September 17
Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi
Founder of the Franciscan Movement
From the earliest days of his conversion, Francis enjoyed a devotion to the crucified Christ. He was the first to receive the stigmata or wounds of Our Lord on his body. In 1224, while immersed in meditation on Monte La Verna, Francis beheld the vision of the seraph, as a sequel of which there appeared on his body the five wounds.
Benedict XI permitted the Franciscan Order to incorporate into its liturgical calendar an annual celebration of Francis' stigmatization.
Prayer
O God, Fullness of Life, You allowed Saint Francis to experience the depth of Christ’s Love by branding his body with the marks of Christ’s passion and death. Transform us into living images of Christ, that we may share in the glory of the resurrection. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our saving Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.