Lesson 3 8 3 The Legacy of St

Lesson 3. 8. 3 The Legacy of St Francis To see and care for the beauty of creation.

Francis Lived a Good Life. Francis was born in the year 1181. He grew up in the little town of Assisi in Italy. Their family was very wealthy and Francis was able to wear expensive clothes and go to many parties with his rich friends. These parties were times of great feasting and fun. Francis thought he had a good life. As a boy, Francis dreamt of being a famous knight in shining armour. He began his quest as a young man becoming a soldier. In one of his many battles, Francis was taken prisoner. He became quite ill in prison and did not get home for over a year.

After spending many years alone, thinking, praying and listening to God, Francis decided upon a new kind of life. He decided to give up his dreams of becoming a great knight and to give away all his wealth and luxury. Francis chose to use only what was essential for life and nothing more. He owned only the clothes he wore. Francis did this in order to live a life of serving God and helping people in need. He felt he could best help the poor by becoming one of them himself. During his very full life, Francis did many good and wonderful things.

Besides being very kind and loving to people, he was also gentle and caring of nature. He taught his followers to work for God, the Church and creation in a generous and selfless way. Some of these people became a special community known as Franciscans. Francis was made a saint because he lived a truly good life, a life that showed great respect for all of God’s creation. He cared for animals and plants, limited what he owned and used, and loved his neighbours especially the poor. Francis is also known for his love and devotion to God, with whom he was constantly in conversation through prayer.

Prayer of St Francis

Time to Pray Let us begin our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The Prayer of St Francis Lord, make me a channel of your peace: Where there is hatred let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon Lord. Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is darkness, only light; Where there is sadness, ever joy. Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

The Canticle of St Francis O good and almighty Lord, all creatures sing your praise. Praise through Brother, the Sun. You gave him the light to bring us the day. Fair shining is he. Be praised, my Lord. Praise through Sister, the Moon And stars You have hung in the Heaven so bright Clear, lovely are they. Be praised, my Lord Praise through Brother, the Wind. And air who gave breath to all of your world. Calm, cloudy are they. Be praised, my Lord.

O good and almighty Lord, all creatures sing your praise. Praise through Sister, the Water, Humble and pure she tends to our needs. Clean, precious is she. Be praised, my Lord. Praise through Brother, the Fire, Who gives us Your light to brighten the dark. Strong, mighty is he. Be praised, my Lord. Praise through Mother, the Earth, Who brings us the grass, the flowers and the fruit. Bright coloured is she. Be praised, my Lord. O good and almighty Lord, all creatures sing your praise.

References Pictures: Creative Commons Song: The Canticle of St Francis Hilary Raimondo As One Voice for Kids Willow Connection