On the Feast of Saint Francis, we are reminded of the poor and the vulnerable. St. Francis took a vow of poverty and lived with, and served, the poorest in his community. They were sick and undesirable in so many ways, but he put aside his fear and lived out his calling.
In our day, we still have people who are sick and vulnerable. We have so many people in need. At Catholic Social Services we strive to live out the mission of St. Francis in serving those in need. On this day we pray this prayer of St. Francis.
Peace Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your 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;
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,
to be loved as to love.
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.
Amen.
Please take a moment to think of the men and women experiencing homelessness and hunger in our community. If you feel a calling to help, please consider getting involved with Catholic Social Services or any nonprofit working to help those who need it most. You can really make a difference in the lives of Alaskans.