Catholic Fire

October 4th is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, “the little beggar”, who is perhaps the most popular saint in history. He is the patron saint of animals, the environment, families, and peace. His novena begins on September 25. Lord, make me an instrument of  peace Where there is hatred, Let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master grant that I may     Not so much seek to be consoled     As to console;     To be understood,     As to understand;     For it is in giving that we     Receive, it is in pardoning that     We are pardoned.     And it is in Dying that we are     Born to Eternal life. DAY 1 O God, come to my assistance. Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know all things and nothing is hidden from You. In Your mercy...

St. Norbert was born in the area of Cleves to a noble family around the year 1080. Although he became a cleric, he lived a worldly life for many years. However, he experienced a conversion experience in 1115. While riding one day, he was overtaken by a thunderstorm. A flash of lightning struck the ground before him, the horse threw him, and he seemed to hear a voice upbraiding him for his conduct. As in the case of St. Paul, the experience wrought a complete transformation. Norbert decided to give away his property and income rights, and to lead an austere life. He joined the Benedictines of Siegburg and was ordained to the priesthood in 1115. Undertaking the apostolic life, he accepted the duty of preaching, particularly throughout France and Germany. Gathering together some companions, he laid the foundations of the Premonstratensian Order, for which he also founded monasteries. In 1125, Norbert was named archbishop of Magdeburg. On July 13, 1126, he entered the city and came barefoo...