St. Francesco (Francis) Antonio Fasani was born as Giovanneillo in Lucera, Italy in 1681, the son of Giuseppe Fasani and Isabella Della Monaca. He entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695 and took the names of St. Francis and St. Anthony. He spent much of his time studying, and was ordained a priest 10 years after entering the order. He then taught philosophy to younger friars, served as the guardian of his friary, and later became provincial of his order. When his term of office as provincial ended, Francesco became a novice-master, and eventually pastor in his hometown. In all his various ministries, he was loving, devout and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, “In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance.” Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed. He was also a mystic, known for his deep prayer life and supernatural gifts, and was known to levitate while praying. The people of Lucera were known to compare him with St. Francis of Assisi, from whom he derived his name. He died in 1742 and was canonized in 1986.

REFLECTION

And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… Revelation 21:2

The Old Testament prophet Joel promised that the young would see visions and the old would dream dreams. For, when God’s Spirit fills everyone, the world is changed. In this reading from Revelation, the last book of the Bible, an early Christian shares his vision so we can see that the promise is fulfilled. It’s not a misty “somewhere over the rainbow” vision but is the real and present marriage between heaven and earth. We don’t have to float above reality to find God. Already, he has come down to us and made all things new. He brings fulfillment and life as it was meant to be. Here and now, in the present pain and suffering of humanity, we can receive this new life, freely given to us in the Beloved One. Even now, on earth, God lives among his people. Let us adorn ourselves with love and faithfulness to live with him for all eternity. Thank you, God, for living among your people.