Each October, we take time to celebrate St. Francis of Assisi, especially on his Feast Day which is October 4th. As we celebrate St. Francis this year, let us remember a few of the many ways that he continues to influence our ministry as we live out the Franciscan values of Humility, Service, Simplicity, Community, Compassion, Joy, Justice and Peace. Let us embrace the message Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope who chose the name Francis because of his care for the poor, delivered last November for World Day of the Poor where he stated, “To recognize and address the poverty of others, Christians must become poor like the figure of Tobit from the Hebrew Bible. Tobit can show practical concern for the poor because he has personally known what it is to be poor.”
Reflection
“‘LAUDATO SI’, Mi’ signore’-- ‘Praise be to You, my Lord’. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. ‘Praise be to you, my Lord, through our sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with colored flowers and herbs.’” Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, #1
Team Discussion
- What gifts of God’s creation do you delight in and praise God for?
- If you were to join in this communal discernment about mission on the Feast of St. Francis, how would you answer the question about love, justice, and care for the earth?
- How are we on our teams at HSHS embodying love, justice, and care for the earth?
- Where are three opportunities for growth in our ministry that we can work on that emphasizes love, justice, and care for the earth?
Dates to Remember
Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 | Hispanic Heritage Month
Oct. 1 | St. Mary’s Green Bay Foundation Day
Oct. 4 | St. Francis Feast Day
Oct. 4 | St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing Foundation Day
Oct. 18 | St. Luke’s Feast Day, patron saint of providers
Oct. 22 | Holy Family’s Foundation Day