A man walks past a mural of St. Francis of Assisi at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., Oct. 3, the eve of the saint's feast and the day of his death. Each year the Franciscan community celebrates the "transitus" service marking the saint's passing from earth to everlasting life. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)
by GSR Staff
"I, little brother Francis, wish to follow the life and poverty of Jesus Christ our Most High Lord and of His Most Holy Mother and to persevere therein until the end. And I beseech you all, my ladies, and counsel you, to live always in this most holy life and poverty. And watch yourselves well that you in no wise depart from it through the teaching or advice of any one."
- St. Francis of Assisi, from fragments preserved by St. Clare, as a last wish to her; read this prayer to St. Francis, posted on National Catholic Reporter for his feast day, written by Art Laffinon December 4, 2012, at Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi Italy, where the church St. Francis built is located.