October 4 Feast of Francis of Assisi

 

 

As we complete our celebration and prayer during this Season of Creation we end the month celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of the environment

OPENING PRAYER

The Breath of the Almighty

 

L:     Lord God, loving Creator, 

You fashioned us from clay, 

And breathed life into us. 

We are made and loved by you.

All:  The Spirit of God has made me, 

 And the breath of the Almighty has given me life.

L:    Heavenly God, 

Your Spirit fills us with hope

And lights the path to fullness of life.

Hear us!

As we cry out to you, uncertain and afraid.

All:   The Spirit of God has made me,

 And the breath of the Almighty has given me life.

L:    In your mercy, Lord,

Grant us the strength to rebuild

When all seems lost.

And the courage to reach out

To those in pain.

All:  We take from creation much more than we need,

 We threaten your world through indifference and greed.

L:  May we be good stewards of all that you give,

 Protecting creation wherever we live.

All:  The Spirit of God has made me,

 And the breath of the Almighty has given me life.

                                              ~Prayer: Linda Jones/CAFOD

Canticle of the Creatures: The hymn of St. Francis of Assisi that inspired Laudato Si'

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvBUswFA5bw&feature=emb_logo

Take the Pledge 

Take the Pledge to Vote to Protect Life, Foster Human Dignity, and Promote the Common Good…and then VOTE! To take the pledge go here: https://catholicclimatecovenant.salsalabs.org/FOSFPledge2020

Closing Prayer

SAINT FRANCIS AND THE FRANCISCAN BENEDICTION (ADAPTED)

ALL: May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and 

superficial relationships, so that we may live from deep within our hearts.

   

May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of God’s creation,  so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.

  

May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer illness, pain, rejection, injustice, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

  

And may God bless us with just enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done:

  

To bring justice, kindness, and healing to all our children, all our neighbors who are poor, and all of creation.

L:    And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be

upon you and all you love and pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.