Feast Day of the Stigmata of St. Francis

Today Franciscans celebrate the Feast Day of the Stigmata of St. Francis. Stigmata are the marks on the physical body that resemble the sacred wounds of Jesus. These wounds are received on the hands, feet, and side. St. Francis received them two years before his death at Mt. La Verna during deep prayer. During his prayer an angel appeared who was seemingly crucified. St. Francis lived with them until death, where many of his brothers were able to witness the miracle. Pope Paul V authorized September 17th to be the day Franciscans can celebrate the sacred marks of their founder.