Sister Allison Regina Gliot, a Catholic sister of the Daughters of St. Paul, recently shared a message on X that left readers enthralled:
“This is why I talk to saints. Today I found a 4-inch lizard in our living room. Spent the next 15 minutes trying to get him into a box to take him outside but he was NOT cooperating.
Three seconds after I said, ‘Saint Francis, I know I only talk to you when I’m having animal problems…but I could really use some help right now,’ he ran straight into the box! He is now happily back outside.
I’m glad God didn’t put people on this earth alone. There is so much about animals that makes me smile and thank God for His endless creativity."
This is why I talk to saints 😆
— Sister Allison Regina Gliot (@sister_allison) February 2, 2025
Today I found a 4 inch lizard in our living room. Spent the next 15 mins trying to get him into a box to take him outside but he was NOT cooperating.
3 seconds after I said “St Francis, I know I only talk to you when I’m having animal problems…
This simple yet powerful story illustrates the power of the saints when called upon to intercede for us.
Saint Francis of Assisi, born in 1181, was the son of a wealthy merchant. When he reached maturity, he joined the military to live out his dream of pursuing knighthood. After being captured and held hostage for almost a year, he was then released back to his hometown. There he experienced a radical conversion, inspiring him to renounce his wealth and found the Franciscan Order, which emphasizes simplicity through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
His deep love for nature led to famous stories, including taming a wolf, preaching sermons to the animals, and composing his song “Canticle of the Sun,” all of which proved his dedication to God’s creation and earned him the title of patron saint of animals and the environment.
This pure and inspirational story of Saint Francis’ intercession is just one example demonstrating the power of prayer and dedication to the saints.
Sister Alison Regina Gliot recognizes the power of intercession and calls upon Saint Francis to help her with animal troubles. She inspired thousands to contemplate the intercessory power of the saints and encouraged them to delight in God’s creations, no matter how small.
While not written by Saint Francis, below is the prayer often attributed to him:
Prayer of Saint Francis (Peace Prayer)
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.