In this video, Bishop Ward speaks about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and challenges us to care for our world that God has created.
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. In the month of October, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi is celebrated. It’s celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church and in Christian churches around the world.
Saint Francis is depicted very often as in this beautiful folk art statue with birds on his shoulders, with a dog or a wolf at his feet. He had the ability to speak the clear truth of God’s love. To see through the complexities and to name the simplicities that we are to love one another, that we are to honor creation, that we are to live in confidence, that we are to be creative and artistic, that we are to be healers. The Franciscan Order is named of course for Saint Francis.
Blessing of the animals is observed by churches around the world. Congregants and others are invited to bring their dogs and cats and other pets to be blessed by priests and pastors.
We give thanks for the life of Saint Francis. A thousand years ago this good and gentle person lived among us.
Let us also care for this beautiful world that God has made. Let us honor creation. Let us claim this entire world as our beautiful home and all things that live as our family.