Saint Francis of Assisi (1226 A.D.)

Saint Francis in ecstasy.

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI 
Confessor

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE 

Born at Assisi, Italy, and Christened John (Giovanni) di Bernadone, Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was a serviceman in his youth. His vocation -- that of counteracting the growing spirit of riches infecting Europe -- made itself known almost simultaneously with the young Spanish priest Dominic's call to combat the doctrinal ignorance and heretical evil of that day. Each in his own way, they revolutionized the Christian life with the creation of their two orders of mendicant friars. In 1207 Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), a group of laymen dedicated to poverty of life and Christlike charity toward all men. Two years later, with the blessing of Pope Innocent III, he and his band set out to preach. During a crusade he penetrated to the camp of the Egyptian sultan. Following his return from the Holy land, Francis relinquished the rule of his by now immensely expanded order, and received the Stigmata in its stead. His love for poverty, for the cross, and for all creation, brought new vitality and holiness to the whole Church.

INTROIT Gal. 6:14

But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. 

Ps. 141:2. With a loud voice I cried out to the Lord, with a loud voice I pleaded with the Lord.

V. Glory be . . . 

COLLECT 

O God, You increased the membership of the Church through the merits of blessed Francis. Grant that we may follow his example and spurn the things of earth to find our continual happiness in Your gifts from heaven. Through our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Gal. 6:14-18

Brethren: But as for me, God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision: but a new creature. And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them and mercy: and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man be troublesome to me: for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

GRADUAL Ps. 36:30-31

The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly.

V. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.

The poor and humble Francis enters heaven a rich man, and is welcomed with heavenly music. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 11:25-30

At that time Jesus answered and said: "I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones. Yea, Father: for so hath it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 88:25

My truth and My mercy shall be with him; and in My name shall his power be exalted. 

SECRET 

Bless the gifts we offer to You, O Lord, and cleanse us from all stain of sin through the intercession of blessed Francis. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Luke 12:42

This is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master has set over his household to give them their ration of grain in due time.

POSTCOMMUNION 

O Lord, the merits and teachings of the blessed confessor Francis reflected glory on Your Church. May she flourish and increase through Your divine grace. Through our Lord . . .

Pope Innocent III has a dream of St. Francis of Assisi supporting the tilting church (attributed to Giotto) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)