I was born on October 4th. Growing up my birthday was a special day not just because it was my birthday, but because it fell on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis was a popular saint in the Catholic community and especially in the Italian-Catholic community. So, having my birthday on St. Francis’ feast day made me a bit of a celebrity. Over the years I cannot tell you how many times people would ask me, “Did you know your birthday falls on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi?” I can tell you that by attending a Catholic School with Franciscan Priests, I was pretty much aware of it from day one.
Now, aside from his own personal story, St. Francis is quite popular for his “Prayer of Peace.” Interestingly enough, while it is also called the “Song of St. Francis,” it appears that Francis himself is most likely not the author of the prayer. But over the years that has not stopped me, or most people in fact, from cherishing it and calling it the “Song of St. Francis.”
The powerful words certainly mirror how Francis lived his life and are a beacon of light for all of us to follow as we journey through our own lives. They are especially meaningful in this present day and time. I hope we all embrace what we are called to by Jesus Himself as reflected in this prayer, and that you will be blessed in listening to this beautiful song as it is performed by a Sunday choir.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love,
Where there is injury your pardon Lord,
And where there’s doubt true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.
O Master grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving of ourselves that we receive.
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
(Sebastian Temple adaptation)
Donna, Wishing you a very happy birthday today and a very happy Feast of St. Francis. What a very special day you share! God bless you always. ❤️🙏❤️
Happy belated Birthday, Donna! Thank you for sharing your story of your shared birthday with St. Francis. I grew up singing the Song of St. Francis all through grammar school and high school. We even sang it at my high school graduation! I have always loved that song and have always found comfort in singing it. Thanks for refreshing my memory!