Friday, 3rd October 2008

The atmosphere of recollection, of silence…  reigned today throughout the house, for the Chapter members are still in the election process.
But this evening, with all those who cherish the memory of St. Francis, we have gathered together in our big chapel, to commemorate his “Transitus”, and to re-live his story. We do so by listening to the very simple, yet faith-filled words of our Father Francis in his Canticle of the Creatures, a true contemplative itinerary of places of interiority. The paintings of Giustina De Toni projected on a big screen helps us to pray.

8 paintings scanned from "il Cantico delle Creature" by Guistina de Toni,
Edizione Porziuncola.

1^st painting: BROTHER SUN

Contemplating the sun, Francis felt an immense joy mount up in his heart …

Lord, may we, too, be enlightened by each of our brothers and each of our sisters!

2^nd painting: SISTER MOON AND STARS

Francis did not keep his glance fixed on opaque terrestrial worries but was enlightened by the brightness of eternal Light.

Lord, in the midst of fear caused by arrogance, hatred and unimaginable violence of which people are capable, grant that we may raise our eyes towards heaven where light shines even in the darkness.

3^rd painting: BROTHER WIND

Francis having no fear of the wind, welcomed it as a brother while he walked along the streets of Perugia, or when he heard it howl in the woods of Alvernia. He was not afraid of the "winds of change” that breathed across the world of the 12^th and 13^th  centuries. He hoped with confidence that this wind was that of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, give us the Spirit of confidence that our Brother Francis had, so that we might follow this call with courage and creativity.

4^th painting: SISTER WATER

Francis knew that our sister water is not only precious but is also necessary.

Lord, by the waters of baptism, you filled Francis, and us too, with the fullness of life; grant that these same waters may renew us each day to appease the thirst for justice, peace and holiness in our world.

5th painting: BROTHER FIRE

Brother Francis respected brother fire. His confidence in it was such that he asked him to show himself to be good and courteous towards him when the doctor cauterized his eyes with red hot irons.

Lord, may the flame of the Spirit light up in us this same fire of love so that it may embrace our world once again with the fire of the Gospel.