Graymoor is once again a sea of color, as the trees start to change and the hills and valleys are covered with a blanket of red and gold. It is a fitting time of year to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. I have to confess that he is my favorite saint. He was a simple man whose life was centered on Christ.
St. Francis has always been known for his love of nature because all of nature reflects the glory of God. He also had a special love for animals and because of this, every year at Graymoor people bring their animals and pets to be blessed at a prayer service in honor of St. Francis. Above all, he saw Christ in the poor and outcast. He had a special love for those whom the world rejected.
I believe St. Francis would have loved Graymoor, not only because of its natural beauty, but because of the poor and destitute are cared for on this “Holy Mountain.” It is a place of healing. And not only at St. Christopher’s Inn where men are given a fresh start, but also at the Holy Mountain Franciscan Retreat Center where weekend retreats help to direct and guide many people who come to Graymoor to deepen their relationships with God and their neighbors.
There are thousands of books on the life and teaching of St. Francis, but I think one quote from him that best sums up his whole life is when he says to his friars, “Preach the gospel always, but only when necessary use words.” Now that sounds like a great rule of life for every Christian.