An instrument of peace
To become and to be
An instrument of peace
A prayer by Francis of Assisi
Founder of the Franciscan order
One of the best known saints in history
His biography
A masterpiece
His devotion
Angelic
His service
A Humble statement
His life
An example
And inspiration for many
Prayer for peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offense, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.
Who was Francis of Assisi
Francis of Assisi (1181/1182 – 1226) is one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity, known for his profound love of nature, commitment to poverty, and emphasis on living a life of humility and service. Here’s an overview of his life, conversion, works, and contributions to the Catholic faith:
Early Life
- Birth and Family: Francis was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in Assisi, Italy, to a wealthy cloth merchant. His father, Pietro, was a prosperous trader, and his mother, Pica, was of noble lineage.
- Youth: As a young man, Francis lived a carefree life of wealth, indulging in the luxuries that his family’s wealth afforded him. He was known for his love of feasting and merriment.
Conversion
- Turning Point: In his early twenties, after a series of events including imprisonment during a local conflict and a serious illness, Francis began to reflect on the meaning of life and the call to serve God.
- Vision: He had a pivotal vision at the church of San Damiano, where he felt Christ call him to rebuild His Church. This experience marked the beginning of his profound spiritual transformation.
- Renunciation of Wealth: Francis renounced his family’s wealth and dedicated his life to poverty. He famously appeared before his father, stripped of his expensive clothing, and declared his disassociation from material wealth.
Works and Lifestyle
- Founding the Franciscan Order: In 1209, Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), emphasizing a life of poverty, humility, and a close relationship with nature and all living things.
- St. Clare of Assisi: He played a significant role in the founding of the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares, through his friend St. Clare, who also embraced a life of poverty.
- Preaching and Missions: Francis was known for his ability to preach and inspire others. He traveled throughout Italy and beyond, sharing the message of peace, humility, and the love of God.
Major Contributions to the Catholic Faith
- Emphasis on Nature: Francis is often called the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology because of his deep reverence for all creation. His famous Canticle of the Sun reflects his belief in the interconnectedness of all beings.
- Living the Gospel: He emphasized a literal interpretation of the Gospel, encouraging his followers to live out Christ’s teachings in their daily lives, particularly the importance of humility, service, and love.
- The Nativity Scene: Francis is credited with creating the first living Nativity scene in 1223 to help people better understand the birth of Jesus, emphasizing the joy and humility of the event.
- Ecumenical Spirit: He promoted peace and respect among different faiths. Notably, he sought dialogue with Muslims during the Crusades, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
Legacy
- Canonization: Francis was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two years after his death. His feast day is celebrated on October 4.
- Influence on the Church: The Franciscan Order remains one of the main branches of the Catholic Church, with a global presence dedicated to social justice, education, and ecological concerns.
- Inspiration: His life and teachings continue to inspire millions, not just within the Catholic Church but across various religious and secular communities advocating for peace, simplicity, and care for the Earth.
Francis of Assisi is celebrated for his radical dedication to the teachings of Christ and his compassionate approach to all of creation, making him a beloved figure well beyond the confines of the Catholic Church.
Online resources
Here are some valuable online resources for learning about Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Order:
Websites
Franciscan Media
Franciscan Media
This site offers a wealth of information on St. Francis, his writings, and the Franciscans today, including articles, prayers, and reflections.
The Franciscan Order Official Site
Order of Friars Minor (OFM)
The official website of the Order of Friars Minor provides insights into their mission, history, and current activities.
Franciscan Spirituality
Franciscan Spirituality
This site offers resources on Franciscan spirituality, including blogs, articles, and reflections on living a Franciscan life.
The St. Francis Prayer Foundation
St. Francis Prayer Foundation
Dedicated to promoting the teachings of St. Francis, this site includes information on his life, prayers, and ways to live out his legacy.
Online Courses and Lectures
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan University
This Catholic university offers various resources related to St. Francis, including lectures and courses on Franciscan spirituality.
Digital Archives and Writings
The Writings of St. Francis
Writings of St. Francis
An accessible database of St. Francis’s writings, including the Rule of the Brothers Minor and the Canticle of the Creatures, along with scholarly resources on Franciscanism.
The Franciscan Archive
Franciscan Archive
A historical site that preserves documents and texts related to the Franciscan order and its saints.
Social Media and Community
Franciscan Order on Facebook
Order of Friars Minor Facebook Page
Stay updated on events, teachings, and the life of the Franciscan community through their social media presence.
Videos and Documentaries
YouTube
Search for St. Francis of Assisi or Franciscan Order on YouTube for a range of documentaries, lectures, and educational videos about his life and teachings.
Catholic Organizations
Catholic Online
St. Francis of Assisi – Catholic Online
Provides a comprehensive overview of St. Francis’s life, spirituality, and feast day details.
These resources can help deepen your understanding of St. Francis of Assisi and the Franciscan Order, offering insights into their teachings, history, and ongoing impact within the Catholic faith and beyond.
Movie
Life of saint Francis of Assisi
Book in PDF
THE LIFE OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI by Saint Bonaventura
The Franciscan order
Song
Instruments of Your Peace – by Drakenburgs boy choir – Rejoice Africa!
Shop tip
Saint Francis of ASSISI ON Amazon
Very good one here to tell me about God and about the instrument of peace. This is exactly what God wants us to be, to lighten up the world and also help to foster peace around is. I feel it would be nice for me to be able to try use what I have been able to learn here and maybe buy that book too.
Hi Jackie, glad you liked the prayer.
It is indeed a very powerful one.
If you want, you can download the pdf of the book for free.
It was written by a contemporary of Francis if Assisi, the later saint Bonaventura.
A source of inspiration, for the tiles we live in!
Have a blessed reading! Thank you
Maria
When peace is onvved, everything else becomes worthy and prosperous too. What has been shared here is really good and I am very appreciative of whatyou have shared here. In all honesty, this is really good to see and I value it all here. Being an instrument of peace entails doing everything in line with the demands of God. I really appreciate you here for sharing here
Peace is the most preciois divine gift indeed.
Peace of mind, peace in the family, with neighbours, in the community.
Thank you for sharing
Peace be wIth you
Maria
Its very interesting to read through this resourceful and inspiring article, being an instrument of peace is what God wants us to be as Christians, we should be able to let the peace of God in us manifest in our surroundings. Thanks for sharing, the prayers are very helpful and they’ll serve as a good praying guide
Peace within is, peace around us.
The fruit of living a life according to God’s Wil indeed,
in respect of creation and men
Thank you!
Have a blessed week
Maria