Saint Francis of Assisi was born in 1181 in Assisi, Italy.

Perhaps no saint is better loved or known both within and outside the Church. He spans the centuries and remains ever contemporary, youthful and intriguing. He inspires the most diverse of peoples: artists and beggars, scholars and simple children, popes and peasants, the famous and powerful as well as the weak, helpless and unknown. He is an inspiration of saints, a prod for sinners and a prophet for the third millennium.

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? Man of peace? Friend of the wolf of Gubbio? Patron of Ecologists? Saint of the Animals and Garden? Universal Brother? Poor Beggar of Assisi?

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? Radical Follower of the Gospel? Herald of the Great King? Troubadour? Lover of Lady Poverty? Perfect Imitator of Jesus Christ? Humble Knight of the Queen of Angels?

Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? Loyal Son of the Church? Totally catholic and obedient to the Holy Father the Pope? Conformed to Christ Crucified? Father of the Franciscan Family: the Friars, Poor Clares and Secular Franciscans? Marked with the Wounds of Christ, the Sacred Stigmata?

Who is Saint Francis for the Poor Clares? Founder, Helper and Planter. Inspiration. Example. Spiritual Father. And all of the above and much more…

The Prayer of Saint Francis
Before the Crucifix
of San Damiano

All-highest, glorious God,
cast Your light into the
darkness of my heart.
Give me right faith,
firm hope,
perfect charity
and profound humility,
with wisdom and perception,
O Lord, so that I may do
what is truly Your Holy Will.

Amen.

The Canticle of Exhortation for the Ladies of San Damiano

Listen, little poor ones called by the Lord,
who have come together from many parts and provinces.
Live always in truth,
that you may die in obedience.
Do not look at the life without,
for that of the Spirit is better.
I beg you out of great love,
to use with discernment
the alms the Lord gives you.
Those weighed down by sickness
and the others wearied because of them,
all if you bear it in peace.
For you will sell this fatigue at a very high price
and each one will be crowned queen
in heaven with the Virgin Mary.