This Autumn marks 800 years since the first Franciscans landed at Dover and set up a Friary in Canterbury. It is also 800 years since St Francis got the Stigmata, the appearance of the bodily wounds of Christ’s crucifixion.

On this Feast day, October 4th , we  held our first Forest Church proper at Mere Brow CE School for pupils and their families. As St Francis had a heart for the Creation it is a good day to launch our new church plant.

The day started with pupils presenting a play about the life of St Francis and a time of prayer and thanksgiving.

Activity stations included:

  • The Story of St. Francis and the Hungry Travelers
  • The Story of St. Francis and the Birds
  • The Story of St. Francis and the Canticle of the Sun
  • The Story of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio
  • The Story of St. Francis Renouncing His Wealth

 

We made bird feeding balls, wrote peace prayers, made clay animals and cooked S’mores.

Asst Curate Fr Joe reflecting back on the day said, “We attempted to embed something of Franciscan Spirituality and a celebration of Creation into every activity. Speaking to the children afterwards – this was certainly achieved.”