St. Francis of Assisi – A Man of Peace

Part 5: Heroes of Faith Help Show Us the Way

      Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27)

Today, 9/11/23, we remember the tragedy that disrupted our nation’s peace on September 11, 2021. I hope as we think about the blessed gift of peace, it will be helpful to recall the peaceful nature of the 13th Century monk, St. Francis of Assisi, and the powerful peace prayer, which is often attributed to him.

The trademark Franciscan cross under which is written the Latin word “Pax,” translated in English means “peace.”

            I have dedicated the past few posts to looking more closely at a remarkable historical Christian—St. Francis of Assisi. My faith journey has been enriched as I’ve examined more closely the devoted life of Francis, and I hope some of you feel likewise.  I have certainly appreciated your affirming comments! 

On our first full day in Assisi last spring, we joined throngs of people. It was Sunday, May 21, the date of the annual Peace and Brotherhood March.  Hundreds of people of all ages—especially, school-age kids—marched in the streets of Assisi carrying brightly-colored banners proclaiming peace.

            The resort where we stayed was on the outskirts of Assisi, and the van driver who carried guests into town commented in broken English, “I don’t know why they need to have a peace march. Assisi is always a peaceful place.” We learned our driver moved his family from Rome a couple years earlier to raise his three children in this more “peaceful place.”

            Francis of Assisi was a man who had experienced war but sought peace. In 1219, he made a daring move, crossing the battlefield between Crusader and Muslim forces near Damietta, Egypt. Francis was determined to meet the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil, believing the Sultan would accept his faith in Jesus Christ.

            Despite his best efforts to peacefully propose Jesus, the Sultan did not convert, and because Christian leaders would not negotiate, eventually the stronger Muslim army was victorious in that battle. The peaceful meeting between the two men, however, was a defining experience for the not-yet saint, and the Muslim leader. The legacy of their historical meeting endures to this day.

            St. Francis is generally credited for a beautiful prayer for peace. Many scholars do not believe Francis was the actual author, but whether he wrote these words or not, I believe they reflect the heart of a man who felt passionately about promoting peace, and they are most definitely words to challenge and apply today.

Prayer for Peace

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.

May you march to the drumbeat of peace!

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