“St. Francis was a completely unexpected man: suddenly, seemingly from nowhere, came a unique figure, perhaps the most Christ-like of saints in the two millennia of Christian history, beloved ever since by peoples across the globe of all creeds or none at all. That a St. Francis could happen at all is a reminder that God is full of surprises – for it was God who raised up this singularly Christ-like figure – and that history often takes unexpected turns. . . .
“Those Americans who have faith in God, and in His Son, Jesus, and venerate saints such as Francis, also find themselves in the middle of the world, and cherish our freedom to bring the teaching of Jesus, which we hear both in the Good News proclaimed in the Bible and in the life of Francis, to the public square and political process. . . .
“In the document ‘Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,’ published by the bishops of the United States, we are reminded that, ‘In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. This obligation is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.’ And so, as I leave for Rome, I want to share with you some of the concerns that I will bring with me to the tombs of the apostles, SS. Peter and Paul, and to Assisi, the town of St. Francis.”
In a recent commentary in his diocesan newspaper, Catholic New York, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York, reflected on Saint Francis of Assisi and on concerns related to the current culture and political situation in the United States.
To access Archbishop Dolan’s complete column, please visit:
Related media report:
Whispers in the Loggia: From the President's Desk: "I Am Concerned" (5 OCT 12)
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