
Nor did demons crucify Him; it is you who have crucified Him and crucify Him still, when you delight in your vices and sins. ~ St. Francis of Assisi
October 4th is the Feast of San Francesco d’Assisi (Saint Francis of Assisi), patron saint of animals and ecology. Beloved patron of Cava de’ Tirreni in Salerno, the town’s processional statue is adorned with the Collar of the Golden Fleece and Constantinian Cross. The honor was bestowed upon the citizens of Cava by HM King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies for their loyalty to the throne during Napoleon’s invasion and occupation of the Regno
In celebration, we're posting a Prayer to St. Francis. The accompanying photo of Saint Francis on horseback renouncing his wordly goods was taken in 2007 at the Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi in Perugia, Umbria. Evviva San Francesco!

Prayer to St. Francis of Assisi 


O beloved Saint Francis, gentle and poor, your obedience to God and your simple, deep love for all God's creatures led you to the heights of heavenly perfection and turned many hearts to follow God's will. Now, in our day, pray also for us, in our ministry to the many who come here searching for peace and intercede for us as we come before the Lord with our special requests. [Mention your special intention.] O blessed Saint of God, from your throne among the hosts of heaven present our petitions before our faithful Lord. May your prayers on our behalf be heard and may God grant us the grace to lead good and faithful lives. Amen.Saint Francis of Assisi, Pray for us. Amen.