Welcome to the centenary of the Stigmata of St. Francis! On April 5, Pope Francis
commemorated with Franciscan friars the 800th anniversary of the Stigmata of St.
Francis, which took place on September 17, 1224. In his remarks, the Holy Father
emphasized the reputation of Franciscans as “good confessors,” and asked us to “be
forgiven bearers of forgiveness, healed bearers of healing.” Let us each meditate on
that: am I a forgiven bearer of forgiveness and a healed bearer of healing?
Pope Francis also gifted us with this beautiful new prayer, asking for the
intercession of St. Francis:
Saint Francis,
man wounded by love, Crucified in body and in spirit,
we look to you, decorated with the holy stigmata,
to learn how to love the Lord Jesus
and our brothers and sisters with your love, with your passion.
With you, it is easier to contemplate and follow Christ, poor and Crucified.
Give us, Francis,
the freshness of your faith,
the certainty of your hope,
the gentleness of your charity.
Intercede for us,
so that it may be sweet for us to bear the burdens of life,
and in trials, we may experience
the tenderness of the Father and the balm of the Spirit.
May our wounds be healed by the Heart of Christ,
to become, like you, witnesses of His mercy,
which continues to heal and renew the life
of those who seek Him with a sincere heart.
O Francis, made to resemble the Crucified One,
let your stigmata be for us and for the world
resplendent signs of life and resurrection,
to show new ways of peace and reconciliation.
Amen