Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for December 26, 2024

Amen! God jul og godt nytt år!

Lovely reminder of all those who serve no matter how lowly.

I have a stylized painted clay plaque showing the Holy Family crossing to Egypt in a small sailboat. With them is the donkey, looking cross-eyed and miserable.

And May we not only pray but work for the alleviation of the suffering — in Gaza and everywhere.

Nice piece……………2 countries where women are not allow to vote, Eritrea and ……………………………..Vatican City.

Paul Gallico, a devout believer and the author of many well-known and well-loved books, write a short fable about a young Italian boy named Pepino and how he sought St. Francis’ intercession for his donkey Violetta. A quick read, and well worth it.

I can’t post a link here, but look up “Orientis Partibus” on YouTube. It’s a medieval song to the virtuous asne— the donkey that carried Jesus.

Donkeys continue to be much loved for their sweet (mostly) temper and calming influence on horses and other creatures.

Donkeys are numerous in literature, but my favorite is Benjamin in Animal Farm.