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October 2010


Monday, October 4, 2010
Francis of Assisi

Friar, Founder of the Order of Friars Minor (aka Franciscans)
b. 1182
d. October 3, 1226

The Rector gave an excellent summary of the life of Francis in his sermon Blessing the Things We Fear (2007). And Fr Andrew uses the example of Francis to encourage us to choose generosity over caution in his sermon Fools for Christ's Sake (2006).

Lesser Feasts and Fasts of the Episcopal Church (2000) ends its summary of his life as follows:

"Of all the saints, Francis is the most popular and admired, but probably the least imitated; few have attained to his total identification with the poverty and suffering of Christ.

Francis left few writings; but, of these, his spirit of joyous faith comes through most truly in the “Canticle of the Sun,” which he composed at Clare’s convent of St. Damian’s.

The Hymnal version [Hymns 406 & 407] ends:
Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise outpoured,
and blessing without measure.
Let creatures all give thanks to thee,
and serve in great humility."

The Rector quotes more from the "Canticle of the Sun" in his 2003 sermon Why Pray for the Dead?

Collect:

Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant unto thy people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of thee delight in thy whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Morning Prayer & Holy Eucharist
8:00am - Saint Thomas Church
Rite I

Holy Eucharist
12:10pm - Saint Thomas Church
Rite II

Overeaters Anonymous
12:30pm - Saint Thomas Church
This 12-step group meets weekly.

Evening Prayer & Holy Eucharist
5:30pm - Saint Thomas Church
Rite I