While I was in Ireland over the summer I picked up a Holy Card with a prayer to St. Brigid on it. St. Brigid was a nun in the 5th Century and she is one of the patrons of Ireland. I picked it up almost by accident, but the prayer on the back of the card has become one of my favorites. I like to pray it each morning before I start my day to help me get into a good mindset. I think I would have liked St. Brigid. She sounds like a good lady.
Brigid-
You were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious, and may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world. Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into a greater wholeness in mind, body, and spirit.
Amen.
Showing posts with label saints. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saints. Show all posts
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
St. Francis and the Porziuncola
On Thursday morning we visited the Porziuncola, the original church 4th Century church that St. Francis started restoring in the 12th Century, which is housed inside the Basilica of St. Mary's of the Angels. The Basilica is absolutely beautiful, and looked stunning against the brilliant blue skies we had on Thursday.
St. Marys of the Angels
The Porziuncola itself is a tiny church inside the much larger Basilica. It was in this church that St. Francis kneeled before the Cross of San Damiano and asked what he was to do with his life after returning from a stint as a knight in the battle between Assisi and Perugia. He heard a voice telling him to "Go repair my Church, which as you see is falling completely in ruin." Francis immediately began restoring the small church. After a fall out with his family, Francis gave his life completely to Christ, beginning a religious movement that saved not only the small Porziuncola, but perhaps the larger Catholic Church as well. In 1216 Francis saw a vision of Jesus and Mary and when they asked what he wanted most, he replied that he wanted the Lord to grant a full pardon to all who came to the Porziuncola and confessed and repented of their sins. Jesus replied, "Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have," acquiescing to Francis' request and telling him to get ratification from the Pope for the indulgence. Pope Honorius III granted Francis' request and the indulgence can still be recieved at the Porziuncola.
The Cross of San Damiano
The facade is newer than the 12th century, but the walls are original. We gathered as a group inside the small church to say the Profession of Faith, Our Father, and a prayer for the Pope and his intentions, which are the three of the five requirements for the plenary indulgence. The other requirements are to go to mass and confession within seven days of visiting the church.
The Porziuncola. Click the picture to read to Wikipedia article on the Porziuncola
Interestingly enough, Los Angeles means "Of the Angels" so the neighborhood where the Church was located was called "Los Angeles." Up on the top of the hill in medieval Assisi we visited "San Fransisco." Guess we know who settled California now.
Peace.
St. Marys of the Angels
The Porziuncola itself is a tiny church inside the much larger Basilica. It was in this church that St. Francis kneeled before the Cross of San Damiano and asked what he was to do with his life after returning from a stint as a knight in the battle between Assisi and Perugia. He heard a voice telling him to "Go repair my Church, which as you see is falling completely in ruin." Francis immediately began restoring the small church. After a fall out with his family, Francis gave his life completely to Christ, beginning a religious movement that saved not only the small Porziuncola, but perhaps the larger Catholic Church as well. In 1216 Francis saw a vision of Jesus and Mary and when they asked what he wanted most, he replied that he wanted the Lord to grant a full pardon to all who came to the Porziuncola and confessed and repented of their sins. Jesus replied, "Francis, you ask much, but you are worthy of greater things, and greater things you shall have," acquiescing to Francis' request and telling him to get ratification from the Pope for the indulgence. Pope Honorius III granted Francis' request and the indulgence can still be recieved at the Porziuncola.
The Cross of San Damiano
The facade is newer than the 12th century, but the walls are original. We gathered as a group inside the small church to say the Profession of Faith, Our Father, and a prayer for the Pope and his intentions, which are the three of the five requirements for the plenary indulgence. The other requirements are to go to mass and confession within seven days of visiting the church.
The Porziuncola. Click the picture to read to Wikipedia article on the Porziuncola
Interestingly enough, Los Angeles means "Of the Angels" so the neighborhood where the Church was located was called "Los Angeles." Up on the top of the hill in medieval Assisi we visited "San Fransisco." Guess we know who settled California now.
Peace.
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