(no subject)
On this day when pagan folks debate the merits of celebrating a famous Saint, I thought I would post about my favorite Saint and my namesake.
My middle name is Francis after Saint Francis.
It was given that name by my very Catholic mother whose own middle name is Clare (one of Saint Francis’ followers). I never really thought much of the name as a kid, but looking back I did have a few odd things that happened to me that are in line with the life of the Saint. I don’t think of myself as a Saint, but do enjoy coincidences….
When I was 13, I was riding my bike and I “found” a trail of blood coming from my wrist up my arm. I was so engrossed in riding that I did not notice it for awhile. When I did I freaked and stopped to wipe it off and examine my arm. It all wiped away and there was no mark or wound that I could find. I thought it was odd, never talked to anyone about it, and only later in life saw the connection to Francis. Thankfully, I have not had any real stigmata or any odd bleeds since then.
I have always been good with animals and can friend almost any strange cat within a few minutes. As a kid I could not bring myself to hunt animals like the rest of my family. Deer and the like would come up to me perhaps knowing that I was not going to have them for dinner.
I never took a vow of poverty but I have always been driven to do charity. Even now, I lead a philanthropic effort at work and hope to keep the good work I did for Cora going by helping with PEARL (http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/craftelderproject/).
Like I said, I am not a Saint, I am no longer a Catholic, and am even now a pagan, but I find Saint Francis is compatible with my spiritual path. He even “sits on my head.” Apart from the stigmata, he is an admirable character and even sounds a bit like a pagan in this song attributed to him.
Canticle of the Sun, also known as the Laudes Creaturarum ("Praise of the Creatures"), is a religious song composed by Saint Francis of Assisi.
English Translation:
Canticle of the Sun,
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord!
All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing.
To you, alone, Most High, do they belong.
No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures,
especially through my lord Brother Sun,
who brings the day; and you give light through him.
And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor!
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars;
in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
and clouds and storms, and all the weather,
through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water;
she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth,
who feeds us and rules us,
and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you;
through those who endure sickness and trial.
Happy those who endure in peace,
for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin!
Happy those she finds doing your most holy will.
The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks,
and serve him with great humility.