Today we remember and celebrate one of the bright lights of the Church's history. At a time when there was great opulence and squandering in the ways of society, and also within the ranks of the Church, there came a man who was to challenge the status quo.
Francis of Assisi was born to a wealthy family, but turned his attention away from the lure of earthly riches, preferring to live the life of a mendicant, begging for his living, and following a very ascetical life. He was the first to refer to animals in nature as our brothers and sisters, since we are all created by the same God. A movie about his life tells of his life-altering experiences and their effects on others of his time.
The Church traditionally blesses animals on this day, so some of the children of this parish were invited to bring their pets, who were introduced to others of their friends during the liturgy today.
The Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is an occasion for us to give thanks for all the blessings of the earth, and to ponder questions about how we care for the creation that has been entrusted to our care.
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