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Friends of the Rosary,
Today is the Memorial Day of St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). He was the first person (recorded) to receive the stigmata (the five wounds of Christ) in 1224.
St. Francis of Assisi was the son of a wealthy merchant in Assisi, Umbria, Italy. He was taken prisoner in the battle between the Assisians and Perugians, and after his release, he decided to abandon everything for Christ.
He left all his possessions and embraced complete poverty, taking the Gospel as his rule of life.
His father became highly displeased at his action and disinherited him.
In 1220, Francis of Assisi founded a new order, the Friars Minor (Franciscans), which, in ten years, numbered five thousand brothers.
In 1212, with St. Clare of Assisi, he founded the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares. He also founded the Third Order of Penance (the Third Order), which included lay people.
Out of humility, Francis never accepted the priesthood but remained a deacon.
He loved God’s creatures, including animals, and called them his brothers and sisters.
Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
St. Francis of Assisi, Pray for Us!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
