Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

"We praise You, Lord, for Sister Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair." (St. Francis of Assisi)

I just learned of the passing of Friar Kevin Kenny, OFM Conv., who was the director of the National Shrine of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in Fonda, New York. I met him at the there in August 2004 and kept in touch for several years. Friar Kenny was a member of the Convectual Franciscans, an order of friars founded by St. Francis of Assisi in 1209.
My experiences in Assisi were life altering. May 24 is the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.
When St. Francis died in October 1226, he was buried at St. George Church in the medieval town. It is now St. Clare of Assisi Chapel.
In 1230, his body was brought to a new church, and 23-years-later, Pope Innocent IV consecrated the Church of San Francesco which was later named a papal chapel and patriarchal basilica.

St. Clare of Assisi (July 16, 1194 to Aug. 11, 1253)

With the snip of a scissors, her long, flowing blonde hair became a short bob. This was my introduction to St. Clare of Assisi as a small child when I saw the movie "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli (1972).
St. Clare chopped off her hair and threw away her worldly possessions to follow in the footsteps of her dear friend St. Francis of Assisi. Their story is magnificent. When I went to Assisi, Italy seeing St. Clare's Basilica was part of my experience. The fields were a palette of wildflowers and the medieval town looked much like it did in her time.
St. Clare was born in Assisi on July 16 (Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel), 1194. She was one of the very first followers of St. Francis. She founded the Order of the Poor Ladies which would become the Poor Clares after her death. St. Clare died on Aug. 11, 1253. She is the patron saint of clairvoyance and good weather. Canonization: Sept. 26, 1255