Little Portion Farm, located on the property of the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Maryland, is a ministry dedicated to providing fresh food to those in need while using sustainable farming methods to restore the health of the land. Blessed Giles of Assisi, a farmer and one of the first followers of St. Francis, is the farm’s Patron Saint.
With Francis, Giles served the most vulnerable. He strived to earn his livelihood through manual labor. Whatever he obtained beyond his most immediate needs he at once gave to the poor. He said: “Happiness is to do bodily labor for the love of the Most High and not to take any lesser wages than Paradise for the good work one does.”
April 23rd is Giles’ feast day. It was on this day in 1209 that Giles begged St. Francis to accept him into his company. Francis said: “See here a good brother whom almighty God has sent us.” And it was on April 23rd in 1262 that Giles entered eternal life.
Blessed Giles, pray for us!
