Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)

Founder of the Franciscan order in the Catholic Church and best known for his prayer (below) and his love of God's creation.

For a brief summary of his life, please click here.

Other favourite prayers

Carol (during 2012 visit) in the traditional birthplace of Francis in Assisi, Italy.

To view the explanatory plaque on the wall Carol is facing, click here.

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen