Saint Francis was praying near San Damiano Crucifix when he asked: ”Lord, what do You want me to do?” The Lord replied: "Francis, go and rebuild my House!" Francis then made this prayer: "Most high and glorious God, Enlighten the darkness of my heart And give me, Lord, A correct faith, a certain hope, A perfect charity, Sense and knowledge So that I may carry out Your holy and true command." Amen. When examining Francis's life, we see that his prayer was heard. Francis was an ordinary person like us, he was not born a saint. He overcame challenges, in a continuous conversion. He became so much like Christ that he received the sacred Stigmata - the marks of his Lord's crucifixion –on his hands, feet and side. That is why Francis is often referred to as “the other Christ”. Francis lived in Italy between 1181 (or 1182) and 1226. His proposal, that of living the Gospel, is always current. Consequently, it continues to attract people... We can be part of the Franciscan family! Saint Francis established three Orders: The 1st is the Order of the Friars Minor - OFM It consists of men who, in fraternity, follow the poor and crucified Jesus Christ. They live in poverty, chastity and evangelical obedience. In their evangelistic mission, they are joyful and simple pilgrims. The 2nd is the Order of the Poor Clare Sisters, for women who feel the call to follow Jesus Christ living in fraternity... ... in permanent enclosure and... ... in accordance with evangelic counsels. Saint Clare was the first woman to follow the Franciscan spirituality. The 3rd is the Secular Franciscan Order - SFO It brings together laypeople, single and married catholic of all ages, called to follow Jesus Christ according to the spirituality of Saint Francis of Assisi... ... and to live the Gospel in all circles, such as in the family, at work and in the community. Saint Francis is an example of humility and poverty, lived with simplicity and joy, for the praise and the glory of God. Do you feel yourself called? As Francis did, ask: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Listen to the answer in your heart and... Peace & Good! You can be a Franciscan too! I dedicate this presentation to Saint Francis of Assisi expressing him my gratefulness for being the instrument through whom I found Jesus, my Lord, alive in my life. and with recognition to the friars and sisters who, living the Franciscan charisma, bring a part of Heaven to Earth! Thank you forever! Janice Script and creation by Janice Amaral assisted in technical realization by "Gruppo Gioia" Background music - "Nel tuo silenzio" (Gen Verde) - Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna" (Riz Ortolani) Musical arrangement and performance of "Gruppo Gioia" God Bless you through St. Francis and St. Claire!