Feast of Blessed Giles of Assisi
April 23, 2024
BLESSED GILES OF ASSISI
Dear Members, Friends & Followers:
On Tuesday, April 23rd, Franciscans around the world celebrate the Feast of Blessed Giles of Assisi (1190-1262).
Giles was a poor farmer who was inspired by the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. In 1209, Giles begged Francis to join the fledgling fellowship that would eventually become the Order of Friars Minor. On the Feast of Saint George, Giles was tonsured, given a habit, and invited to join Francis on a preaching tour that brought them to Rome for a meeting with the Holy Father. Giles then made pilgrimages on foot to the Tomb of Saint James in Compostella, then to the Holy Land, and lastly to the Shrines of Saint Nicholas in Bari and Saint Michael at Mount Gargano.
Through the graces received along the way, Giles became an effective preacher. His sermons were short and clear. He used simple words to preach to the poor, but was soon attracting audiences from all social classes. Over the years, some of his preaching was transcribed, passed on, and finally published as the Golden Sayings of Giles of Assisi.
Giles preferred working with his hands over begging and theology. He preferred to work in exchange for food, shelter, and necessities. He once said: “Happiness is to do manual labor for the love of the Most High God, and to accept no wage other than Paradise for the good work one does in this life.”
Before Saint Francis died, he assigned Giles to a hermitage near Perugia, where lived a life of prayer, solitude, and mystical experiences. On April 23, 1262, the fifty-second anniversary of his acceptance into the order, Giles passed from this life and was immediately proclaimed a saint by the local people. He was beatified by Pope Pius VI in 1777. Blessed Giles of Assisi is still venerated as a patron of farmers and laborers. Blessed Giles of Assisi, pray for us!
May God bless you! May the Risen Lord give you peace!
Peace and all good,
Brother Patrick
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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 99, 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 Brother Patrick at brpatrick@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 throughout 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 Pay Pal (see link below) or by mailing a tax-deductible donation to the Assisi Project, Post Office Box 3158, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01931-3158. May the Lord give you peace!
The Assisi Project 