In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Poor and humble Saint Francis, through your kind intercession we seek to love God above all things. We seek the faith, hope and love that moved you to joyfully renounce honors and riches and to radically follow our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for us that we come to see the privilege of suffering with and for the poor after the example of Jesus. Help us to be always grateful for all the blessings we have received and give us the strength to overcome our most pressing concerns. (Include your personal intentions now.) St. Francis, as you left a comfortable life to lead a life of poverty and service to others, we ask you to pray that we also realize the folly of seeking to amass material wealth and gain power and control over others less fortunate than we are. Today I humbly give something that I don’t really need to the poor as an offering to God our Father, hoping this act signals a start of my conversion. St. Francis, help us to continue praying for the grace to truly repent and change our hearts by actively seeking reconciliation with God and all those we have offended or hurt in any way. May the blessings we receive through your intercession deepen our faith, and inspire us to store up treasures in Heaven, where we hope to spend eternity with our loving God. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen St. Francis of Assisi, Pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Reflection: St. Francis, a wealthy young man, scorned beggars until he realized they, too, were God’s children. He vowed never again to refuse anyone who asked him something in God’s name. God calls you, as he did St. Francis, to undergo a “conversion” experience. Many times in our lives we see the face of God in others, yet do not act. When we rise above our natural feelings and extend a small kindness, whether a helping hand, a smile, or a phone call, we are the ones who are blessed.

Action: Today, find your conversion opportunity, and then be kind to someone who needs you.