1.800.221.5175
Catechetical Programs
Christ In Us Grades K–8
Parish, K–8
School, K–8
Bilingual, K–6
We Believe: Living Your Catholic Identity Grades K–8
Parish
School
Full Access
Bilingual
We Live Our Faith, Catholic Identity Grades 7–8
English
Full Access
Bilingual
One Faith, One Lord Grades 7–Adult
English
Bilingual
Our Catholic Faith Grades 4–6
English
Bilingual
God’s Own Making
Grades 4-8
Discovering God
Ages 3–5
Between You and Your Child
English
Spanish
Catechetical Bilingual
Cristo en nosotros
Cursos 1–6
Creemos Identidad católica
Cursos K–6
Vivimos nuestra fe
Cursos 7–8
Nuestra fe católica
Cursos 4–6
Una sola fe, un solo Señor
Cursos 7–Adulto
Entre usted y sus hijos
Cursos K–8
Sacraments Programs
Believe • Celebrate • Live | Bilingual Edition Ages 7–15
Reconciliation Primary
Eucharist Primary
Reconciliation & Eucharist Intermediate
Confirmation Restored Order
Confirmation
We Believe and Celebrate
Baptism
Spanish Edition
Prayer Books
My Reconciliation and Prayer Book, Ages 7–9
Mi Reconciliación y libro de oración, Edades 7–9
My Mass Book, Ages 7–9
Mi libro de la Misa, Edades 7–9
We Believe and Pray, Grades 4–6
Sacraments Bilingual
Creer • Celebrar • Vivir Edades 7–15
Reconciliación Primaria
Eucaristía Primaria
Reconciliación y Eucaristía Intermedio
Confirmación Restauración del orden sacramental
Confirmación
Creemos y celebramos
Bautismo
Libros de oración
Mi Reconciliación y libro de oración, Edades 7–9
Mi libro de la Misa, Edades 7–9
Lifelong Faith
Bible Resources
The Compass Bible for Catholic Teens
YOUCAT: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church
YOUCAT: Catecismo Joven de la Iglesia Católica
La Biblia católica para jóvenes
Adult Resources
Becoming a Parish of Mercy
Catechism
United States Catholic Catechism for Adults
General Directory for Catechesis
Professional Development
Professional Development
Catechetical Learning
Theology of the Body Course
Catholic Identity Course
Resources
English | View All
Catechetical Resources
Virtual Events
Religion Blog
Catechetical Downloads
Videos
Liturgical Seasons
CHATechesis Podcast
Bilingual | ver todos
Recursos catequéticos
Eventos Virtuales
Blog de Sadlier Religion
Descargas Catequéticas
Videos
sadlierReligion Hero-1.png

September 14, 2016 WBAS Topics Saints, WBAS Cat Prayers & Reflections, REL Seasons - Feast Days/Holidays, REL Topic- Saints

Reflection on St Francis of Assisi

Is there any other saint who enjoys as much popularity as Francis of Assisi? Google his name and over 7 million results become accessible. Likenesses of him stand in gardens, parks, and churches, usually with birds and animals clustered around him. Such devotion must surely be due to nature – both his love of God’s creation as well as his own gentle demeanor.

Saint-Francis

Who could fail to be drawn to the tender love he showed to impoverished beggars and diseased outcasts? The mythology around him includes encounters with ravenous wolves and birds spellbound by his preaching. His faith was integrated into everyone and everything around him. As such, no wonder he continues to attract so many admirers and followers.

My favorite statue of him stands in front of Saint Francis Basilica in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His figure pirouettes on one toe. Wings take the place of arms and the words of his Canticle of Creation are sketched across his robes. It is the embodiment of the saint’s delight in God’s creative love. One can’t help but be inspired by it.

His real-life story, however, is not one of frolicking and ease. After taking family money to rebuild the church at San Damiano, he hid in a cave for a month to escape his father’s wrath. Although he freely embraced a life of poverty, he experienced first-hand it’s exacting toll on mind and body. At the end of his life, he became ill and suffered greatly. Despite these hardships, Francis found joy in life and delight in the gifts of God’s creation. This is the legacy that has been handed down through the ages to those of us struggling to keep a foothold in the midst of stress, sorrow and difficulties. Although “The Prayer of St. Francis” is more widely known, I prefer his “Prayer Before the Crucifix” in which he asks for “…correct faith, a certain hope, [and] a perfect charity...” It speaks reams about this beloved saint’s humble and gentle heart.

Download a reflection based on Saint Francis’ “Prayer Before the Crucifix” and use it in your home or parish.

Prayer Before the Crucifix Reflection Download Now 

Bright Ideas

  • Read the story of Saint Francis with your family or class. Discuss how his life and faith inspire you.

  • Around the time of the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4th), it is becoming a tradition for churches to offer a blessing of animals. Watch for news of such blessings in your area, or create your own prayer for your family or class that expresses an appreciation for the gift of animals.

  • Download my reflection based on Saint Francis’ “Prayer Before the Crucifix” and use it in your home or parish.

 

 

Image: The name of the artist is Monika Kaden.  Her statue is of St. Francis of Assisi Dancing on Water and represents a joyful, winged St. Francis seemingly taking flight from the suffering and sorrows of life.