Talk:Francis of Assisi

Rev. Byron Spradlin here: Would anyone know the source and accurate statement of an alleged quote by St. Francis of Assisi something like what follows?

RE: the use of art in expressing our faith; "... at all times declare the glories of the Gospel, and when necessary use words."

If anyone knows the real statement, with its source, I'd be very happy to hear from you.

Thank you--Rev. Byron Spradlin, Nashville, TN USA <Byron@ACTinternational.org>

great words "Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words."

"Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words." is likely misattributed. See http://www.americancatholic.org/e-News/FriarJack/fj092302.asp#F2 The closest quote found is “Let all the brothers, however, preach by their deeds.” (jkibbe)

Unsourced

Moved from article pending identification, per current practice. Gordonofcartoon 12:14, 12 January 2010 (UTC)

Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

St. Francis of Assisi in Sacro Speco, Subiaco, Italy

• Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
  Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
  Where there is injury, pardon;
  Where there is doubt, faith;
  Where there is despair, hope;
  Where there is darkness, light;
  Where there is sadness, joy.
  
  O Divine Master,
  Grant that I may not so much seek
  To be consoled as to console,
  To be understood as to understand,
  To be loved, as to love;
  For it is in giving that we receive;
  It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
  It is in dying to self that we are born to Eternal Life.
  Amen.

• If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man.

• Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words.