When life’s short thread has cleared the reel, lay me where the blackbirds sing; then let the last prayers be intoned by sandalled brown-clad friars. For they, through history have been ever true to their Franciscan calling, in this fair but oft-troubled city – helped bind their peoples’ wounds. And from their hideouts in beggars garb in olden grim and evil days, they brought the Bread of Life and hope, fulfilling their vocation. Hunted – they shared the woes, the hunger and the horrors of their people with cheerful fortitude, nor ever flinched at all – and still they preached the Assissian’s message love is all!