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12 St. Francis Quotes that Will Challenge the Way You Live Your Faith

12 St. Francis Quotes that Will Challenge the Way You Live Your Faith

This weekend marked the death of Giovanni de Bernardino in 1226, the wealthy heir to a silk merchant who would go on to dedicate his life to God.

After a vision, Bernardino (later St. Francis) gave away his fortune, committing his life to serving God and the poor.

Though he wrote relatively little in his life, St. Francis’ radical approach to serving those in need and his commitment to nature has continued to have an impact on Christians hundreds of years after his death. The Franciscans remain an influential group within the Church, and the pope himself was so moved by his ministry that he took the name Francis.

Here’s a look at 12 quotes (largely attributed to the friar) that will inspire the way you live your faith.

On Dispelling Fear

Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance.
(Source: The Counsels of the Holy Father St. Francis)

On Living a Life of Ministry

It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.
(Source)

On Doing the Impossible

“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
(Source)

On Humility

We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh, but, instead, we must be simple, humble and pure.
(Source: Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, Volume 1)

On Being a Living Testimony

“While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”
(Source)

On Inner Peace

Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt.
(Source: The Counsels of the Holy Father St. Francis)

On Darkness

“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.”
(Source)

On Purpose

“Keep a clear eye toward life’s end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received…but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
(Source)

On ‘Enemies’

“No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves.”
(Source)

On Grace

“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.”
(Source)

On Simplicity

Pure holy simplicity confounds all the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of the flesh.
(Source: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi – 1905)

On Selfishness

“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.”
(Source)

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