3 February 2019, Holy Father Pope Francis first visit to United Arab Emirates

800 years bback in the 1219, Saint Francis met with Sultan Malik al Kamil and had his visit to the lands of Islam. Now Pope Francis is on his 3 day apostolic and state visit to UAE and was welcomed by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, upon his arrival at the Abu Dhabi airport, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, 3 February 2019 to promote dialogue and understanding and renounce violence and extremism. Pope Francis is seeking to turn a page in Christian-Muslim relations while also ministering to a unique, thriving island of Catholicism as he embarks on the first-ever papal trip to the Arabian Peninsula, the birthplace of Islam. Pope Francis will participate in a conference on interreligious dialogue sponsored the Emirates-based Muslim Council of Elders, an initiative that seeks to counter religious fanaticism by promoting a moderate brand of Islam. The Abu Dhabi trip’s theme is “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace,” a line taken from a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi, with a focus on “how all people of goodwill can work for peace,” according to the Holy See Press Office.

St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Religious, Founder of the Three Orders (Solemnity)

Founder of the Franciscan Order

Born: 26 November, 1182, Assisi, Italy

Died: 3 October, 1226, Marche, Italy

“The peace of Saint Francis 

is the peace of Christ, 

and it is found by those 

who ‘take up’ their ‘yoke,’ 

namely, Christ’s commandment: 

Love one another as I have loved you. 

It is the peace of Christ, 

which is born of the greatest love of all, 

the love of the cross.”

Francis was the son of a rich merchant, Bernardone, received a good education and began his early life as a confirmed sinner. Later on in his life Francis who was part in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he was captured and imprisoned. During his life in captive Francis began receiving visions from God and upon his release from prison, Francis was instructed by voice of Christ, who told him to care for the his church and live a life of poverty. Francis set out on a mission to restore Jesus Christ's own, original values to the Church. With his incredible charisma, thousands of followers were soon drawn to him, listening to his sermons and joining in his way of life; his followers became known as Franciscan friars.

Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, markings resembling the crucifixion wounds Jesus Christ. Francis the first religious to receive the holy wounds of the stigmata. He was canonized as a saint on 16 July, 1228.

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Father Almighty, 

Your ways and purpose 

are often hidden from us. 

Guide me now and through 

the intercession of 

Saint Francis of Assisi, 

I beg You, in my sorrow, 

and by Your power, 

to let me know Your will 

regarding my special need 

(mention your request). 

Amen.

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O God, by whose gift Saint Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility, grant that, by walking in Francis' footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity, come to be united with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

Friday, 4 October, 2013
St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Religious, Founder of the Three Orders (Solemnity)

Reading 1

Sirach 50: 1, 3 - 4, 6 - 7
1	The leader of his brethren and the pride of his people was Simon the high priest, son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house, and in his time fortified the temple.
3	In his days a cistern for water was quarried out, a reservoir like the sea in circumference.
4	He considered how to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city to withstand a seige.
6	Like the morning star among the clouds, like the moon when it is full;
7	like the sun shining upon the temple of the Most High, and like the rainbow gleaming in glorious clouds;

Psalm

Psalms 16: 1 - 2, 5, 7 - 8, 11
1	Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.
2	I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee."
5	The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot.
7	I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8	I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
11	Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Reading 2

Galatians 6: 14 - 18
14	But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15	For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16	Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
17	Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18	The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel

Matthew 11: 25 - 30
25	At that time Jesus declared, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes;
26	yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
27	All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28	Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29	Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30	For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Let us be part of the army 

of the humble and poor in spirit 

so as to receive the wisdom 

given by the Father 

and bring joy 

to the Heart of Christ!

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi

Assisi, Umbria, Italy