Church and Convent of Saint Francis . . . . . . . . Salvador, BA Brazil

The church was built beginning in 1729. Tiles from Portugal were brought in the mid 1700's. The tiles represent scenes from the life of Franciscan Hermits of former times. The church has paintings on woodpanels representing scenes from the Franciscan Order. The painting on the ceiling is of the Virgin Mary and within the church is a small carved altar dedicated to St. Francis. Many of the carvings are completely covered with gold leaf and the church certainly does look Golden. The great arch of the transept has the Coat of Arms of the Franciscan Order which represents the crossed arms of Christ and St. Francis just like the Coat of Arms of Portugal.

Prayer of St. Francis
Lord make me an instrument, of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love
Where there is offense, let me bring pardon
Where there is discord, let me bring unity
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith
Where there is error, let me bring truth
Where there is despair, let me bring hope
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy
Where there is darkness, let me bring light.

Master, grant that I may seek to console rather than to be consoled
Understand rather than to be understood
Love rather than to be loved.
For it is in giving that we receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life Amen.