Franciscan JPIC Article October 2023 Franciscan Fraternity Canticle
In the words of St. Francis…
“Praised Be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for your Love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed those who endure in peace, for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praise Be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
From whom no living one can escape.”
(St Francis Statue at School Sisters of St Francis, Retreat Center, Bethlehem PA)
As we honor and celebrate The Feast of St Francis and his Transitus, may the words he left during his own agony bring us peace and a new song. May this bit of the Canticle of Creation instill the graces of Solidarity with the poor and suffering, revive our hearts with courage to embrace the Beauty of God in our final dance with Sister Death and comfort others. Thomas Merton penned a long prayer to Our Father Francis that reminds us that this Canticle of Creation is meant to be sung, happily with Franciscan Joy.
“Pray for me, to be poor, meek; to hunger and thirst for justice, and be merciful; to be a peacemaker, clean of heart, to be reviled, to be persecuted for God’s sake…Pray for me, Holy Father Saint Francis, in all things to sing to God very humbly and childishly and sweetly…”
(Excerpted From, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton, By Daniel P. Horan O.F.M. pg226)
May the Reverent Silence we commend be holy and the Foolishness of our Patron Siant Francis bring us into deeper communion with the Saints and Our Lord Jesus as we gather this month. As the Marks of Jesus upon Francis served to bring Humility and Holiness to our Order, let us walk in the Light of Peace actively bringing justice to glorify God. And may we be challenged this month to grow deeper in our Franciscan journey through the faithful intercession of St Francis and St. Clare.
As a Secular Franciscan, this article was a joy to write and to share with each of you!
Thank you for you continued support and kindness as we travel this way together!
-Mandy