Redefining Success – The Stigmata of St. Francis

Father Solanus Guild Reflection by Br. Vito Martinez, OFM Cap. – September 4, 2024

Like many people I have met as a Capuchin, I have spent a lot of time trying to be successful. It is something I learned growing up, my schools pushed me to excel, and my bosses rewarded those who worked hard. I’d suggest that it’s part of our culture as Americans.

Because of this, preaching about humility can be difficult because I struggle with trusting in the will of God at times. In spite of the fact that I have been abundantly blessed in the pursuit of my vocation, I still want to do things my way! There is an inner voice in my head that pushes me to pursue my own ends, even though I can look back at my life and see that Christ has guided me through my greatest and toughest moments.

In June of this year, we commemorated the humility and trust of St. Francis by installing a statue of the stigmata, the moment when he received the wounds of Christ. The Stigmata of St. Francis, which marks its 800th anniversary this year, symbolizes the ultimate identification with Christ’s suffering and love. It was a divine seal on Francis’ life of radical poverty, humility, and devotion to Christ.

From his conversion, St. Francis desired to conform his entire life to Jesus Christ. No longer happy with his own pursuits of success, Francis embraced poverty, renouncing his wealth and status to live as a beggar, serving the poorest of the poor. His humility led him to see himself as “the least of the brothers” and a “lesser brother,” titles he used to describe his role in the community he founded. Despite the miraculous nature of the Stigmata, Francis never saw it as a cause for personal pride; rather, it deepened his humility, as he viewed himself as unworthy of such a grace.

Blessed Solanus Casey was also known for his deep humility and simple faith. As a porter, he spent much of his time answering the door and greeting visitors. Despite being ordained a priest, he was not permitted to preach doctrinal sermons or hear confessions due to his limited theological training. Yet, Solanus embraced these limitations with grace. He saw his humble duties as opportunities to serve God and others, often stating that his role as a simple doorman was where God wanted him to be.

Solanus never sought personal recognition. Instead, he attributed any good that came through him to God’s work, consistently directing attention away from himself. His humility was rooted in a deep awareness of his own limitations and a total reliance on divine grace.

If you find yourself like me, relying too much on personal initiatives versus God’s will, St. Francis and Blessed Solanus offer great examples of how to redefine success as a humble experience of conversion to God’s divine will.

As we commemorate the Stigmata, we are reminded that it is not merely about the miraculous wounds; it is about the interior transformation that leads to union with Christ. Francis’ humility allowed him to empty himself, making room for the fullness of Christ’s presence. The Stigmata serves as a powerful reminder that true spirituality is found in surrender and self-giving, reflecting St. Paul’s words: “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).