St. Francis of Assisi

I have heard that you do not choose a saint to whom you have a special connection; that saint chooses you. I never understood what this meant till I visited the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi on a pilgrimage to Italy.

Before my trip, I did not know much about St. Francis except that he cared for animals. While in Assisi, my eyes were opened and I believe St. Francis truly did reach out and touch my heart. This pilgrimage was several years ago, but the memories of that visit remain vivid in my soul.

The Basilica was both grand and unassuming; I had just seen the Vatican, which was just as grand but very intense. St. Peter’s Basilica was filled with people, and there was so much commotion I had to struggle to hear the Lord’s voice amidst all the chaos. Assisi was so quiet and peaceful; it was perfectly situated on top of a hill overlooking the true landscape of Italy.

The day of my visit, I had the opportunity to roam the grounds of the Basilica and simply allow the Holy Spirit to guide my feet where He wanted me to go. He drew me to the final resting place of St. Francis. I felt uncomfortable; I am never quite sure how to appropriately pay my respects to a saint at his or her tomb. The Holy Spirit urged me forward closer and closer; St. Francis was buried within a cocoon of stone. Before I knew it, I was standing right next to his tomb, and the Holy Spirit raised my hand up to touch the stone. My eyes closed and I could feel the presence of St. Francis. I could see him and he was holding my dog in his arms.

My dog was a West Highland Terrier named Angel, and she died shortly before this pilgrimage. Her name was perfect for her — she was definitely an angelic presence in my family. It broke our hearts the day we took her to the vet to be put to sleep; we felt as though we had lost our guardian angel.

Imagine what a gift it was to see my dog Angel once again, filled with the same joy and excitement she had in life, sitting in comfort with St. Francis. As the vision of the saint and my dog slowly passed from my sight, I heard St. Francis gently whisper, “She is all right, she is with me.”

As I was brought back to my surroundings, my body was covered in goosebumps, or “God bumps” as I like to call them. For the remainder of my time in the Basilica, I could feel Angel walking with me, she never left my side. It was such an indescribable gift; I left Assisi changed forever and forever connected to St. Francis. I finally understood what it meant to have a saint choose you, and I am so honored St. Francis chose me.

On the feast of St. Francis this year, I find myself returning to him to ask for his protection, not for myself, but for the dog I now have. She is a 72 lb. golden doodle named Rose. In many ways, she is a very different dog (not just in size!) from Angel, yet they have similarities as well. Rose has been with me for almost 12 years; I received her as a Christmas present shortly after being diagnosed with diabetes.

Although she was never trained as a diabetes support dog, she always had an incredible ability to detect my low blood sugars. Whenever I am dealing with these “lows” she makes sure to stay by my side. At the advanced age of almost 12, her spirit stays young, but I am beginning to see her struggle with old age. The idea of losing her is a thought that enters my mind on a regular basis.

I find myself fearing what it will be like without my constant companion, and whether I will be able to handle life without her. Of course, I have faith in God and trust that Rose will not be taken from our lives until her full purpose has been fulfilled. God always has perfect timing, but my human nature seems to be clouding my ability to find peace.

There are some who believe that an animal has no soul, but when I look into Rose’s eyes I see one. The Lord watches over every living thing in this world, down to the simple sparrow. Rose was placed in my life as a guardian, but also as a friend. I feel blessed that the Lord gifted me with a true soul mate that I have found in my dog. I pray for my dog Rose and for St. Francis to intercede for her. No matter when the Lord chooses to take Rose from her earthly home with me, she will have a place with St. Francis, and just like Angel, I will know where to find her.

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Originally published at Kitty in the City.