MY ALMA MATER & ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

CHAPEL OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India.

Today is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, born at Assisi in Umbria, Italy, in 1181. He died there on 3 October 1226.

The chapel on top of the hill at Monte de Guirim, Bardez, Goa, India, is dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

My Alma Mater - St. Anthony’s High School – is also situated on the top of this idyllic hill, well-known as Monte de Guirim, amidst peaceful and sylvan surroundings. It is named after St. Anthony of Padua, who was a follower of St. Francis of Assisi.

The school, situated in the district of Bardez, North Goa, is run by Franciscans - the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

The touching hymn,’ Make me a channel of your peace’ and otherwise known as ‘Prayer for St. Francis’ was written by Sebastian Temple (1928-1997) who grew up in South Africa and later moved to London, where he worked on news broadcast relating to South Africa. After converting to Catholicism and adopting the Franciscan lifestyle, Sebastian became a Secular Franciscan and spent much of his time composing music for worship. He is best remembered for “The Prayer of St. Francis”

Pictures by Tony Fernandes