Feast of St. Francis of Assisi: Quotes and Prayers

Vision of St. Francis of Assisi

Saint Francis of Assisi, “the little beggar” is perhaps the most popular saint in history.

To read his biography, go here.

In later years Francis declared that it was our Lord who taught him to greet people with the words, "The Lord give you peace!"

Therefore when beginning to preach, he always gave this greeting of peace to all present, it was certainly remarkable, if not miraculous that, before Francis' conversion these same words had been proclaimed in Assisi by a forerunner, who often greeted the folk he met in the streets with "Pax et Bonum", -- Peace and all Good! This man vanished after Francis had been converted; and one may suppose that, as John the Baptist heralded Christ, so this stranger did for Francis. He indeed was filled with the spirit of prophecy; and taking up the words of his predecessor, by his own preaching and solitary counsels he was able to unite in peace many who had formerly hated each other and were living in sin.

~ Excerpt from Legend of the Three Companions, 26., taken from Assisi, In the Footsteps of St. Francis, A Spiritual Guidebook, 2003

Quotes:

"But as for me, I desire this privilege from the Lord, that never may I have any privilege from man, except to do reverence to all, and to convert the world by obedience to the Holy Rule rather by example than by word."

~The Little Flowers of St. Francis: Chapter 50

"If we endure things patiently and with gladness thinking on the sufferings of our blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy."

~ The Voice of the Saints, Tan Books, 1965, page 127

Litany to St. Francis

Novena to St. Francis