October 4. St Francis. Just like there are many Theresas there are also many Francises in families. Quite often children choose these as their confirmation patrons which means that these young people choose to follow their example. Jocelyn and James said,  “We like what happened to St Francis. Jesus appeared to him and said, ‘go and rebuild my church.’ So he first thought he had to go and rebuild a broken down old building but what Jesus really meant was to go and build up the people, including himself.  We have discovered that through our marriage we are building up the Church as well as being witnesses to our children and in the world.  That knowledge gives us courage when things are difficult but also challenges us, like St Francis to be carers for OUR WORLD, A FAMILY OF FAMILIES.” 

Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.  Matt 11: 28-29.  Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.  Gal 6:14-18.   Pope Francis:  The married couple are therefore a permanent reminder for the Church of what took place on the cross.  AL 72 From Vatican II.  The divine Persons, the Trinity, are subsistent relations, and the created world is a web of relationships. The human person grows more, matures more and is sanctified more to the extent that he or she enters relationships, going out from themselves to live in communion with God, with others and with all creatures.  Everything is interconnected and this invites us to develop a spirituality of that global solidarity which flows from the mystery of the Trinity.

ECO-TIP AND PRAYER:   As a couple, family or group read, sing and pray with joy the Canticle of Creation of St Francis or the Peace Prayer of St Francis.