By Linda Nash
WESTON — Parishioners filled St. Francis of Assisi Church on Sunday, September 27 to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of their patron saint, in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
In his homily, Bishop Caggiano talked about the life of St. Francis of Assisi and focused on the theme of what we need, not what we want.
Born into a wealthy family, St. Francis was moved by a leper who rang his bell to keep people away and called out to Jesus. In a life-changing moment, young Francis embraced the man, and this act led him to see Jesus in outcasts.
He realized the leper had everything he needed, the bishop said. Moreover, it was not what he needed, but rather Who he needed – Jesus.
Francis left behind the trappings of material wealth and spent the rest of his life serving Jesus.
Bishop Caggiano challenged everyone in church to consider what they need in their lives of faith. “We are conscious of the things we want but what about the things we need?” he asked. Bishop Caggiano acknowledged that many people may not be sure, and that is one reason we come to Mass every Sunday and take time to ask that question in prayer.
The bishop pointed out that St. Francis was told by Jesus from a cross at San Damiano, “Rebuild my Church,” and that he transformed it with a radical, joyful rejection of wealth and status, showing that spiritual renewal comes from holiness, helping others and living as Jesus did.
“It was a truly beautiful day for our Saint Francis family,” said Pastor Father Augustine Nguyen. “Having Bishop Caggiano with us to celebrate Mass made the occasion especially meaningful as we continue to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi.”
Father said he was most touched by seeing the church completely filled and then having the community of faithful come together afterward in the parish hall.
“Most parishioners stayed for the picnic, our ministries worked together, our young people cared for the children, and so many parishioners gave their time and talents to make the day possible,” Father said. “It was a wonderful reminder that a parish is not simply a building: It is a family of people who worship, serve and celebrate together.”
The Mass featured a Knights of Columbus honor guide, along with six altar servers.
The bishop celebrated the Mass with Father Augustine, assisted by Deacon Steve Hodson. The choir was accompanied by piano and flute under the direction of Don Rickenback.
A first-class relic of St. Francis will be available for veneration and private prayer in the church at 35 Norfield Road in Weston.
Mass was live streamed and can be viewed at the St. Francis of Assisi website at https://www.stfrancisweston.org/ then scroll down to the YouTube channel.
