Prayer of Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, let me sow pardon;
where there is doubt, let me sow faith;
where there is despair, let me sow hope;
where there is darkness, let me sow light;
where there is sadness, let me sow joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
not so much seek to be understood as to understand;
not so much seek 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.

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This is one of several striking prayers Francis left to his followers.  Francis was born at Assisi, Italy, in 1182. After a carefree youth, he turned his back on inherited wealth and committed himself to God. Like many early saints, he lived a very simple life of poverty, and in so doing, gained a reputation of being the friend of animals. He died in 1226, aged 44.

Ho Chi Minh City: The Tall...

At 68 storeys, this new office tower in Ho Chi Minh City is the highest in Vietnam – though Hanoi plans to soon outdo us. The helicopter pad is a striking feature. In contrast, French colonial buildings, as in the foreground, remain in the city, though the rate of loss through wear and tear and pressure for development are taking their toll. The Bitexco Financial Tower opened in October 2010 and when fully occupied about 10,000 people will work there. The design is based on the shape of a closed lotus flower. The building is well-lit at night, adding to Saigon’s attractive profile after dark. -  Thanks to Rachel and Anh Son for the photos