Franciscan Extraction of Saints
The Extraction of Saints, along with the corresponding Scripture Quote and Prayer Partner for the Year, serves as an important spiritual guide. Moreover, we certainly cannot leave out our beloved patron saint, St. Francis. Drawing wisdom and inspiration from his profound words is a cherished and truly ancient custom within the Franciscan Community, strengthening our faith. We hold a strong belief that God communicates with us in numerous ways throughout our lives. He reveals Himself to us in the Sacred Scriptures of the Bible, which serve as a guiding light. Additionally, we can learn more about His will for us as we thoughtfully consider the lives and poignant words of the Saints. The saints act as our spiritual friends, interceding on our behalf as they join us in offering praise and prayers to God, both with us and for us.
The very first time I heard about the inspiring and meaningful practice of the extraction of saints was during a gathering at my fraternity. My fraternity, St. Maximilian Kolbe, located in the vibrant city of Charlotte, celebrates the wonderful feast of the Three Kings with this particularly beautiful ceremony that holds significant meaning for all of us. We gather in the church and sit around the creche.
Following the prayer service, we excitedly commence the annual extraction of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds. This engaging event involves the filling of five baskets, each one containing strips of paper—one designated for saints, another for virtues, a separate one for Scripture verses, yet another for sayings of St. Francis, and the last one for a prayer partner.(Each member's name is on a strip of paper. The name you draw is the person you will pray for throughout the year.) Many Secular Franciscan fraternities within various regions observe this meaningful custom, and it truly is a lovely and enriching way to begin the year together as a community. We are encouraged to take the time to learn more about our chosen saint, whether that involves reading about their lives in detail or engaging with the profound works that the saints themselves have written during their earthly journeys.
Who or what will I take with me throughout this year?
Franciscan saint or blessed:
St. John of Capritrano
Seeking to solve life problems in a fully Christian spirit, its motto was: “Initiative, Organization, Activity.” These three words characterized John’s life. He was not one to sit around. His deep Christian optimism drove him to battle problems at all levels with the confidence engendered by a deep faith in Christ.
Hmmm, anyone who knows me well would certainly find my choice of selecting this particular saint to be rather fitting and quite appropriate.
Virtue: Knowledge
Scripture passage: Luke 9:3
"Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic"
Words of St. Francis:
“[A] servant of God should be burning with life and holiness so brightly, that by the light of example and the tongue of his conduct, he will rebuke all the wicked. In that way, I say, the brightness of his life and the fragrance of his reputation will proclaim their wickedness to all of them.”
St. Francis of Assisi, from The Assisi Compilation,36
Trust is placed in the Holy Spirit for appropriate selections; if not immediately clear what the selections mean to the person who draws, they will become clear at some point.
During this year, each person will internalize the virtue, Scripture passage, and Francis’s words, and seek the intercession of the chosen saint or blessed. The ceremony of the extraction is a cherished tradition, and I look forward to it every year.
My yearly visual board
I hang it prominently near my designated prayer space as a meaningful reminder of my spiritual journey and commitments.
Keep at it!
Keep praying.
Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
