Holy Father Saint Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis!

(Note the new button on the right here ---->

support the creativity, buy me a cup of coffee...low I know but I figured why not)

This is a picture of one of my NUMEROUS favorite spots in Rome. The first time I ever really stopped to look at this statue of St. Francis was on my last adventure with Don Juan. From this angle (Holy Stairs to the Right, Santa Croce behind, The Cathedral of the Saint John Lateran in front), it seems as though St. Francis is holding the Church up.

This bronze statue of St. Francis and his friars in front of the Cathedral commemorates the visit of the saint to Pope Urban VIII. The Pope had been ill-advised by his counsellors to meet what they described as a radical preacher. The Pope instead admired his humility and faith.

This is just a quick post to justify my love of mendicant friars and their essential role in the Church. They were not originally well received in the middle ages and I recommend St. Bonaventure's book on the Defense of the Mendicants.

Anywho, in its time, the strong arrival of the various mendicant orders was essential and necessary; in a way, they played a vital role in the Church of the Middle Ages.

Anywho, there is the picture of Francis holding up the Roman Cathedral, the Seat of the Universal Church. The same St. Francis who had a vision of a talking crucifix in an abandoned chapel: "Francis, rebuild my church."

Enjoy the Feast and may Holy Saint Francis pray for us

Also, for the love of God, don't treat the poor mendicant who received stigmata due to his intimate attachment to the Cross of Our Lord like a tree-hugging hippie...thanks :)

Hymnus Iste Confessor Domini colentes Quem pie laudant populi per orbem: Hac die laetus meruit beatas Scandere sedes. Qui pius, prudens, humilis, pudicus, Sobriam duxit sine labe vitam, Donec humanos animavit aurae Spiritus artus. Cujus ob praestans meritum frequenter, Aegra quae passim jacuere membra, Viribus morbi domitis, saluti Restituuntur. Noster hinc illi chorus obsequentem Concinit laudem celebresque palmas; Ut piis ejus precibus juvemur Omne per aevum. Sit salus illi, decus, atque virtus, Qui super caeli solio coruscans, Totius mundi seriem gubernat Trinus et unus. Amen. V. Justum deduxit Dominus per vias rectas. R. Et ostendit illi regnum Dei.

Hymn This the confessor of the Lord, whose triumph Now all the faithful celebrate, with gladness Erst on this feast-day merited to enter Into his glory. Saintly and prudent, modest in behaviour, Peaceful and sober, chaste was he, and lowly. While that life's vigour, coursing through his members, Quickened his being. Sick ones of old time, to his tomb resorting, Sorely by ailments manifold afflicted, Oft-times have welcomed health and strength returning, At his petition. Whence we in chorus gladly do him honour, Chanting his praises with devout affection, That in his merits we may have a portion, Now and forever. His be the glory, power and salvation, Who over all things reigneth in the highest, Earth's mighty fabric ruling and directing, Onely and Trinal. Amen. V. The Lord guided the just in right paths. R. And showed him the kingdom of God.

and another hymn:

Blessed Francis, holy father,

Now our hearts to thee we raise,

As we gather round thine altar,

Pouring forth our hymn of praise.

Bless thy children, holy Francis,

Who thy mighty help implore,

For in heaven thou remainest

Still the father of the poor.

2 By thy love so deep and burning

For thy Savior crucified;

By the tokens which He gave thee

On thy hands, and feet and side:

Bless thy children, holy Francis,

With those wounded hands of thine,

From thy glorious throne in heaven,

Where resplendestly they shrine.

3 Humble follower of Jesus,

Likened to Him in thy birth,

In thy way through life despising,

For His sake, the goods of earth:

Make us love the priceless virtue

By our hidden God esteemed,

Make it valued, holy Francis;

By the souls of the redeemed.

4 Teach us also, dear Saint Francis,

How to mourn for ev'ry sin;

May we walk in thy dear footsteps

Till the crown of life we win.

Bless thy children, holy Francis,

With those wonderful hands of thine,

From the glorious throne in heaven,

Where resplendently they shine.