05/25/2026
Saint Francis, our brother, you who eight hundred years ago went to meet Sister Death as a man at peace, intercede for us before the Lord.
You recognized true peace in the Crucifix of San Damiano, teach us to seek in Him the source of all reconciliation that breaks down every wall.
You who, unarmed, crossed the lines of war and misunderstanding, give us the courage to build bridges where the world raises up boundaries.
In this time afflicted by conflict and division, intercede for us so that we may become peacemakers: unarmed and disarming witnesses of the peace that comes from Christ.
Comfort the families who still carry the weight of absence. May they feel the warmth of "Brother Sun" upon their grief and the gentle consolation of Your Spirit.
Eternal Rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen.
Fr. Mark G. Reamer, '83 O.F.M., D.Min.
Vice President for Mission
