The Humble Heart of St. Francis of Assisi

🌿✨ The Humble Heart of St. Francis of Assisi ✨🌿

Feast Day: October 4

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received—only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
— St. Francis of Assisi

Among all the saints of the Church, few have captured the hearts of believers as deeply as St. Francis of Assisi, the saint who chose humility over honor, simplicity over riches, and love over self. Born into wealth, Francis could have lived a life of comfort and status—but instead, he heard the gentle call of Christ to “rebuild My Church.”

He renounced everything, even the clothes on his back, and embraced a life of poverty and total dependence on God. Yet in that surrender, Francis found the true richness of the Gospel—a heart overflowing with peace, joy, and compassion for all creation.

💛 A Heart That Gives

St. Francis reminds us that at the end of our journey on earth, what truly matters is not what we have acquired, but what we have given.
We take with us no possessions, no achievements—only the love we’ve shared, the kindness we’ve shown, and the sacrifices we’ve made for others.

A heart filled with honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage is a treasure that never fades. These are the gifts that follow us into eternity.

🌾 Living Like St. Francis

To live like St. Francis is to see the face of God in every person, to respect all of creation as our brothers and sisters, and to find joy in the simplest things. It means:

• Serving others with humility and joy.
• Loving without expecting anything in return.
• Offering sacrifices quietly and sincerely.
• Living courageously for the sake of truth and goodness.

🙏 A Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

May we, like St. Francis, learn to live with open hands and open hearts—ready to give, ready to love, and ready to serve.

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HONORING SAINT JOSEPH: A MODEL OF FAITH, HUMILITY, AND STRENGTH

HONORING SAINT JOSEPH: A MODEL OF FAITH, HUMILITY, AND STRENGTH 

Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Joseph, the humble and righteous man chosen by God to be the earthly father of Jesus and the protector of the Holy Family. He is a powerful intercessor, a model of hard work, and a patron of families, workers, fathers, and the universal Church.

WHY WE HONOR SAINT JOSEPH 

Saint Joseph lived a quiet yet extraordinary life, embodying faith, humility, and obedience to God’s will. Though the Bible records no words from him, his actions speak volumes. He accepted his role with unwavering trust, raising Jesus with love and devotion alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary.

LESSONS FROM SAINT JOSEPH 

As we reflect on his life, here are some virtues we can learn from him:

✅Faith and Trust in God – Even in uncertainty, Saint Joseph remained obedient, accepting Mary as his wife and embracing his role in God’s plan.

✅Hard Work and Dedication – As a carpenter, he provided for his family through honest labor, reminding us of the dignity of work.

✅Humility and Silence – He led by example, not words, showing that true strength comes from quiet faithfulness.

HOW TO HONOR SAINT JOSEPH TODAY 

*Pray to Saint Joseph – Ask for his intercession, especially for workers, families, and those seeking employment.

*Help Those in Need – Like Saint Joseph, support others through acts of kindness and generosity.

*Strengthen Your Faith – Follow his example of trust and devotion in God’s plan.

A PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH 🙏

"Saint Joseph, protector of the Holy Family, guide us with your strength and humility. Teach us to trust in God's plan as you did. Help us work diligently, love selflessly, and serve faithfully. Amen."

As we celebrate today, may Saint Joseph continue to inspire us to live with faith, humility, and perseverance. 

🎈Viva San Jose!

SAINT MOTHER TERESA AND THE BAKER

MOTHER TERESA AND THE BAKER

There is a story told about Mother Teresa and a baker. Not sure whether it's true or not, but it's definitely worth a read 

Mother Teresa entered the baker's shop.

She asks for bread to feed the orphan children.

When she extended her hand asking for charity,

The baker spat in her hand!

Mother Teresa put her hand to her chest and said: I will keep this for myself.

Then she extended her other hand and said:

Now give me some bread to feed my children.

The baker was amazed at her great kindness.

He became the main bread donor for Mother Teresa's orphanage.

Make the love in you be stronger than the abuse that comes to you.

God will compensate you for every pain you experienced with great joy.

HUMILITY’ TIPS FROM MOTHER TERESA

 

15 ‘HUMILITY’ TIPS FROM MOTHER TERESA

While she was head of the Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa kept a list of ways to cultivate humility for the sisters in her care...

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself.

2. Keep busy with your own affairs and not those of others.

3. Avoid curiosity (she is referring to wanting to know things that should not concern you.)

4. Do not interfere in the affairs of others.

 5. Accept small irritations with good humor.

 6. Do not dwell on the faults of others.

7. Accept censures even if unmerited.

8. Give in to the will of others.

9. Accept insults and injuries.

10. Accept contempt, being forgotten and disregarded.

11. Be courteous and delicate even when provoked by someone.

12. Do not seek to be admired and loved.

13. Do not protect yourself behind your own dignity.

14. Give in, in discussions, even when you are right.

15. Choose always the more difficult task.

"I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus—one to one—you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in the chapel—but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus—not from books but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you? Ask for the grace; He is longing to give it. Until you can hear Jesus in the silence of your own heart, you will not be able to hear Him saying 'I Thirst' in the hearts of the poor. Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus as the real living person—not just the idea."

— Saint Mother Teresa, p.129-30

AN EXCERPT FROM

Manual for Eucharistic Adoration