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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time A - St Francis of Assisi & Rosary Sunday

The 4th of Oct. is also the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. This year (10th Jan. 2026 to 10th Jan. 2027) is a special ‘Jubilee Year’ given by Pope Leo to commemorate the 800th anniversary of St Francis’ death. We are invited to rediscover the way of life of St Francis, one that is simple and essential, open to peace, fraternity, and respect for creation.

Francis did not try to eliminate poverty but strived to make his poverty holy. The Franciscans worked for every necessity, only begging when required, believing possessing something was the death of love. His rule stems from the ‘parable of the rich young man’ who is told to sell everything he owns and give it to the poor. Francis said, ‘it is in giving that we receive’ and ‘when you leave this earth we can take nothing that we have received, only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage’.

The Apostles too were told to take nothing for the journey, to stay in one house and eat what is set before them. Francis saw the Christian life as an acceptance of the Cross, but as it can seem heavy, he said, ‘be patient because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul. They are of great merit when borne patiently’.

“Francis, Francis, go and repair my house, as you can see, is falling into ruins”. Initially thinking this was a request to rebuild the Assisi Church, he came to see it as an appeal to more formation and evangelisation. May we, therefore, open our catechisms, listen to Catholic podcasts and / or watch Catholic videos – do something extra!

This Sunday is Rosary Sunday and the 5pm Saturday Mass will be of Our Lady of the Rosary (readings of 27th Sun. in OT A). October is also the month of the Rosary. We often pray the Glorious Mysteries on Sunday and Wednesday, the Joyful Mysteries on Monday and Saturday, the Sorrowful Mysteries on Tuesday and Friday, and the Luminous Mysteries on Thursday.