Saint Francis of Assisi

I love Saint Francis of Assisi.  I went to the Franciscan University of Steubenville so it's kind-of required.  But seriously--what an amazing Saint.  He is often attributed with the beloved Prayer of St. Francis as well as the saying, "Preach the Gospel at all times.  If necessary, use words."  He was the son of a wealthy merchant and God spoke to him asking St. Francis to "rebuild my Church."  He gave up his former life, creature comforts, and even family, and listened to God's call.  At first he simply took God literally and  loaded up stones and rebuilt an actual church.  As He allowed the Spirit to work more in his life, he did indeed do a lot to rebuild the Church. He loved the poor, was kind to even the animals, and inspired others with his quiet, sacrificial love of God and love of neighbor.

Another poem attributed to Saint Francis is the Canticle of the Sun.  See the full text here

Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord!  All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.  To you alone, Most High, do they belong.  No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made, and first my lord Brother Sun,  Who brings the day; and light you give to us through him.  How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor!    Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon and Stars;   In the heavens you have made them, bright and precious and fair.

Saint Francis

It has been a busy week here for us, so I chose not to reinvent the wheel and instead found some fun activities to do with the girls over at 

Catholicicing  

This is my favorite from her compilation.  I think we'll try a bird

 Catholicinspired

SO CUTE!

Happy Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi to all, especially to my fellow Franciscan alumni and to our Holy Father, Francis. May we each be willing to help Christ rebuild the Church as He calls us to in our individual vocations.   Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.