Our neighbors the Franciscans have a feast day on Sunday. It marks the death and burial of St. Francis of Assisi in 1226.
St. Francis on the keystone of the arch
This year the OFM, the Order of Friars Minor, celebrate 800 years in the Church.
St. Francis wrote his Rule and founded the order in 1209.
A monastery dove in the church window.
It is said that when Friar Francis preached to the birds he encountered in nature, not one flew away.
"My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you . . . you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore . . . always seek to praise God."
--from the "Fioretti" ("Little Flowers"), a collection of legends and folklore about Francis that sprung up after his death
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I love the dove in the window. The piece about St Francis was nice to read again also.
ReplyDeleteLovely. You are a student of all things, it seems.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post,particularly as it featured the dove.I have a small St. Francis statue in my garden near the birdbath and everything seems to grow beautifully near the little statue.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the dove at the window is so very appropriate and visually moving.
ReplyDeleteHe was a cool dude. I will remember that day, thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteFrancis always touches my heart!
ReplyDeletethis is wisdom....
This weekend are animal blessings around Honolulu.
You are my sister bird, Dina, bringing a lovely soothing song from a land I dream of.
Aloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
Rio daily has a lovely St. Francis of Assisi sculpture posted today . . .
ReplyDeleteSome really beautiful shots !! Fantastic..
ReplyDeleteYou truly live in an ancient land. I loved the "sermon to the birds."
ReplyDeleteYou caught the dove exceptionally well.. She is listening :))
ReplyDeleteThis is a fascinating story, Dina. I like what St. Francis preached the birds ... a sourse of reflection for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos! I love the one of the dove in the window.
ReplyDeleteYou are always so informative in your posts...this is no exception.
At the square in the park near my house was a blessing of the animals in recognition of St. Francis Day. Brought Milo down and he was very good! He's been basking in his holy aura every since. Thanks for the post on the monastery.
ReplyDeleteThe Franciscans were celebrating the anniversary in Assisi around the same time I was in Rome (earlier this year). It was said that there were an extra 2,000 Franciscans in Italy during that time. I even saw some on the plane ride over the pond. Congratulations to these Brothers of St. Francis. Thanks for a nice post, Dina.
ReplyDeleteExcellent, Dina! Like PERBS and Kay, «Louis» likes the dove in the window.
ReplyDelete