Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for December 26, 2024

Amen! God jul og godt nytt år!

Lovely reminder of all those who serve no matter how lowly.

I have a stylized painted clay plaque showing the Holy Family crossing to Egypt in a small sailboat. With them is the donkey, looking cross-eyed and miserable.

And May we not only pray but work for the alleviation of the suffering — in Gaza and everywhere.

Nice piece……………2 countries where women are not allow to vote, Eritrea and ……………………………..Vatican City.

Paul Gallico, a devout believer and the author of many well-known and well-loved books, write a short fable about a young Italian boy named Pepino and how he sought St. Francis’ intercession for his donkey Violetta. A quick read, and well worth it.

I can’t post a link here, but look up “Orientis Partibus” on YouTube. It’s a medieval song to the virtuous asne— the donkey that carried Jesus.

Donkeys continue to be much loved for their sweet (mostly) temper and calming influence on horses and other creatures.