Last night I had a dream where I was in some kind of planetarium… it actually seemed as if I was outside looking up at countless stars in the night sky. Anyway, the stars got bigger as if shooting right past me until I saw solar systems and galaxies and all kinds of nebulous deep space matter. I remember thinking “how great are your works O Lord!” before I woke up. What a providential dream it was because today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a saint who marveled at all God’s creation and praised him through it. He referred to creatures as brothers and sisters. By the way, it’s very interesting to note that he referred to “mother earth” as “sister mother earth” because they both had the same Father. St. Francis was known to burn with love for the God of all creation. His was a love for God hidden, first and foremost, under the appearance of bread and wine; in the distressing disguise of the poor and leprous; in every one he met; and lastly, in creation.

There is so much that can be said about St. Francis of Assisi; he is one of my favorite saints. But for today i will keep it short and conclude by posting a video of St. Francis’ prayer of joyful praise called “Canticle of the Sun:”