4 ตุลาคม ระลึกถึง นักบุญฟรังซิสแห่งอัสซีซี (St. Francis of Assisi) | แบบอย่างแห่งความยากจนและภาพลักษณ์ของพระคริสต์

On October 4, the Catholic Church honors St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated figures in history. Born into a wealthy family, Francis abandoned a life of luxury and military ambition after hearing Christ’s command from the San Damiano crucifix to “repair my church.” Embracing radical evangelical poverty, he dedicated his entire life to following the example of Christ, eventually founding the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Famous for creating the first Christmas Nativity scene and for his profound love for all of God’s creation, Francis was also the first recorded person to receive the stigmata. He died embracing Sister Death on the bare earth, perfectly mirroring the poor, crucified Christ.

Reflection for the Faithful:
St. Francis challenges our modern obsessions with wealth, status, and control. By emptying himself of worldly attachments, he discovered the true spiritual freedom to love God and humanity perfectly. Let us seek his intercession to cultivate a humble heart, to respect the dignity of the marginalized, and to become true instruments of God’s peace in a divided world.