In Honor of St. Francis of Assisi and his Brethren

Today we commemorate the Transitus of Saint Francis of Assisi. This is his Feastday! If you would like to honor him and his poor clients then I ask you to support the TORC St. Anthony of Padua Family Service Center. (He was a contemporary and co-worker of St. Francis.) They are continuing their funds raising efforts to obtain a community services dispensary in Ohio.

So we beg you to please purchase a memorial and/or celebration Brick to help support their cause. Further in-depth information about this projected TORC Church site -- which will also include several outreach programs -- is contained within this archived blog. (Just click the hyperlinks towards donating your secure gift[s]. The TORC contact ad with their E-mail address is also featured at the bottom of this page in the right hand column.)

Consider memorializing your departed pet this way too. Since it is in the loving care of St. Francis until you are reunited with him or her in heaven then what could be a more appropriate and lasting memorial? And if you could not bring your animal to church last weekend or today for the traditional "Blessing of the Animals", then pray for this blessing upon it yourself.

As St. Francis of Assisi labored to build and repair churches, he composed this song: "Give me a stone and I'll give you a reward. Give me two stones and I'll give you two rewards. Three rewards to the one who gives me three stones." His joyful spirit was contagious and people joined him in carrying bricks and construction supplies on their backs until the projects were completed.

And to onlookers, St. Francis would say: "The Kingdom of heaven isn't for the curious, rather for those who get down and work. Please help us." I'm not able to give you a single coin as recompense, but your hearts will be filled with joy." If you find the time today (and it would take a long time just to skim through) then I strongly recommend this eximious spiritual reading which is a classic. It will inspire you to be a co-worker of St. Francis instead of just an onlooker. You would hear him say to your heart, "Please help us work and Buy-a-Brick!"

In your mercy and love, please pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Michael Stephen's sister, Elena of Seattle, who went on to her reward last Friday. She is also survived by her loving husband Joseph and two sons, Joseph Jr. and Anthony. Bishop Michael is also the Director of this TORC charity.

May you who are brethren, friends and co-workers of St. Francis of Assisi realize his grateful blessing of "peace and all good."