A journey into the life of St Francis of Assisi and Franciscan spirituality

St Francis College is a P-12 College named after thirteenth century Saint Francis of Assisi It is a Catholic College of many diverse cultures and many faith traditions All are welcome here

St Francis of Assisi Born and named Giovanni by his mother after John the Baptist around 1181 he was renamed Francesco by his father who wanted a man of business not a man of God Member of Assisi Merchant Class Very little known of his early life but his youth was spent in “recklessness and frivolity”

Francis in the military Early on Francis fulfilled his father’s hopes Became a good business man But he wanted to become a knight He joined the Compagnia dei Cavalieri, the cities armed elite but ended up imprisoned, released after his father’s negotiations

Still looking for glory Francis was called for a Crusade but not far from the city of Assisi, he had a vision and returned home On his journey to conversion, Francis was led to the ancient church of San Damiano. Inspired by the spirit he went to pray and heard God ask him to rebuild his church. Francis took this literally and sold fabric from his father’s shop to fund the project. His father was furious and dragged him before the Bishop. He wanted him to renounce all claims and return the goods and money. By this point Francis was ready to renounce his wealth and famously took off all of his clothes in front of his father and the bishop

San Damiano Cross

The Franciscans Francis’ followers came from fields and towns, nobility and common people, universities, the church and the merchant class including Anthony of Padua who joined the Franciscans in 1220 Francis practised true equality by showing honour, respect and love to every person. Francis felt that all of God’s creations were part of his brotherhood

St Clare and the poor Clares In 1212 Clare from an Umbrian family ran away from home to join Francis and his brothers She met him at San Damiano. Her hair was cut and she was clothed in the simple tunic that identified her as part of the group – the little ones. Clare left everything behind – status, security, family name, home and wealth

Both Francis and Clare dedicated their lives in service of the poor Francis life was however beset by poor health In 1223 he wrote the Rule 1224 he experienced the Stigmata – the markings of the crucified Jesus at La Verna In 1226 he wrote the Canticle of Creation and died soon after age 44 In 1979 Francis was named Patron Saint of Ecology

St Francis College The name stems from the charism of St Francis of Assisi Marsden Catholic Parish Church had already been named after a famous Franciscan martyr Maximilian Kolbe Franciscan nuns amongst the earliest religious in the Marsden area Named St Francis College in 1988

College Badge and Motto The stylized cross in the centre of the badge is a Tau The Tau is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and looks like a letter ‘T’ Throughout his life, Francis used the Tau in his writings and it is found carved in the caves and chapels where he prayed. Francis used the Tau as his only signature on his writings

College Motto and Values The College motto In simplicity and harmony stems from the core values and beliefs emanating from the story of St Francis of Assisi. Other values stemming from Franciscan spirituality include: compassion, peace, reconciliation, service and stewardship, prayer and reflection and resilience, perseverance and hope.

College Song - Born in Eden I am an old tree, I was born in Eden. Yet still I’m strong, still I gleam with light The kindness of the species human Has held me close through every storm I’ve always kept things in the balance If a branch grew weak then another grew strong I’ve always kept my sights on beauty Soothe my thirst for truth from the river of life

Chorus So shine with your life with every moment Sing! With creation each new day Radiate the goodness that’s deep within your heart now Life! To Life! To Love

Verse Two I’m your Mother Earth, I was born in Eden I’m as old as time, but as new as now My rich warm soil gives birth to freedom Everything that lives is caressed by me As I spin through space with majestic splendour Kiss the fragile bloom with a drop of dew But as I give my all to the old tree human See it sing my beauty, let it live my truth.

Chorus So shine with your life with every moment Sing! With creation each new day Radiate the goodness that’s deep within your heart now Life! To Life! To Love

The College Buildings

The Hermitage and the Labyrinth The labyrinth was used as a memorial to Anthony McEnally, a husband of a staff member who died in 2003. It is an outdoor teaching and prayer space. Walking the labyrinth in prayer involves walking intentionally along the path until the centre is reached. It is part of the year nine RE curriculum but used by all members of the school community

Hermitage The Hermitage is marked by three rocks that have plaques with the Canticle of Creation recounted on them. The Canticle was written by St Francis in 1224. These boulders give three key points in a pilgrimage through the hermitage area The citrus and olive tree groves connect the community with Francis’ Italian community and Jesus’ Middle Eastern origins

College Prayers- the Canticle of Creation Be praised Good Lord for Brother Sun who brings us each new day. Be praised for Sister Moon: white beauty bright and fair, with wandering stars she moves through the night. Be praised my Lord for Brother Wind, for air and clouds and the skies of every season.

Be praised for Sister Water: humble, helpful, precious, pure; she cleanses us in rivers and renews us in rain. Be praised my Lord for Brother fire: he purifies and enlightens us. Be praised my Lord for Mother Earth: abundant source, all life sustaining; she feeds us bread and fruit and gives us flowers.

Be praised my Lord for the gift of life; for changing dusk and dawn; for touch and scent and song. Be praised my Lord for those who pardon one another for love of thee, and endure sickness and tribulation. Blessed are they who shall endure it in peace, for they shall be crowned by Thee. Be praised Good Lord for sister Death who welcomes us in loving embrace. Be praised my Lord for all your creation serving you joyfully.

Prayer of St Francis 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; And 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.

Assisi – San Damiano