St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and Italy. Catholic churches often hold celebrations around his feast day, October 4, which is also World Animal Day. Surely a leader of his times in the 12th and 13th century, St Francis is known for his kindness to animals and nature.
The prayer of St Francis of Assisi, also known as the peace prayer, has long been one of my favourites. I read it out to my horse, Hercules, in a celebration of his life not long before his passing, and is understandably very emotional. For me, this prayer encapsulates what it means for us to be in service to the world, including to our animal friends.
One of the most beautiful interpretations of this prayer can be found in Sarah Maclachlan’s musical piece Prayer of St Francis. Click here to view it in YouTube.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
