THEME

Forgiveness and salvation. The Canticle of the Creatures. Making peace in Assisi. Francis’ last days and resting place. “Perfect joy.”

Sites

La Verna; San Damiano; The Porziuncola; The Basilica of Saint Francis

SESSION 5

Welcome! In this series, we have been studying the centrality of peace and nonviolence to the life and spirituality of Francis and Clare. In this session, we explore the Arrival at the Center, the sixth stage of pilgrimage, with a focus on what this might mean for Francis — next week we will explore what Clare’s “arrival” may have been. In all of this, we are invited to reflect on our own experience: What might “arrival at the center” mean in our own lives?

Prayer: St. Francis of Assisi’s prayer given to Brother Leo

You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Savior.