Stigmatization

On September 14, 1224, a date that celebrates the Feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross, an angel appeared to St. Francis bearing the image of the crucified Christ. During this vision, the physical wounds of Christ were impressed on the body of St. Francis, leaving him full of joy and peace. The apparition occurred in the middle of the night, and lit up the surrounding countryside of LA Verna, as if it were daylight. Brother Leo, a witness, said he saw a ball of fire falling from the sky, and landing on the face of St. Francis. St, Francis wanted to keep the stigmata a secret. But when his brothers found his clothing full of blood, they understood that he bore the image and likeness of the wounds of the crucified Christ. Eventually, the pain forced him to become more dependent on his brothers for his care and his well-being.

Meditation and Prayer:

"As we gaze upon the Cross and meditate on the five wounds of Jesus, we pray; O Lord Lord Jesus Christ, Who, when the world was growing cold, didst, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprint the sacred marks of Thy passion on the Body of our blessed Father Francis, mercifully grant that by his merits, and prayers we may persevere in bearing the Cross, and bring forth worthy fruits of penance: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen." Concluding prayer from the Litany of St. Francis.