Saint Francis of Assisi

Prayer before the Crucifix of San Damiano

His first prayer, before the crucifix that spoke to him (c. 1205)

LatinEnglish

Summe, gloriose Deus, illumina tenebras cordis mei. Et da mihi fidem rectam, spem certam et caritatem perfectam, sensum et cognitionem, Domine, ut faciam tuum sanctum et verax mandatum.

Most High, glorious God, enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, sure hope and perfect charity, sense and knowledge, Lord, that I may carry out your holy and true command.

Amen.

SourceSaint Francis of Assisi · His first prayer, before the crucifix that spoke to him (c. 1205)

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The history of this prayer

Around 1205 the young Francis of Assisi went into the ruined little church of San Damiano and prayed before a painted crucifix. According to his biographers, Christ spoke to him: “Francis, go and repair my house, which, as you see, is falling into ruin.” This is the prayer he said there, in the months when he was seeking God's will.

Francis began by rebuilding stones and ended by renewing the whole Church. The original crucifix now hangs in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi. St Francis' feast is on 4 October.

Frequently asked questions

Is this St Francis' “Peace Prayer”?

No. The well-known “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace” dates from the early twentieth century and is not his. This prayer before the crucifix is authentic and is the earliest we have from Francis.

Where is the San Damiano Crucifix today?

In the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, where the Poor Clares took it in the thirteenth century.

In what language did St Francis pray it?

Probably in the Umbrian Italian of his day; the prayer has also come down to us in Latin, the version on this page.

More prayers: Prayers of the saints

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