St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

Blessed Feast Day!

In 1988 I began my journey into Consecrated Life following the example of St. Francis of Assisi. Twenty-six years later I am in more awe than ever of the witness St. Francis gave (and still gives today) for Christ and the Catholic Church. His faithfulness to Christ, to the Gospels and to the Magisterium of Christ’s Church should be a model for every Christian seeking after holiness.

I am grateful, too, for the many Franciscan brothers and sisters, lay and in the consecrated state, God has allowed to crossed my path–through the intercessions of St. Francis no doubt. Women and men who give faithful witness to the Franciscan charism in all its various manifestations. One such man was Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who passed from this life to Life Everlasting last night, the 788th anniversary of St. Francis’ own transitus to Eternal Life.

For those who are in Christ Jesus, death shall have no dominion. May Fr. Benedict rest in peace and rise in glory.

For more on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, go here.