St. Francis of Assisi protector of Sanctae Familiae Villa

Ginger lays down
besides her protector
St. Francis of Assisi

I could not let today pass without a special dedication post to a special saint friend of mine. St. Francis and I go way back. I remember him from my childhood. I was drawn to his "way of life", his choice of poverty, his kindness to all including the most beastly of creatures. I continue today to try to imitate this true follower of Christ.

If you do not know much about St. Francis of Assisi I encourage you to do some research on him. And if you do know about him I encourage you to ask him to put a word in for you with God. And if you already have a great relationship with him I encourage you to continue on the Christ like path he chose.

Since he is the patron saint of animals I thought it might be cool to post some prayers and pictures of many of the animals he protects here at Sanctae Familiae Villa.

Millie

Psalm 8

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth.

O Lord, our Lord,
how glorious is you name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.

Black Jack

Posie

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place -
What is man that you should be mindful of him
or the son of man that you should care for him?

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen
yes, and the beasts of the field.

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth.
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

O Lord our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth.

Butch

Some of the egg-laying ladies.

Kevin

Cookie

Tommy

Bilbo

The Prayer of Saint Francis

Katniss

Lord, make me an instrument of thy 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;
It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

Mr. Tumnus

 

Hazel

            St. Francis of Assisi Blessing

O God, the author and giver of every gift,
animals also are a part of the way you provide help
for our needs and labors.
We pray through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi,
that you will make available for our use
the things we need to maintain a decent human life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Suzie

Daisy

Beckett

Violet

Guiseppe

Purdy

 PRAYER TO ST. FRANCIS

FOR Animals, OUR PETS

Good St. Francis, you loved all of God's creatures.
To you they were your brothers and sisters.
Help us to follow your example
of treating every living thing with kindness.
St. Francis, Patron Saint of animals,
watch over my pet
and keep my companion safe and healthy.
Amen.

Lizzy 

Rosie

Bonnie

St. Francis
Pray for us!