Third Sunday of Easter – April 23, 2023
ENTHRONED IN LUCIFER’S PLACE
A LITANY OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
In the Mirror of Perfection, we read about Brother Pacificus and his vision of the Poor Man of Assisi enthroned in the glory of heaven (see image above). When Brother Pacificus tells Francis about this vision, the saint replies: “I am a greater sinner than any one else in the whole world.” At this precise moment, the brother hears an inner voice say: “By these words may you know the truth of what was revealed to you. Since Lucifer was hurled down from his seat in heaven, Francis because of his humility merits to be exalted and gloriously enthroned in his empty place.” For centuries and centuries, Saint Francis of Assisi has been widely venerated for his poverty, peacemaking, and love for all of God’s creatures. For Franciscans, he is also venerated as a healer, miracle maker, and “terror of demons.”
In this spirit, we urgently turn to Saint Francis and beg for his prayers! Later this week, in what is being billed as the largest ever gathering of satanists, hundreds of people will gather in Boston to exercise what they insist are their constitutional rights of freedom of speech and religion to worship the darkness. In response, Bishop Mark O’Connell, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Boston, has called all Catholics to confront this serious spiritual danger in peace with prayer, devotion, and vigilance. Bishop Mark has also called us to be watchful for attempts to vandalize, gain access to church buildings, steal or otherwise compromise the integrity of the Holy Eucharist.
Many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston are offering opportunities for the faithful to gather in prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All people of faith and goodwill are invited to join our home parishes in the Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport from Friday, April 28th through Sunday, April 30th. Check out our weekend schedule by visiting our website: ccgronline.com. If distance, illness, or life circumstances keep you from joining us in person, please join us in praying the following litany each day: morning, afternoon, and evening. Now more than ever, let’s pray together!
A Litany of Saint Francis of Assisi
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Savior of the World, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Saint Francis, Seraphic Father, pray for us.
Saint Francis, Patriarch of the Poor, pray for us.
Saint Francis, Founder of Three Armies of God, pray for us.
Saint Francis, Abraham of the Gospel, pray for us.
Saint Francis, Preacher of Penance, pray for us.
Saint Francis, like Moses, giver of the law, pray for us.
Saint Francis, like Elijah, borne aloft in a chariot, pray for us.
Saint Francis, herald of the great King, pray for us.
Saint Francis, instrument of peace, pray for us.
Saint Francis, brave knight of Christ, pray for us.
Saint Francis, lover of all souls, pray for us.
Saint Francis, witness of Gospel perfection, pray for us.
Saint Francis, spouse of Lady Poverty, pray for us.
Saint Francis, model of chastity, pray for us.
Saint Francis, master of obedience, pray for us.
Saint Francis, poor one of penance, pray for us.
Saint Francis, uplifted in contemplation, pray for us.
Saint Francis, marked by the Stigmata of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Francis, who loves the Babe of Bethlehem, pray for us.
Saint Francis, who loves the Sacred Scriptures, pray for us.
Saint Francis, who loves all God’s creatures, pray for us.
Saint Francis, physician of the sick, pray for us.
Saint Francis, light of the blind, pray for us.
Saint Francis, healer of the sick, pray for us.
Saint Francis, maker of miracles, pray for us.
Saint Francis, terror of demons, pray for us.
Saint Francis, enthroned in Lucifer’s place, pray for us.
Saint Francis, apostle of infidels, pray for us.
Saint Francis, martyr in spirit, pray for us.
Saint Francis, confessor of faith, pray for us.
Saint Francis, virgin in soul, pray for us.
Saint Francis, endowed with all virtue, pray for us.
Saint Francis, our advocate, pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world:
Have mercy on us.
Blessed Saint Francis, pray for us.
That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.
May the powerful intercession
of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi
bring us closer to Christ Crucified,
closer to the Church,
and closer to each other.
May their prayers comfort us,
empower us, and protect us
as we strive to live the Gospel,
share God’s love, and rebuild the Church.
Glory to the Father,
to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us!
Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us!
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THE ASSISI PROJECT
INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY
Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with members, friends, and followers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages to more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. Members of the Assisi Project, ranging in age from 15 to 98, pray every day for those who ask for our prayers. If you would like our fellowship to pray for you or your special intention, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us! Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us! Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us! May the Lord give you peace, now and always!
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ABOUT US
Founded in 2007, the Assisi Project is a Fellowship of Franciscans in Spirit with friends and followers around the world. We are dedicated to helping Christian believers of all ages more faithfully live the Gospel of Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi. The Assisi Project is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization. All are welcome to support our ministry via PayPal or by mailing a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. For more information about the Assisi Project, please contact Cliff Garvey at cgarvey@assisiproject.com. May the Lord give you peace!
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Art Credit: Winded (Detail) by Nancy T. Baker
The Assisi Project 