Minister General Br. Massimo Fusarelli, OFM, head of the worldwide Order of Friars Minor, reminds us that the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscans, always occurs close to that of the stigmata on Sept. 17.
The connection between the feast days is something to be particularly aware of this year, they note, given that it was precisely 800 years ago that Francis received the stigmata (bodily marks, scars, or pains corresponding to those of the crucified Christ) while spending time in retreat and prayer at La Verna, north of Assisi.
Francis's experience of the crucified and risen Christ was transformative, just as it can be for each of us. Francis recognized the need to balance work, activity and preaching with times devoted exclusively to prayer and contemplation. During this time of retreat, he brought all of his experiences – his difficulties and his frailties – and handed them over to the Lord. The letter reminds us that a true encounter with the crucified and risen Christ leads us, as did with Francis, to recognize the stigmatized of our time, urging us to “approach, console and care for them.”
May this feast of St. Francis be an opportunity to “proclaim with our lives and words the certainty that Christ is with us and with those we meet, especially those who suffer. This is the foundation of Christian hope that animates our journey.”
Read his message on the Order's website.