"I wish this peace on everyone... on this lovely day"

I recently watched Brother Sun, Sister Moon, a film about St. Francis of Assisi. Zeffirelli's film left me feeling completely enchanted and enraptured. The beautiful flowers dancing in the breeze, the rabbits watching him, the deer lingering, all as Francis felt God's presence in all living things, in all of His creations.

I find St. Francis of Assisi to be utterly fascinating. October 4th, the day of his feast, I had my parrot blessed; I've been working on a painting of him; I've been pouring over books about him. With joy I met the nuns of the order of Francis and Clare - one nun in particular just embraced me with such love that left my heart skipping beats over such kindness. This is the kindness of the spirit of St. Francis. He's such an inspiration: his love for animals, for nature, for people; his empathy for the poor.

Painting in progress, still have a long way to go.

Current readings on St. Francis:
Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi by Richard Rohr
The Little Flowers of St. Francis, The Mirror of Perfection, St. Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis introduction by Fr. Hugh McKay, O.F.M., D.D.