On this special day of remembrance, we are pausing from our travels to stay right where we are. Whether or not you are able to be with family or friends on this special weekend, may your memories be of many in your life who have participated in all kinds of service for the betterment of our lives and for peace in the world.

 

   In honor of Memorial Day, today we share The Peace Prayer of St. Francis and our wish for all to reach out and help create a more peaceful and just world.

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;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

   Saint Francis  was born in the town of Assisi in Italy in 1182. At the age of 20 he devoted himself to a life of prayer. Francis was a lover  of nature. He took long walks through the countryside and studied its plants and trees. Francis felt that all plants and animals were part of God's kingdom.  He is the patron saint of those who care for plants and animals.

Have a memorable Memorial Day