WYSIWYG

What You See Is What You Get. This is a journal blog, an explore-blog, a bit of this and that blog. Sharing where the mood takes me. Perhaps it will take you too.

MenoSunday; Life Lived Lovingly

October 4th is the Feast of St Francis. Pretty much everybody knows of this Saint, regardless of their philosophical or religious stance. Who cannot admire a selfless man of great austerity who operated from that universal base of capital 'ell' Love?!

St Francis (1181 or 1182 – 1226), founder of the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church, lived during the late 12th and 13th centuries in Italy. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. However, what many people recall about him is his love for animals and nature. St Francis died at Portiuncula, Italy in the late evening of October 3rd, 1226. The feast day, therefore, commemorates the passing of the man to the spirit and the mourning which occurred on the next day.

Image result for st francisMany children around the world bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals. Francis believed fully that the whole of nature was but a mirror reflection of the Holy spirit; the epitome of this belief manifested in the 'Canticle of the Sun' (sometimes called Canticle of the Creatures). On this day also, many plan a nature walk and teachers, caregivers or parents may spend time helping children write about plants, insects and animals that they see. For many educators, caregivers and animal rights organizations, this day is an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what can be done to help save these animals. This feast coincides with World Animal Day. Due to the wide appeal, this means that St Francis is recognised by non-Catholics as well as the orthodox. There are many legends of Francis preaching to the birds and calming relations between a village and a wolf. Some may be apocryphal; but it is also true that there can be 'no smoke without fire'.

Francis was the full deal when it came to the practice of peace and Love; he sought to build cordial relations with the muslims of the middle East and due to the favourable light this put upon the order he formed, the Franciscans it was the who were accepted as the custodians of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem when the Byzantines finally took control. One cannot help but think the world is once more in need of a St Francis, someone to calm the savaging currently raging again in that region. 

Take a moment each day, dear readers, to centre your thoughts (and prayers if that is your inclination) upon Peace and Love; do not point them in any direction, they will know where to go. See only PaL in your hear and in your mind and in your Higher Self. Know them to be the dominant and prevailing force of the world. Doubt them not, no matter how the world tries to convince you otherwise. 



9 comments:

  1. Now you have us wondering if we have allowed our thoughts and prayers to go in their own directions? This is a very shocking (in a good way) thing to think about!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  2. Gail and I are thinking of peace and love. I like the sound of this St Francis chappie. How lucky I am to have you to tell me about these matters YAM-Aunty. There are some areas of knowledge where Gail is worse than useless!
    Toodle pip!
    Bertie.
    PS Gail is telling me she DOES know about St Francis, and even once visited Assisi on her bicycle.

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  3. Mom's Friend takes her Golden Retriever Molly to be blessed each year!
    Hugs madi and mom

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  4. He is universal most people would have heard of him and his work no matter what faith they are.
    Merle.......

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  5. Yam-Aunty, For the Feast Day of St. Francis I will be representing all of the anipal kingdom, including every insect, bird, fish and all furry ones. Today I am having a bath and getting furcut so I will look my best. The celebration is tomorrow (Sunday). It is a great honor fur me to go to the church and receive the blessing on behalf of every one of God's creatures.
    Your Furrend in Vancouver
    Louis Dog Armstrong

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  6. I didn't know Oct 3rd was St Franicis. But every one can give a lift up for anther.
    Coffee is on

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  7. I hope St. Francis protects all animals of the world... and peace and love to all things of this world...

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  8. Good evening!
    Here is hoping you have had a pleasant St. Francis Day! Wonderfully thought filled post. janice xx

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  9. I love this. I remember singing Canticle of the sun in one of our motets!

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