Dear Saints,

This weekend we celebrate the Blessing of Pets, a custom undertaken in honor of St. Francis’s love for all creatures.

St. Francis was extraordinary. He was a distinguished mystic who bore the physical wounds of Christ. He was also a gifted poet; in fact, this year we celebrate the 800th anniversary of his “Canticle of the Creatures,” an enduring hymn celebrating the beauty and goodness of creation. He founded a new order steeped in humility, joy, and connection with nature. Everywhere he went, Francis exuded divine presence. In short, he was the kind of guy who might make us think sainthood is way beyond our reach.

But a deeper look tells a different story. More than gifted, Francis was enchanted. He never ceased to be amazed by the earthly world, because he could see in it the grandeur of heaven. And that’s something on offer to all of us. We’re all invited to be caught up in the mystery of God, and to recognize his fingerprints over all of creation. Once we see the material world as an intended manifestation of God’s goodness, we, too, will find ourselves perpetually delighted with it. And that’s where real friendship with God - that is, sainthood - begins.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ