The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

 

The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

October 4th belongs to St. Francis of Assisi — one of the most beloved figures in Christian history, and a saint whose spirit reaches well beyond the Catholic Church. If you've ever seen a garden statue of a gentle man surrounded by birds, that's him.

A Little About Francis

Francis was born in the late 12th century in Assisi, Italy, into a wealthy merchant family. He walked away from that comfortable life to live in poverty, founding the Order of Friars Minor for men, the Order of St. Clare for women, and a third order for people who wanted to live his values without leaving ordinary life behind. He spent his days caring for the poor and ministering to lepers at a time when most people wouldn't go near them. He's remembered just as much for his tenderness toward animals and the natural world — he preached to birds, famously tamed a wolf that had been terrorizing a town, and referred to the sun, the moon, and even death itself as his brothers and sisters. Today he's the patron saint of animals and of ecology.

Acts of Service

Francis didn't just believe in charity — he lived stripped down to almost nothing so he could give the rest away. You don't have to go that far to honor him. A small, sincere act is enough:

• Donate food, blankets, or a little money to a shelter or a person in need.
• Spend an hour volunteering somewhere that could use the hands.
• Do one kindness for someone who has no way to repay you.

Helping Homeless Animals

Given how deeply Francis loved animals, this feast is a natural day to think about the ones who don't have a home yet. Consider dropping off pet food, old towels, or blankets at your local shelter, or looking into fostering if it's ever been on your mind. Even a small donation on this particular day feels like it's in the right spirit.

Blessing Your Pet

Many churches bless pets on or around this feast, and if you hit google or maybe even Facebook you can find one near your home. However you're welcome to do a version of this at home, with or without a church nearby. It doesn't need to be elaborate — just sincere.

Sit with your pet for a moment, place a hand gently on them, and say something like:

Thank you for the companionship and love you've brought into my life. May you be kept safe, healthy, and happy, today and always. Amen.

A little water sprinkled over them, blessed simply by your intention, is a nice touch if you'd like to add it.

Whatever you do on the 4th — a donation, a blessing, or just extra scratches behind the ears — Francis would probably say that's more than enough.

With gratitude,

Sister Bridget