India, Sept. 28 -- "Deus meus et omnia" ("My God and my All!") was St. Francis of Assisi's favourite prayer. According to early Franciscan accounts, most notably recorded by Brother Bernard of Quintavalle, Francis's first follower, the phrase originated during an all-night prayer vigil. Shortly after Francis abandoned his wealth as a merchant's son, Bernard invited him to sleep at his home so he could observe his faith in secret. During the night, thinking Bernard was asleep, Francis knelt in deep contemplation, weeping and repeatedly praying a single phrase until morning: "Deus meus et omnia."

The personal pronoun "My" (Deus Meus) highlights the deep, affectionate, and individual connection Francis felt with God, moving away from dista...