The Poor and the Animals

25Sep

Giovanni is the name his mother gave him at his baptism while his father was away. His father didn't want a son named for John the Baptizer; he wanted a son who would follow in his footsteps as a merchant. His father renamed him Francisco.

We know him as Francis. His hometown was Assisi, Italy. He was the child of a wealthy merchant family; he lived most of his years in a plain brown habit. His father's dream was for him to extend the family's wealth; instead, he took a vow of poverty and kept it. He spent lots of time with poor people and animals, a lot of it outdoors.

He died at around age 44 in the year 1226. Two years later he was canonized as a saint. His feast day is October 4. As is our custom, on the Sunday closest to the feast of St Francis of Assisi, October 5, we will bless any and all animals that folks bring with them to St Paul's. Please let your friends and neighbors know they and their critters are welcome at the 7:30 AM and the 10 AM Eucharists that day.

Sunday, October 5 will be our last Sunday celebrating Eucharists in the church building for at least a year. Come and celebrate with all God's creatures.

Padre's Blog A la Mote
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Posted by The Very Reverend Donna S. Mote, PhD

Our 34th rector, Dr Mote, was installed by Bishop Eaton on Saturday, June 5th, 2021.  Prior to joining St Paul's, she served as the Vicar of ATL (Episcopal Chaplain to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport).  With Bishop Robert C. Wright she authored, The Go Guide: 10 Steps for Innovations in Ministry from Luke 10. Beginning in 2016, Donna served on the bishop's staff as Missioner for Engagement and Innovation in the Diocese of Atlanta, to consult on, coach, strategize, support, promote, and provoke innovations in ministry in Middle and North Georgia.  She was also Chaplain to the Georgia State Defense Force and the 76th Support Brigade.

Donna earned degrees from Shorter College (BA), Southern Seminary (MDiv), and Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion (PhD) and completed Anglican studies at Sewanee: The University of the South. Donna was raised up for ordination by the parish of St Bartholomew’s, Atlanta. She is an Associate of the Order of St Helena.  Donna is married to Rebecca England, and they have two sons, Anderson and Jordan.

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