Catholic Prayer: Table Blessing for the Feast St. Francis Assisi, Founder

Description:

Feast is October 4.

Prayer:

Reading The gospel orders us, too, to love our neighbors as ourself. Let us then do good to our brethren instead of doing evil; if it is our business to judge, let us judge with mercy; if our function is to command, let us exercise our powers without indulgence, considering ourselves as the servants of others; if it be our role to obey, let us do so with humility, unless what is commanded to us is a sin; let us avoid excess at table; let us practice penance, let us give generously to the poor; and finally let us be simple, modest, and pure rather than prudent and wise according to the flesh (St. Francis of Assisi).

Responsory Verse: Francis, while on earth was a poor and lowly man. Response: Today he enters heaven rich in God's favor, greeted with songs of rejoicing.

The Lord's Prayer

Blessing Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us in Saint Francis a perfect example of gospel living. Today, as we celebrate the gift of his life help us to walk in his footsteps, in peace and joy, following the path your gospel has traced for us.

Bless the food spread upon this table, and lead us all to the eternal banquet of heaven. Amen.

Prayer Source: Table Blessings: Mealtime Prayers Throughout the Year by Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette, Ave Maria Press, 1994