It seems fitting that the feast of St. Francis of Assisi is celebrated just 2 days after the International Day of Non-violence. He was a man of peace and non-violence, compassion, joy and love.  Although early in his life he dreamt of knighthood and valor in battle, he soon learned first-hand the brutality of war and the suffering inflicted by violence.  As his journey of conversion unfolded, he came to realize the oneness of each person with one another and with all of creation.  He also came to understand that all creation is a revelation of the divine. Francis is now honored as the patron saint of nonviolence and peace-making, as well as the patron saint of those who work for ecology.  His life embodied the message of Laudato Si over 800 years before it was written— “The care of the poor and the care of earth are one”.  How appropriate that Pope Francis’ concept of “integral ecology” articulated in Laudato Si was inspired by the saint whose name he chose for himself. 

Holy One, we praise you for the wondrous gift of creation and thank you for Saint Francis who inspires us each day to live as peacemakers and lovers of creation.  Help us to see each other and creation itself as revelations of your grandeur, beauty and presence.  Make us bearers of peace in our world and move our hearts with compassion, understanding, respect and love.