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St. Francis
of Assisi

Compassion, Forgiveness, Patience & Love

Practical Advice

St. Francis & Animals

Collection of Prayers

The Canticle of Brother Sun

Compassion, Forgiveness, Patience, & Love

Compassion
"Whoever may come to us, whether a friend or a foe, a thief or a robber, let him be kindly received."

Forgiveness
"There should be no brother in the world who has sinned, however much he may have possibly sinned, who, after he has looked into your eyes, would go away without having received your mercy, if he is looking for mercy. And if he were not to seek mercy, you should ask him if he wants mercy. And if he should sin thereafter a thousand times before your very eyes, love him more than you love me so that you may draw him back to the Lord. Always be merciful to [brothers] such as these."

Patience
"The servant of God cannot know how much patience and humility he has within himself as long as everything goes well with him. But when the times come in which those who should do him justice do quite the opposite to him, he has only as much patience and humility as he has on that occasion and no more."

Love
"That person truly loves his enemy who is not upset at any injury which is done to himself, but out of love of God is disturbed at the sin of the other's soul. And let him show his love for the other by his deeds."

Virtue & Vice
Where there is Love and Wisdom
      there is neither Fear nor Ignorance.
Where there is Patience and Humility,
      there is neither Anger nor Annoyance.
Where there is Poverty and Joy,
      there is neither Cupidity nor Avarice.
Where there is Peace and Contemplation,
      there is neither Care nor Restlessness.
Where there is Fear of God
      to guard the dwelling,
      there no enemy can enter.
Where there is Mercy and Prudence,
      there is neither Excess nor Harshness.

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