"Make me an instrument of your peace…" This is a personal prayer that I say daily.

Lord, grant me your peace so I may be an instrument for others.  

As we are a reflection of God's love for one another...I remain in prayer that my reflection glorifies Him.

Two years ago, my sister passed from a short six-month terminal illness.  

To witness the grace received from her incredible journey to holiness is a reflection of what it is like to live in union with Christ today. 

To live in the visible world with a full understanding that the invisible world is even greater and more loving than we can ever imagine.  

To witness my sister walk with us on earth is a glimpse into heaven.  

I witnessed her receive the Eucharist and cry with the deep knowing of Union with Jesus Christ and His eternal love.  

I learned from her that I don't want to wait until I die or wait for a terminal illness to learn to walk this earth in union with Christ.  

I want to learn from the saints! I want to be inspired by their lives to walk it now!

That's what they did, and that is why we celebrate them—it is to remind us that we are all called to live in union with Christ now. We simply need to remember!

St. Francis teaches us this in profound yet simple ways. He emptied himself of everything that looked like success and desire from the outside world, and he melted into the joys of the earth, of humanity, of the animals, of the love expressed between one another as an amplifier of God's magnificent love. In that space, he found true and everlasting joy… he found heaven on earth and wanted to share the simplicity and magnanimity with the world.

"The visible world is an active doorway to the invisible world, and the invisible world is much larger than the visible." —St. Francis 

As we celebrate St. Francis, let's pray together;

"Lord, make me an instrument of your Peace. Lord make me a saint, help me to actively and lovingly engage with one another and reflect your Glory in all my actions. Lord help me to be just a little more holy every day. In the precious and holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. 

Feast Day October 4

—Amy D'Ambra/MSMH Founder and Co-Owner