Thinking About St. Francis: Reflections of a Roman Catholic Woman Priest

This week, on October 4th, 2023, the Church celebrated the life of St. Francis of Assisi known as the saint of the poor, all animals and the environment. A once very wealthy12th century man, he heard God’s voice telling him to rebuild the church and he became poor and developed an order of 5 thousand followers. He is known for loving and serving all of God’s creation and for Christ’s stigmata on his loving hands!

I have written other blogs about him and his influence on my life and ministry. Two others are: “For Those With St. Francis’ Heart” (July 8,2018) and “A Saint For Our Times: A Woman Roman Catholic Priest ‘s Reflections on the Feast of St. Francis.” October 4, 2018.

He is one of my favorite saints and an inspiration for my life. I can only aspire to his caring, his love and his gentleness toward all people and all of creation. I am often particularly moved by his inclusion of all animals in his caring. To St. Francis all beings are brothers and sisters. Oh what a different world it would be if all of us cared for our brothers and sisters.

These two, Mama in the rear, are part of a whole family of seven kittys given to me fifteen years ago by a homeless man that I worked with in the local park. Often the homeless adopt homeless pets but this man knew he could no longer take care of the cats that his wife adopted before finding indoor housing for herself alone. He had inadvertently stepped on one and killed it and he was distraught. Three kittens were quickly adopted but Mamacat, whom he called Lady Guinevere, and four others remained with me as they had Feline AIDS and people were frightened to adopt them. Now I know that the kittens can go into remission and they did after a year and a half, and that Feline AIDS kittys are not a threat to other cats unless there is a major fight with deep bites. While I rescue many, there has never been such a fight here, but sadly, no one wants older cats. So here they enjoy a restful day.

And below, Marco Polo, now 8, who was brought here as a kitten by his father, Big Benny, with his Mom and brother little Benny, is asking about dinner. The kittens were so tiny as the parents led them over a city block to my house every day to eat. Marco was adventurous exploring everything as he travelled here, hence his name. HIs father was sick and would not come in with them. A few months later he lived on our front porch and I cared for him there until he died of feline leukemia. It still amazes me that Benny found a home for his family before he succumbed to illness. Because his mother Bonnie remained frightened the two kittens took a long time to trust so could not be placed like the many kittens I have placed. But I am still hoping for a home for them.

May you and your beloved pets, and all beings that are in difficult circumstances or without food or homes be under the care of our loving God-and under the care St. Francis showed us to give.

Bless you all,

Rev. Dr. Judy Lee, RCWP

Pastor Good Shepherd Ministries, Fort Myers, Florida