Franciscan Spirit

The four gospels are so simple and plain in their teaching that they can be read by anyone.

When you understand, you can be understood. The story of Francis and the wolf, whether it happened or not, reminds us of that.

In Francis’ final gift of poverty, he returned his mortal body to dust what was dust and to God what was God’s.

Some of the same challenges that Francis knew in his lifetime are facing all of us today: division, disease, and war.

In the “Canticle,” Francis expresses a way of life, an inner attitude in which he learned to stand before God and to face life itself.

Though he probably didn’t write it, the Peace Prayer attributed to St. Francis captures much of his spirit. He spent time and energy being an “instrument of peace.”