Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Dear God,

 

A statue of St. Francis stands a few feet away just outside my study window.  Every day when I am here I gaze out upon him and give thanks.

I met this kindly monk in my dreams more than 50 years ago.  Then I knew him as John.  For years I felt his spirit within me guiding me toward hope, love and peace.

One day while staying at a Catholic sister's residence for a time of exploration about my marriage, my brokenness and loss, I saw a large poster of the village of Assisi.  I felt a huge nudge to travel there.  That was about 30 years ago.

In 2005 my church and I received a Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Grant.  Assisi was one of the areas I elected to visit.  While there for several days, I learned St. Francis was first named John when he was born.  When his father returned after his birth, he changed his name to Francis.  

Through visions, contemplation and prayer Francis and I communicated together.  Although he never spoke in my dreams, I always knew what he was thinking or wanted to say to me.  It was the same when I visited Assisi and Rieti where he traveled.  It was a holy time, one I cherished and will never forget.

Thank you,

Loving God,

for Francis,

for his witness

faith and challenge.

Thank you

for every blessing

and inspiration

he has

given me.

Thank you,

dear God,

for bringing him

into my life.

Yours forever, Andrea