Little Sisters

St. Francis had a special relationship with birds—they would gather around him and open their beaks and wings with joy, and would not leave until he gave them a blessing. It is said that when he traveled around and preached to groups, he would tell the birds to be quiet—and they followed his command! But when he had a moment, he also preached directly to them. Here is a "little sisters" homily attributed to St. Francis:

My little sisters the birds, ye owe much to God, your Creator, and ye ought to sing his praise at all times and in all places, because he has given you liberty to fly about into all places; and though ye neither spin nor sew, he has given you a twofold and a threefold clothing for yourselves and for your offspring. Two of all your species he sent into the Ark with Noe that you might not be lost to the world; besides which, he feeds you, though ye neither sow nor reap. He has given you fountains and rivers to quench your thirst, mountains and valleys in which to take refuge, and trees in which to build your nests; so that your Creator loves you much, having thus favoured you with such bounties. Beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praise to God.

This month, we will have our own opportunities to serve our “little sisters”—and little brothers, too. After both services this Sunday, we invite you to come and make bird feeders. We’ll have three different designs to choose from, and seed is included! Then, all month long, we are asking that you bring in pull-up diapers (child XL, adult S) and thermal long underwear (see the sign-up chart on the patio) for our human little sisters and brothers living at Vida Joven orphanages. Their “nests” will be warm and tidy this winter because of the bounties and blessings you bring forward to help them—all for the glory of God and in thanksgiving for God’s creation.

Mother Nina+