September 29, 2019
When Pope John Paul wanted to pray with other faiths, the one place that was considered acceptable to all was Assisi Italy, the birth place of St Francis. Muslims, Jews, Protestants and Hindus knew of Francesco felt comfortable gathering at his holy sites. That is rare when a Catholic saint can be a point of unity for wildly diverse groups.
If you have never read a biography of him or seen a DVD, invest some time in his marvelous life. Some refer to him as the closest to Christ that we have had. Books by Chesterton, Spoto, Goudge, Sweeney and Jorgensen are all incredibly rich for reflection. His teenage years, struggles during war, the conversion from privilege and then, his devotion to the cross will touch you as we remember his life on October 4th.