NOTE: In preparation for All Saints’ Sunday, we are getting familiar with some saints. Read here the stories of some of the saints of the church,and then–important–add your own stories at the end.
Perhaps no follower of Christ is better known than Francis of Assisi (1181-1226). Early on, Francis heard the call of his “Lady Poverty.” His devotion to a life of service brought him first into conflict with his father (famously, Francis publically stripped off all his clothes, renouncing all that belonged to his father), but two years later when he heard a sermon based on Matthew 10:9, Francis found his calling. Taking literally Christ’s instructions to carry no money, shoes or walking stick, Francis began preaching. Within a year he had gathered eleven followers. Francis chose not to be ordained—indeed he had no license to preach, although his order was eventually sanctioned. His order initially had only one rule: To follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus and to walk in his footsteps. Francis’ example attracted followers. Clare of Assisi was inspired to start a women’s order, known as the Poor Clares. Francis also began a Third Order, for people who live out Franciscan principles in daily life without leaving their homes and families. In reciting the details of Francis’ life, we should not overlook what made his example so attractive. Francis was a “fool for Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10). Francis embraced poverty joyfully, as the freedom to follow literally in Christ’s footsteps, and he avoided setting a detailed rule for his order so that he would not burden his followers with rules. His community was known as being full of songs and cheer. As brothers traveled the countryside, it was this example of joyful devotion they demonstrated. Francis imagined all of creation joined together in joyful praise to God as seen in his hymn, “All Creatures of our God and King.” He is credited with creating the first Christmas crèche scene (using real animals) as a creative meditation. Francis’ wholehearted devotion demonstrated joy and freedom in Christ.
For more on Francis of Assisi, start here:
Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167) Born in Durham, Aelred spent his youth in the Scottish court, headed for a life of nobility. But at age 24, Aelred entered the monastery at Rievaulx in Yorkshire, where he spent the rest of his life, eventually serving as abbot. Aelred is remembered for his book Spiritual Friendship, which was meant to give advice to monks regarding relationships between members of the monastery. In most religious houses, friendship is actively discouraged, with abbots and abbesses 
preventing monks and nuns from forming close relationships. This is because Christian love should be universally given to all people, leaving no place for particular relationships. To achieve perfect Christian love preferences for one person over another must be abandoned. Aelred thought differently. He reasoned that Jesus had particular friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, for example. Aelred understood friendship to be sacramental, that is, a sign of God’s presence and grace. He believed friendship was an essential part of understanding and living out Christian love. His book describes true and false friendships, provides advice for healing difficult relationships, with the virtue of charity always as the goal.
More details about his story: and for his book:
Julian of Norwich (1342-1417) Her life may not be an example of joyous living (she spent her adult life as an anchoress, living in a small cell 
attached to a church, offering spiritual advice), but her book Revelations of Divine Love still offers a comforting message of love and peace. Suffering from a nearly fatal illness at age 30, Julian received a series of visions. She spent the rest of her life contemplating these visions, writing them down about 20 years after the event. In her vision she sees God holding a small thing, like a nut, which she understands to be the created universe. It is so small and insignificant; she wonders why it does not crumble. The answer she hears: God made it, God loves it, God keeps it. She worried about those who had never heard the Gospel. She never heard a direct answer except to know that whatever God does in done in love, therefore” all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” Her concluding words (about her visions) sum up her message: Would you know your Lord’s meaning in this thing? Know it well, love was his meaning. Who showed it to you? Love. What did he show you? Love. Why did he show it? For love.
For more on Julian of Norwich and her shrine, go here: , and for some information about her cat go here:
Now it’s your turn: Who showed you that the Christian life could be fun?