The Boston Area held an online panel discussion about The Life and Times of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, the saint’s feast day. Cardinal Seán O’Malley, BGCHD, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston; Fr. Frank Sevola, ChM, Guardian at St. Anthony’s Shrine in Boston; and Woodeene Koenig-Bricker, author of A Dinner Party with the Saints, presented reflections on the life and times of St. Francis. Cardinal Seán and Fr. Sevola are members of the extended Franciscan Religious Orders.

Cardinal O’Malley called St. Francis, “an extraordinary figure in the history of the Church, whose spirituality and insights into the Gospel really changed the course of history.” He said that before Francis, religious life tended to be monastic, but Francis’ brothers carried the Gospel to the people. He also recited the poem by Joseph Mary Plunkett I See His Blood Upon the Rose, part of which reads, “I see his face in every flower; the thunder and the singing of the birds are but his voice.” Cardinal O’Malley said of St. Francis, “He saw in all creation his brothers and sisters.”

Fr. Sevola, who has been officially elevated to Magistral Chaplain of the Order of Malta, reflected upon Francis in terms of brotherhood and service. He referred to the first paragraph of the Rule of the Franciscan Order, which states, “Brother Francis promises obedience and reverence to our Lord Pope Honorius and his successors canonically elected and to the Roman church.” He said, “To me, that really sums up who Franciscans are and who we’re called to be.” Fr. Sevola said Franciscans are called to be lesser brothers, brothers and sisters, and people who are in service. “In service to one another as Franciscans, in service to the Church, and in service to all those people who come to us,” he said.

Woodeene Koenig-Bricker, spoke of the challenges both St. Francis and his family faced as a result of his calling. “There’s a famous saying that says it’s easier to be a saint than to live with a saint,” she said. St. Francis had troubled relationships with his family. Woodeene noted that, “People who do great things and have great passion for God and change the Church also have all these other people in their lives that we tend not to remember.” Woodene finds inspiration in St. Francis’ life. “Despite some of these complications, he had a very strong vision of who he was and what he wanted to do.”

Paul Gauron, KM, from the Boston Area, said he found the session very enlightening and particularly enjoyed the Blood Upon the Rose poem. Susann Engel, DM from Florida, said, “It was such a blessing to listen to all three speakers and share with them their faith and love of one of many of our beloved Saints who brings peace and love into the world.”