“They shall sow deep reverence for God’s churches, whether these are large and richly furnished, or small and poor; and they shall make visits to them readily, whenever an opportunity occurs. There they shall adore Christ with the words of their Seraphic Father: ‘We adore You, most holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches throughout the world; and we bless You, because by Your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.'”                             Constitutions Article 58

 

 

St. Francis had a deep reverence for Catholic churches, where the Most Blessed Sacrament is reserved.  He was known to kneel down and said the above short prayer whenever he saw a Catholic church.   As Franciscan friars spread the devotion of the Stations of the Cross, this prayer eventually found a special place in this devotion, prayed at the beginning of each Station while genuflecting.

Our Constitution invites us, in imitation of St. Francis, to develop an awareness of Our Lord’s True Presence in the tabernacle of all Catholic churches.