Gentle St. Francis
you were so devoted to the humanity of Christ.
Your heart burst with appreciation toward God
for taking on human life.
You saw beauty and goodness in all living things –
in birds that sing,
the fish that fill our waters,
and all that lives in nature.
Help us to imitate your reverence for life
wherever it may be.
Especially, humble Francis of Assisi,
help us to help others
to see the worth of each living,
unborn baby sheltered in its mother’s womb.
May all mankind have the grace
to understand that these tiny,
budding lives have the right to live,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.